What is Risperdal/Risperidone used for?

This medicine is used short-term (6 to 8 weeks) to treat schizophrenia and to manage psychotic disorders.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Risperdal/Risperidone be stored?

Store at controlled room temperature (between 59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture.

General drug information:

When should Risperdal/Risperidone not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine

What precautions should I follow when taking Risperdal/Risperidone?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have a history of fainting or dizziness if you have a history of seizures if you have difficulty swallowing if you have thoughts of suicide if you have a history of heart disease, heart attack, or other heart problems if you have impaired liver or kidney function if you have low blood pressure if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Risperdal/Risperidone?

Use this medicine with caution if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease, seizures, breast cancer, thyroid disorders, or any other diseases that affect the metabolism. Use caution, too, if you have had a stroke or mini-strokes, suffer from fluid loss or dehydration, or expect to be exposed to extremes of temperature.

What are the side effects of Risperdal/Risperidone?

Most severe:ÿ Involuntary muscle movements; seizures; changes in body temperature; muscle rigidness; altered mental abilities, including lack of response to your surroundings; irregular pulse and blood pressure; increased heart rate; sweating; irregular heart rhythm; difficulty swallowing; thoughts of suicide; difficulty breathing; chest pain.

Most common:ÿ Anxiety; drowsiness; dizziness; constipation; nausea; indigestion; runny nose; rash; sleeplessness; agitation; headache; indigestion; vomiting; stomach pain; increased salivation; toothache; coughing; sinus inflammation; sore throat; back pain; fever; rash; dry skin; oily skin; upper respiratory tract infection; changes in vision; joint pain.

Other:ÿ Increased dreaming; increased time spent asleep; difficulty focusing; dry mouth; urination problems; diarrhea; weight gain; heavy menstrual bleeding; decreased sex drive; abnormal erection; abnormal ejaculation; painful or prolonged erection; aggressive behavior.

How should I take Risperdal/Risperidone?

How much medicine you take and how often it is taken depends on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the information provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Avoid situations involving high temperature or humidity. Notify your doctor if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you experience involuntary muscle movements of the tongue, mouth, or jaw or shuffling. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially deadly syndrome associated with this medicine. Symptoms include the following: Increased body heat; muscle rigidness; altered mental abilities, including lack of response to your surroundings; irregular pulse and blood pressure; increased heart rate; sweating; irregular heart rhythm. Contact your doctor at once if any of these symptoms occur. Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur, especially during the first few days of taking this medication. Lightheadedness can occur if you stand up too fast from lying or sitting. If this occurs, get up slowly, avoid sudden posture changes, and contact your health care provider. This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medicines that cause drowsiness (eg, sedatives, tranquilizers) while taking this medicine. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Do not take any over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. Patients with other medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken too much medicine. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider.