Risperidone is used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression). It is also used to relieve irritability in autistic children .
What is Risperidone?
Risperidone is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the effects of certain chemicals in the brain.
How should Risperidone be taken?
Risperidone can be administered orally or intramuscularly via injections.
Side effects associated with Risperidone
Risperidone may increase the risk of death in elderly individuals suffering from dementia. It can also increase sensitivity to heat and cold.
Among the other possible side effects of risperidone include the following:
- Headache
- Dizziness, sleepiness or feeling exhausted
- Tremors, tics or uncontrollable muscle movements
- Agitation, anxiety or restlessness
- Depression
- Dry mouth, stomach discomfort and constipation
- Weight gain
- Pain in arms or legs
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat or tongue
- Uncontrollable movements of the face
- Swelling or tenderness of the breasts, nipple discharge, impotence, reduced sex drive, and skipped period
- Muscle stiffness, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, tremors, and feeling faint
- Low white blood cells
- Low platelet count
- Hyperglycemia
- Painful erection that lasts for more than 4 hours
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Risperidone
Risperidone is contraindicated during the last trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding (avoid breast-feeding even 12 weeks after discontinuing treatment).
Before starting treatment with risperidone, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, or to any other drugs, food and various substances
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: blood pressure medications, sleeping pills, narcotic pain relievers, muscle relaxants and medication for anxiety, depression or convulsions
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from heart disease , high blood pressure, heart rhythm abnormalities, coronary heart disease, diabetes, low white blood cells, kidney or liver disease, seizures, breast cancer, low bone density, difficulty swallowing or Parkinson’s disease
- You have recently suffered from a myocardial infarction
- You have a family history of diabetes
- You are suffering from dehydration
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
Risperidone can impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. It can also cause dizziness when standing up too quickly from lying or seated position. Some of its side effects may be aggravated by alcohol.
