risperidone (cont.)
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine (Paxil), Sertraline
(Zoloft), and fluoxetine (Prozac) when taken with risperidone causes the
metabolism (breakdown) of risperidone by the liver to be inhibited, which in
turn causes elevated blood levels of risperidone, and may increase the risk of
adverse reactions.
Antifungal drugs such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and
ketoconazole (Nizoral) when taken with risperidone cause the metabolism
(breakdown) of risperidone by the liver to be inhibited, which in turn causes
elevated blood levels and may increase the risk of adverse reactions.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of risperidone in pregnant
women. Some unwanted effects have been reported in animal studies. Risperidone
can be used in pregnancy if the physician feels that the benefits outweigh the
potential but unknown risks.
NURSING MOTHERS: Risperidone is excreted in human breast milk. Women
receiving risperidone should not breastfeed.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly-noted side effects associated with
risperidone are extrapyramidal effects (sudden, often jerky, involuntary motions
of the head, neck, arms, body, or eyes), dizziness, hyperactivity, tiredness,
abdominal pain, fatigue, fever and nausea. Risperidone may cause a condition
called orthostatic hypotension
during the early phase of treatment (the first week or two). Patients who
develop orthostatic hypotension have a drop in their blood pressure when they
rise from a lying position and may become dizzy or even lose consciousness.
Studies involving risperidone suggest an increased risk of
hyperglycemia-related adverse reactions as seen in diabetes. Although there is
no clear link between risperidone and diabetes, patients should be tested during
treatment for elevated blood sugars. Additionally, persons with risk factors for
diabetes, including obesity or a family history of diabetes, should have their
fasting levels of blood sugar tested before starting treatment and periodically
throughout treatment to detect the onset of diabetes. Any patient developing
symptoms that suggest diabetes during treatment should be tested for diabetes.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 3/27/2009
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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