Medications and Drugs

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

BRAND NAME(S): Risperdal M-Tab

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 by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. It may be taken with or without food. This medication comes in a blister pack. Do not remove the tablet from the packaging until you are ready to take a dose. Tear apart the package at the perforation. Bend the corner of the package where directed and peel back the foil to show the tablet. Do not try to push the tablet through the foil, this can damage the tablet. Remove the tablet from the foil package with dry hands and place it on your tongue immediately. Do not split or chew the tablet. The tablet will melt on your tongue in a few seconds. After the tablet has melted on the tongue, it can be swallowed with or without water or other liquid. When you begin taking this medication your dose may be increased gradually as tolerated. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It may take several weeks to notice the full benefit of this drug. Continue to take it everyday as directed, even if you are feeling better and thinking more clearly.

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.