Risperdal: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com

What is Risperdal?

Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication. It is an "atypical antipsychotic". It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain.

Risperdal is used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression). It is also used in autistic children to treat symptoms of irritability.

Risperdal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important information

Risperdal is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Risperidone may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

Do not give Risperdal to a child without a doctor's advice.

While you are taking Risperdal, you may be more sensitive to temperature extremes such as very hot or cold conditions. Avoid getting too cold, or becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking this medication.

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Risperdal may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Risperdal. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, restless muscle movements in your face or neck, tremor (uncontrolled shaking), trouble swallowing, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

Before taking this medicine

Risperdal is not for use in psychotic conditions that are related to dementia. Risperdal has caused fatal heart attack and stroke in older adults with dementia-related conditions. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to risperidone.

To make sure you can safely take Risperdal, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems;

• high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);

• a history of heart attack or stroke;

• a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;

• a history of breast cancer;

• seizures or epilepsy;

• diabetes (risperidone may raise your blood sugar);

• a history of suicidal thoughts;

• Parkinson's disease; or

• trouble swallowing.

Risperdal may cause you to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Talk to your doctor if you have any signs of hyperglycemia such as increased thirst or urination, excessive hunger, or weakness. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking Risperdal.

The risperidone orally disintegrating tablet may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of risperidone if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

FDA pregnancy category C. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Risperdal, do not stop taking it without your doctor's advice. Risperidone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking Risperdal.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, and restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck.

What should I avoid?

While you are taking Risperdal, you may be more sensitive to temperature extremes such as very hot or cold conditions. Avoid getting too cold, or becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking risperidone.

Risperdal can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Risperdal.

Risperdal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Risperdal and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats;

• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;

• drooling, tremor (uncontrolled shaking);

• seizure (convulsions);

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• nosebleeds;

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

• trouble swallowing;

• feeling like you might pass out; or

• penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Less serious Risperdal side effects may include:

• weight gain;

• feeling hot or cold;

• headache, dizziness;

• drowsiness, tired feeling;

• dry mouth, increased appetite;

• feeling restless or anxious;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation;

• cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose; or

• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.