Index
It is a medicine that works in the brain to treat schizophrenia. It is also a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) or atypical antipsychotic.
Risperidone rebalances dopamine and serotonin to improve thinking, mood, and behavior.
The symptoms of schizophrenia include:
- Hallucinations: imagined voices or images that seem real.
- Delusions: beliefs that are not true (for example, other people read your thoughts).
- Disorganized thinking or difficulty organizing your thoughts and meaning.
- Little desire to be close to other people.
- Problems speaking clearly.
- Lack of motivation.
Indications
The FDA also approves Risperidone for the following indications:
- Acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes of bipolar disorder.
- Maintenance (long-term) treatment of bipolar disorder.
- Irritability associated with autistic disorders.
recommendations
- Schizophrenia requires long-term treatment. Do not stop taking Risperidone, even when you feel better.
- Only your health care provider can determine the duration of risperidone treatment that is right for you.
- Missing doses of Risperidone may increase your risk of relapse in your symptoms.
- For Risperidone to work correctly, the tablet should be taken daily as directed by your health care provider.
- The long-acting injectable form, Risperdal Consta, should be received every two weeks as requested by your health care provider. It is the same medication as in tablet form.
Precautions
If you plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor to manage your medications better.
People living with schizophrenia who want to get pregnant face important decisions.
This is a complex decision since untreated schizophrenia risks the fetus and the mother. Analyzing the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and caregivers is essential.
Caution is advised when breastfeeding because Risperidone passes into breast milk.
- Symptoms of your condition bother you more.
- If you have thoughts of suicide or of hurting yourself.
- You have taken medications in the past because of your condition, whether they were effective or caused any adverse effects.
- If you ever had muscle stiffness, tremors, tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or weight gain caused by a medication.
- If you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with your provider. Some side effects may happen over time, but others may require changes in the medication.
- You have psychiatric or medical problems, such as heart rhythm problems, prolonged QT syndrome, heart attacks, diabetes, high cholesterol, or seizures.
- If you have a family history of diabetes or heart disease
- All other medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter products, herbal and nutritional supplements) and any allergies you have to medications.
- You receive non-medical treatments, such as conversion therapy or substance abuse treatment. Your provider can explain how these different treatments work with the medication.
- If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.
Administration
The tablets and risperidone solution are usually taken once or twice daily with or without food.
Typically, patients start with a low dose of medication, and the dose increases slowly over several weeks.
The oral dose generally varies from 1 mg to 6 mg. The dose of the injection usually varies from 12.5 mg to 50 mg. Only your health care provider can determine the correct dose for you.
Risperidone tablets that disintegrate orally should remain in their original container. Open the package with clean, dry hands before each dose.
Do not try to put tablets in a pillbox if you take tablets that disintegrate orally.
Risperidone tablets that dissolve orally will dissolve in your mouth in seconds and can be swallowed with or without liquid.
Risperidone liquid should be measured with a measuring spoon or oral syringe obtained from your pharmacy.
Use a calendar, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication.
You can also ask a family member to be reminded by a friend or to contact you to ensure you are taking your medicine.
Risperdal Consta must be received every two weeks. It must be administered by your health professional by injecting the armor in the buttock area.
The effects of the medication last approximately two weeks. Suppose you are new to taking Risperdal Consta (injection of long-acting Risperidone).
Your healthcare provider may recommend taking the tablet or risperidone form daily for up to 3 weeks.
What happens if I miss a dose of Risperidone?
If you miss a dose of Risperidone, take it as soon as you remember it, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your health care provider.
Do not double your next dose or take more than prescribed. If you miss a dose of Risperdal Consta, check with your health care provider to receive your dose as soon as possible.
What should I avoid while taking Risperidone?
Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs. Benefits may decrease (for example, worsen their confusion) and increase the medication’s adverse effects (for example, sedation).
What are the possible side effects of Risperidone?
Common side effects
- Low blood pressure, dizziness, and increased heart rate, especially when standing.
- Fatigue, drowsiness, headache, constipation, and increased appetite are also common and more frequent in children than adults.
- Sexual dysfunction
Rare / serious side effects:
Risperidone can increase blood levels of a hormone called prolactin.
Side effects of increased prolactin levels include women who lose their period.
Breast milk production and men who lose their sexual desire or possibly experience erection problems.
Long-term (months or years) of elevated prolactin may cause osteoporosis or increased risk of bone fractures.
Some people may develop side effects related to the muscles while taking Risperidone. The technical terms are “extrapyramidal effects” and “tardive dyskinesia.” Symptoms of EPS include restlessness, tremor, and stiffness.
TD symptoms include slow or spasmodic movements that one can not control, often starting in the mouth with tongue movements or chewing.
Second-generation antipsychotics increase the risk of weight gain, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol. This is also known as metabolic syndrome.
