iPsychology

Risperidone ( Risperdal )

Risperidone ( Risperdal ) is an antipsychotic drug used in the treatment of disorganized or psychotic thinking. Risperidone ( Risperdal ) is used to treat aggression, false perceptions, Tourette's syndrome,or behavioral problems in persons with mental retardation.

THIS DRUG MAY CAUSE NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME.

Strengths:

Oral Solution:
1 mg per ml.

Tables:
1 mg , 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg.

Dosages: Actual dosage must be determined by a physician.

Normal dosage:

If under 18 years of age, DO NOT USE.
18 to 60 years of age, 1 mg two times daily.
Over 60 years of age, 0.5 mg two times daily, increased cautiously in one week intervals.

Oral:
Start:1mg 2 times daily.
Increases: 1 mg increase after two days and another 1 mg on the third day, for a total of 3 mg 2 times daily.
Maximum: 6 mg in 24 hours.

Problems with:

Liver Function: Lower dosage.
Kidney Function: Lower dosage.

Test:

Before taking: Electrocardiogram.
While taking: Blood pressure twice a week.

Take With: With or without food.

Full Benefits In: One to two weeks.

Missed Dose(s): If within one hour take, if over an hour skip and then continue on your normal schedule.
Never Take a Double Dose.

If Stop Taking: Do not stop without consulting your physician and never abruptly.

Overdose symptoms include: Low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat,or sleepiness.

Warnings

Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium should not be taken one hour before taking this drug and never right after.

Only take this drug and Heterocyclic antidepressants with careful monitoring.Also check with your physician if you are taking central nervous system depressants like antihistamines, hay fever medicines, sedatives, narcotics, anesthetics, barbiturates, or muscle relaxants. Also check with your physician if you are taking a vasodilator ( drug that dilate blood vessels ).

The habit-forming potential is none, but long term use may lead to Tardive Dyskinesia.

Do not take this drug if you are pregnant ( Only take if the mother's or baby's life is endangered ).

Do not take this drug if planning to become pregnant. Do not take if you are breast-feeding.

Do not give this drug to children. Only use drug in small doses at first if over sixty and with close monitoring. Also if over sixty be careful when standing up because blood pressure may be lowered enough to impair balance.

If you smoke blood levels of this drug need to be taken. Smoking drops this drugs level in the blood.

Do not use if: You had negative reactions to this drug in the past or if you have a history of NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME.

Inform your Doctor if:

• you had negative reactions to this drug in the past.
• if you have a history of asthma,breast cancer, epilepsy, heart rhythm disturbances, liver / kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, seizures, or Tardive Dyskinesia.
• if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drug.
• if you plan to be under anesthesia or having any surgery in the next few months, also if you will be undergoing any medical tests.
• if you are on a special diet ( low-salt / low-sugar or any other ).

Risperidone ( Symptoms or Effects )

Common: Lethargy / sleepiness,low blood pressure, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, weight gain,difficulty urinating, nasal irritation / stuffiness, or stiffness.

Rare: Dizziness,racing heartbeat / palpitations, weakness, sexual problems, restlessness, skin rash, seizures, low white blood cell count, tremors,involuntary facial / tongue movements, or reduced urinary output.

See physician always: Low blood pressure, dizziness, racing heartbeat / palpitations, weakness, sexual problems, restlessness, skin rash, stiffness, seizures, low white blood cell count, tremors, reduced urinary output, difficulty urinating, involuntary facial / tongue movements, or nasal irritation / stuffiness.

See physician if severe: Blurred vision,constipation, dry mouth,Lethargy / sleepiness, or weight gain.

See physician NOW: Low white blood cell count, reduced urinary output, or skin rash.

Stop taking and see physician NOW: Seizures.