Drug Name

Risperdal (Risperidone)

 Drug Uses

Risperdal is used for treating schizophrenia or bipolar mania. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Use Risperdal as directed by your doctor.

• Take Risperdal by mouth with or without food.
• Taking Risperdal at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Continue to take Risperdal even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

 Drug Class and Mechanism

Risperdal is an antipsychotic. It alters the balance of certain chemicals in the brain, which are responsible for thinking and behavior. Risperdal can improve concentration and self-control in severely mentally ill (psychotic or schizophrenic) patients.

If you miss a dose of Risperdal , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store Risperdal at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Risperdal out of the reach of children and away from pets.

 Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Risperdal if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Risperdal.

• Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do It may take several days to weeks for Risperdal to work. Do not stop taking Risperdal without checking with your doctor.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Risperdal . Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
• Lab tests, including fasting blood sugar levels, may be performed while you take Risperdal . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Some patients who take Risperdal may develop muscle movements that they cannot control. This is more likely to happen in elderly patients, especially women. The chance that this will happen or that it will become permanent is greater in those who take Risperdal in higher doses or for a long time. Muscle problems may also occur after short-term treatment with low doses. Tell your doctor at once if you have muscle problems with your arms; legs; or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (eg, tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering, chewing movements) while taking Risperdal.
• Risperdal may, in rare instances, increase your blood level of a certain hormone (prolactin). Symptoms may include unusual breast milk production, missed menstrual period, or decreased sexual ability, decreased ability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Risperdal may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Mobic may cause harm to the fetus. Do not use it during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Mobic while you are pregnant. It is not known if Mobic is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Mobic.

 Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach upset; trouble sleeping.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

 More Information

Risperdal is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.