Risperdal Drug Info
Risperdal Drug Uses: Risperdal is used for the treatment of psychotic disorders, for example, schizophrenia. Risperdal also is used in combination with lithium or valproate for the treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.
How to Use Risperdal: Risperdal usually is begun as two small doses each day. The doses often are increased every few days or each week until the optimal dose is found. Patients who are elderly or have kidney disease may need lower doses since the kidneys, which are partially responsible for removing risperidone from the blood, remove risperidone more slowly, and this can lead to toxic levels of risperidone in the blood. Similarly, patients with liver disease may need lower doses since the liver also is partially responsible for removing risperidone.
Risperdal Precautions: There are no adequate studies of risperidone in pregnant women. Some studies in animals suggest no important effects on the fetus, whereas others suggest an ill-effect. Risperidone can be used in pregnancy if the physician feels that the benefits outweigh the potential but unknown risks. It is not known if Risperdal is secreted in breast milk.
Risperdal Drug Interactions: Risperdal may interfere with elimination by the kidneys of clozapine (Clozaril), a different type of antipsychotic medication, causing increased levels of clozapine in the blood. This could increase the risk of side effects with clozapine.
Risperdal Possible Side Effects: The most commonly noted side effects associated with Risperdal are extrapyramidal effects (sudden, often jerky, involuntary motions of the head, neck, arms, body, or eyes), dizziness, hyperactivity, tiredness, and nausea. Risperidone may cause a condition called orthostatic hypotension during the early phase of treatment (the first week or two). Patients who develop orthostatic hypotension have a drop in their blood pressure when they rise from a lying position and may become dizzy. Although there is no clear link between risperidone and diabetes, patients should be tested during treatment for elevated blood-sugars. Additionally, persons with risk factors for diabetes, including obesity or a family history of diabetes, should have their fasting levels of blood sugar tested before starting treatment and periodically throughout treatment to detect the onset of diabetes. Any patient developing symptoms that suggest diabetes during treatment should be tested for diabetes.
Risperdal Overdose: Seek emergency medical attention immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of Risperdal overdose include: dizziness, hyperactivity, tiredness, and nausea.
Risperdal Storage: Store Risperdal at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Avoid excessive heat. Avoid freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispense of this medicine in a tight, light-resistant container. Do not store Risperdal in the bathroom.
Risperdal Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Disclaimer: The information found on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not cover all possible uses, procedures, safety measures, side effects, or drug interactions of the products. We are not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of this drug information, or any consequences arising from the use of this information. This is only general information and should not be relied on for any purpose.
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