Risperdal (Generic)

Risperidone (ris-PER-i-done) is used for treating schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It is also used to treat irritability caused by autistic disorder.

Take Risperidone by mouth with or without food. Take Risperidone on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Risperidone at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. Continue to take Risperidone even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, increased appetite, lightheadedness, nausea, restlessness, runny nose, stomach pain or upset; trouble sleeping, weight gain. Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur: Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thoughts, confusion, decreased sexual ability, enlarged breasts, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, increased saliva production or drooling; increased sweating, missed menstrual period, new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, agitation, aggression, severe anxiety); nipple discharge, prolonged painful erection, seizures, severe dizziness, stiff or rigid muscles; suicidal thoughts or attempts; symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, urination, unusual weakness); tremor, trouble concentrating, speaking, or swallowing; trouble sitting still, trouble walking or standing; uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, arm or leg movements, twitching of the face or tongue, jerking or twisting); unusual bruising, vision changes. Symptoms of overdose may include fast or irregular heartbeat; severe drowsiness or dizziness; unusual muscle movements. If you suspect an overdose of Risperidone, seek medical attention immediately.

Before using Risperidone, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; If you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; If you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; If you have a history of seizures, heart problems (eg, heart failure, slow or irregular heartbeat), abnormal electrocardiogram, heart attack, stroke, blood vessel problems, or high or low blood pressure; If you have a history of kidney or liver problems, stomach or bowel problems (eg, narrowing, blockage), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol abuse or dependence; If you have diabetes or are very overweight, or if a family member has had diabetes; If you have Alzheimer disease, dementia, Parkinson disease, or esophagus problems (eg, trouble swallowing); If you have had high blood prolactin levels or a history of certain types of cancer (eg, breast, pancreas, pituitary, brain), or if you are at risk for breast cancer; If you are dehydrated, drink alcohol, or will be exposed to very high or very low temperatures. Risperidone may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Risperidone with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Do not drink alcohol while you are using Risperidone. Check with your doctor before taking medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Risperidone, it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness. Risperidone may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects. Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active, heatstroke may occur. Risperidone 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. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Risperidone. 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. Some patients who take this medicine 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 Risperidone 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 Risperidone. Risperidone may increase the amount of a certain hormone (prolactin) in your blood. Symptoms may include enlarged breasts, missed menstrual period, decreased sexual ability, or nipple discharge. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms. Risperidone may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens. Use Risperidone with caution in the elderly, they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness upon standing or uncontrolled muscles movements. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Risperidone while you are pregnant. Risperidone is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Risperidone.

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: Alpha-blockers (eg, doxazosin) or medicine for high blood pressure because the risk of low blood pressure and fainting may be increased; Anticholinergics (eg, scopolamine) because the risk of overheating may be increased; Clozapine or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine, paroxetine) because it may increase the risk of Risperidone 's side effects; Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or rifampin because they may decrease Risperidone 's effectiveness; Dopamine receptor agonists (eg, pramipexole) or levodopa because their effectiveness may be decreased by Risperidone. This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Risperidone may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

If you miss a dose of Risperidone, 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 Risperidone between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Risperidone out of the reach of children and away from pets.