Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Risperidone is prescribed to alleviate the symptoms associated with schizophrenia, a mental illness characterized by disturbed or unusual thinking, disinterest in life, and intense or inappropriate emotions. It is also utilized to manage episodes of mania, marked by frenzied, excessively excited, or irritable mood, as well as mixed episodes, combining symptoms of mania and depression. Risperidone is additionally employed to address behavior issues like aggression, self-injury, and abrupt mood shifts in children and adolescents aged 5 to 16 who have autism. Belonging to a class of medications known as atypical antipsychotics, risperidone functions by modulating the activity of specific natural substances within the brain.
Uses and Dosage
Risperidone is available in tablet, liquid solution, and orally disintegrating tablet forms for oral administration. It is typically taken once or twice daily, with or without food, at approximately the same time(s) each day.
Take risperidone exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed or reduce the dosage or take it more frequently than instructed by your doctor.
When using the oral solution, utilize the provided oral dosing syringe to measure your dose of risperidone. You can consume the oral solution with water, orange juice, coffee, or low-fat milk, but avoid using tea or cola.
Do not attempt to push the orally disintegrating tablet through the foil packaging. Instead, use dry hands to peel back the foil and promptly place the tablet on your tongue. The tablet will rapidly dissolve and can be swallowed with or without liquid. Do not chew or crush the tablet.
Your doctor will likely initiate treatment with a low dose of risperidone and gradually adjust it to allow your body to adapt to the medication.
While risperidone may help manage your symptoms, it does not cure your condition. It may take several weeks or longer before you experience the full benefits of risperidone.
Continue taking risperidone even if you feel well. Do not discontinue risperidone without consulting your doctor. Abruptly stopping risperidone may cause your symptoms to recur and make your condition more challenging to treat.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- heartburn
- dry mouth
- increased saliva
- increased appetite
- weight gain
- stomach pain
- anxiety
- agitation
- restlessness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- breast enlargement or discharge
- late or missed menstrual periods
- decreased sexual ability
- blurred vision
- back, muscle, or joint pain
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- fever
- muscle stiffness
- falling
- confusion
- fast or irregular pulse
- sweating
- unusual movements of your face or body that you cannot control
- faintness
- seizures
- slow movements or shuffling walk
- rash; itching; hives; swelling of the face, throat, lips, and eyes; difficulty swallowing or breathing
- painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours
- cough, chills and/or other signs of infection
Caution
- Before taking risperidone, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, paliperidone, or any other allergies you have. This product may contain inactive ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
- Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of liver or kidney disease, seizures, difficulty swallowing, low white blood cell count, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, certain eye conditions, personal or family history of diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, or breathing difficulties during sleep (sleep apnea).
- Risperidone may lead to a heart rhythm condition known as QT prolongation. In rare cases, QT prolongation can cause serious, potentially fatal fast or irregular heartbeat and other symptoms such as severe dizziness or fainting, necessitating immediate medical attention.
- The risk of QT prolongation may increase if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that can cause QT prolongation. Before using risperidone, inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), or a family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
- Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may be elevated if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics or “water pills”) or have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Discuss the safe use of risperidone with your doctor.
- This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Alcohol or marijuana can intensify these effects. Refrain from driving, using machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you can do so safely.
- Risperidone may decrease sweating, increasing the risk of heat stroke. Avoid activities that may cause overheating, such as strenuous work or exercise in hot weather, or using hot tubs. Stay hydrated and dress lightly in hot weather. Seek medical assistance immediately if you experience a fever that persists, changes in mental state, headache, or dizziness.
- Older adults may be more susceptible to the side effects of this medication, particularly drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and QT prolongation. These effects can increase the risk of falls.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only if clearly needed. Infants born to mothers who have used this drug during the last three months of pregnancy may rarely develop symptoms including muscle stiffness or shakiness, drowsiness, feeding or breathing difficulties, or constant crying. Inform the doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, particularly during their first month.
- Since untreated mental or mood disorders can be serious conditions, do not discontinue this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or suspect pregnancy, promptly discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy with your doctor.
- This medication passes into breast milk and may have adverse effects on a nursing infant. Notify the doctor immediately if your baby develops symptoms such as muscle stiffness or shakiness, unusual sleepiness, or difficulty feeding.
Form and Strength
Risperdal Liquid is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Risperdal Liquid oral solution:
- 1 mg / mL
- risperidone oral solution:
- 1 mg / mL
FAQ
How long does Risperdal Liquid take to work?
In a study, some people noticed their symptoms improving in 2 to 6 days after starting Risperdal for psychosis. In other studies involving people with bipolar or schizophrenia, people noticed their condition getting better within a month.
Does Risperdal Liquid make you sleepy?
Yes, sleepiness is one of the more common side effects of Risperdal. But some people also experience other sleep problems while taking this medication, including trouble falling asleep or vivid dreams.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/risperidone/what-is#faqs
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20053-risperidone-solution
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/risperidone-oral-route/description/drg-20067189
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6283-2034/risperidone-oral/risperidone-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a694015.html
- https://www.drugs.com/pro/risperidone-oral-solution.html
