Risperidone: Uses And Side Effects
Risperidone is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression) in adults and children aged 10 years and older. It belongs to the class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics and works by altering the effects of certain chemicals in the brain.
Risperidone Uses:
- Schizophrenia: It is prescribed to manage symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking associated with schizophrenia.
- Bipolar Disorder: Used to treat manic episodes and mixed episodes (combining symptoms of mania and depression) in bipolar disorder.
- Behavioral Issues: Sometimes prescribed to manage behavioral symptoms such as aggression, self-injury, and mood swings in various conditions.
How to Use Risperidone:
- Risperidone is available in different forms: oral tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and oral solution.
- Take it once or twice daily, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. It’s essential to take it at the same time each day.
- The oral solution can be mixed with water, orange juice, coffee, or low-fat milk, but not with tea or cola.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses.
Risperidone Side Effects:
Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, dry mouth, and weight gain (obesity). Other less common side effects include anxiety, vision problems, difficulty urinating, and more serious effects like fever, muscle stiffness, irregular pulse, sweating, rash, hives, itching, high cholesterol, and priapism (prolonged erection).
Precautions:
- Inform your doctor about any allergies to risperidone or other medications. The product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
- Discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have liver disease, kidney disease, seizures, difficulty swallowing, low white blood cell count, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or heart disease.
- Risperidone may interact with other medications, so inform your doctor about all drugs you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products.
Warnings for Serious Health Conditions:
- Diabetes: Risperidone can elevate blood sugar levels, so it’s important for diabetics or those at risk for diabetes to have their blood sugar monitored during treatment.
- High Cholesterol: This medication can increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can raise the risk of heart attack or stroke. Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels is recommended.
- Heart Problems: If you have a history of heart conditions such as heart attack, angina, coronary artery disease, heart failure, or heart rhythm disorders, discuss with your doctor whether risperidone is safe for you.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
- Risperidone should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed, as its effects on the fetus are not well understood. Consult your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medication.
- It can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a breastfed infant. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while on risperidone.
Storage:
- Store risperidone at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C), away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children.
Risperidone vs Aripiprazole:
- Risperidone: Treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder symptoms by altering brain chemical effects. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues and dry mouth.
- Aripiprazole: Also treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder symptoms but is available in several forms and works by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels. Common side effects include headache, nervousness, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues.
Interactions
Drug interactions can affect pharmaceutical effectiveness and increase the risk of significant side effects. This document does not list all possible medication interactions. Keep a list of all products you use, including prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products, and discuss it with your doctor and pharmacist. Always with your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of any medications.
Metoclopramide may interact with this medication.
Please inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications that may cause drowsiness, such as opioid pain relievers (heroin, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), sleep or anxiety medications (alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check medicine labels (including allergy or cough-and-cold treatments) for potential drowsiness-causing chemicals. Consult your pharmacist about the safe use of these products.
