Risperdal (Risperidone)

Risperdal is used for treating schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It is used to treat irritability caused by autistic disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Use Risperdal as directed by your doctor.

• Take Risperdal by mouth with or without food.
• Taking Risperdal at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Continue to take Risperdal even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic. It works by affecting certain substances in the brain.

If you miss a dose of Risperdal , 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 Risperdal at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Risperdal out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do not use Risperdal if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Risperdal.

• 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 (ECG), 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

• 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 (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine, paroxetine) because it may increase the risk of Risperdal 's side effects
• Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or rifampin because they may decrease Risperdal 's effectiveness
• Dopamine receptor agonists (eg, pramipexole) or levodopa because their effectiveness may be decreased by Risperdal

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach upset; trouble sleeping.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Risperdal is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.