Uses
Risperidone is used to treat conditions such as bipolar disorder, mania, and schizophrenia. It helps to balance natural chemicals within the brain in order to achieve its benefits.
How to Use
Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.
If stomach upset occurs, you can take it with food or milk to decrease this effect.
Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.
Important Information
Visit your doctor regularly while taking this medication.
It may take a few weeks before this medication begins to work. Notify your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting with your doctor. It is it important that you do not suddenly stop taking it, you may need to gradually decrease the dose.
Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you.
Stand and sit slowly when first starting this medication to avoid dizziness. Avoid alcohol consumption to decrease the chance of dizziness or a hangover effect.
Do not self treat yourself for coughs, colds, diarrhea, or allergies while taking this medication. Consult with your doctor before doing so in order to decrease the chance of side effects.
This medication can affect your body’s response to cold or heat. Avoid extreme temperatures such as sauna’s, steam rooms, or cold showers. Be sure to stay hydrated if being active and wear clothing to protect from temperature extremes.
Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication
Blood disorders, dementia, diabetes, difficulty swallowing, heart disease, history of heart attack, history of brain tumors or head injuries, history of breast cancer, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, Parkinson’s Disease, seizures, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.
Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider
Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, muscle or joint aches, fainting, confusion, heart beat changes(fast heart rate), fever, chills, sore throat, increased hunger or thirst, loss of balance, difficulty walking, falls, increased urination, spasms, stiffness, shaking, uncontrollable head, neck, mouth, arm, or leg movements, excessive fatigue.
Other Side Effects
Weight gain, nausea, vomiting, changes in amount of saliva, drowsiness, dizziness, libido changes, constipation.
Adult Dose
It is important to establish tolerability to risperidone through oral dosage forms before administering an IM injection of risperidone.
Bipolar Disorder
2-3 mg by mouth once daily as a starting dose. The dose is then adjusted by 1 mg per day at intervals of no less than 24 hours.
Schizophrenia
2 mg by mouth 1-2 times per day as a starting dose. The dose is then titrated by 1-2 mg per day at intervals of no less than 24 hours. The usual maintenance dose is 2-8 mg per day. If the medication is discontinued, restart the initial titration.
Sources
1. Risperdal ® oral solution, oral tablets, risperidone oral solution, oral tablets[package insert].Titusville, NJ: Janssen Ortho, LLC; 2010.
2. Risperdal (R)M-TAB(R) orally disintegrating tablets, risperidone orally disintegrating tablets[package insert]. Titusville, NJ: Janssen Ortho, LLC; 2010.
3. Risperdal ® CONSTA(R) intramuscular long-acting injection, risperidone intramuscular long-acting injection[package insert]. Titusville, NJ: Janssen (per FDA); 2011.
4. Risperdal (risperidone) [package insert]. Titusville, NJ: Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2016.
5. Risperdal (risperidone) tablets, oral solution, and orally disintegrating tablets [package insert]. Titusville, NJ: Janssen; 2016.
