Medications and Drugs

Depression Tips Slideshow Myths About Depression Quiz Is Your Pain Due to Fibromyalgia?

GENERIC NAME: RISPERIDONE - ORAL (riss-PAIR-ih-doan)

BRAND NAME(S): Risperdal

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic phase). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters). Risperidone has not been shown to be safe or effective in the elderly for the treatment of delusions/hallucinations (psychosis) due to dementia.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth exactly as prescribed. This drug may be taken with or without food. During the first few days your doctor may gradually increase your dose to allow your body to adjust to the medication. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Continue to take this medication as directed, even if you are feeling better and thinking more clearly. Do not take this more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster but the risk of serious side effects will be increased. Do not stop taking this drug without your doctor's approval. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, constipation, runny nose, weight gain, nervousness, acne, dry skin, difficulty concentrating, decreased sexual ability/desire or difficulty sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fainting, rapid/pounding/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes, fever, muscle stiffness/spasms/twitching, sweating, uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., tongue and facial muscles), drooling, difficulty swallowing, seizures. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, one-sided weakness, numbness in the face/arms/legs, sudden vision changes, slurred speech, confusion. This medication may in rare instances increase your blood level of a certain hormone (prolactin). In females, an increase in prolactin levels may result in unwanted breast milk, the end of menstruation or difficulty becoming pregnant. In males, it may result in decreased sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. This drug may infrequently make your blood sugar level rise, therefore causing or worsening diabetes. This high blood sugar can rarely cause serious (sometimes fatal) conditions such as diabetic coma. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, such as unusual increased thirst and urination. If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugar level regularly. This drug may also cause significant weight gain and a rise in your blood cholesterol (or triglyceride) levels. These effects, along with diabetes, may increase your risk for developing heart disease. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. (See also Notes section.) Males: In the unlikely event you have a painful, prolonged erection, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.