US Brand Name: Risperdal
Other Brand Names: Neripros (Indonesia), Noprenia (Indonesia), Risperdal Consta (United Kingom; Ireland; New Zealand), Rispid (India), Rizodal(Indonesia), Tractal (Colombia), Zofredal (Indonesia)
Generic Name: risperidone
Other Forms: Orally disintegrating tablets. Oral solution (tastes horrible and cannot be chased by colas or teas). Intramuscular injection.
Class: Antipsychotic, specifically an atypical antipsychotic.
FDA Approved Use: Psychosis. Schizophrenia. - Approved 1993. Bipolar Disorder - December 2003
Off-Label Uses: Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Pervasive Developmental Disorders in children and adults (Risperdal has been submitted to be approved as the first medication officially approved to treat autism). There are more studies for kids, of course. Many more. You get the picture. Also - Augmenting SSRIs to treat OCD. Augmenting SSRIs to treat major depression. Treating Tourette's syndrome (but watch out for depression and dysphoria). Stuttering. Panic/Anxiety.
What is the most important information I should know about risperidone?
-Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fever, sweating, severe muscle stiffness (rigidity), confusion, fast or irregular heart beat. These could be symptoms of a potentially fatal side effect called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).
-Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Risperidone may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
-Avoid alcohol or use it with caution. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking risperidone.
-Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather and during exercise. Risperidone may increase the risk of heat stroke.
-Do not mix the liquid form of risperidone with cola or tea.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
-had a heart attack, low blood pressure, an irregular heart-beat, or any other type of heart disease; epilepsy or another seizure disorder (or a history of this); diabetes; ever been diagnosed with breast cancer; liver disease; or kidney disease.
-Hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar) has been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics including risperidone. Talk to your doctor if you experience any signs of hyperglycemia including excessive thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger or weakness.
-The risperidone (Risperdal) orally-disintegrating tablets contain phenylalanine.
-Risperidone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether risperidone will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take risperidone without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether risperidone passes into breast milk. Do not take risperidone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What are the possible side effects of risperidone?
-Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fever, sweating, severe muscle stiffness (rigidity), confusion, fast or irregular heart beat. These could be symptoms of a potentially fatal side effect called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).
-If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking risperidone and seek emergency medical treatment or contact your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face, lips, arms, or legs; muscle spasms of the face or neck; severe restlessness or tremor; severe drowsiness or fainting; or irregular or very fast heartbeat.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take risperidone and talk to your doctor if you experience mild restlessness, drowsiness, or tremor; insomnia; blurred vision; dizziness or headache;nausea; or weight gain.
What other drugs will affect risperidone?
-Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: carbamazepine (Tegretol); clozapine (Clozaril); medicines used to treat Parkinson's Disease such as levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa, Sinemet, Atamet, others), bromocriptine (Parlodel, others), pergolide (Permax), pramipexole (Mirapex), or ropinirole (Requip), or any medicine used to lower blood pressure.
-Risperidone may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
this info is taken from drug.com and crazymeds.org
