What is Risperidone?
Risperidone is an antipsychotic drug that acts by altering the effects of brain chemicals. The medication is used to treat schizophrenia. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder (manic depression) symptoms in adults and children over the age of ten. It is a prescription drug and is available in the form of an orally disintegrating tablet and oral solution. Risperidone belongs to the brand name drug called Risperdal and is available as a generic drug.
Risperidone Uses
Risperidone is a drug that is used to treat schizophrenia symptoms. It is also used to treat mania and mixed symptoms in adults, adolescents, and children aged 10 and up who have bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). The medication is also used to treat a variety of behavioural issues, including self-injury, and mood swings. It belongs to the class of drug called atypical antipsychotics. It functions by altering the brain's activity of certain natural substances.
Risperidone Side effects:
Some of the serious side effects of Risperidone are:
- Fever
- Muscle stiffness
- Irregular pulse
- Sweating
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- High cholesterol
- Priapism
Risperidone can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. If you are facing any of the above serious side effects. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems.
Precautions:
Before taking Risperidone talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions and some serious problems. Before taking the drug talks with your drug if you are having any medical history such as: Liver disease, kidney disease, seizures, difficulty while swallowing, low white blood cell count, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and heart disease.
How to use Risperidone?
Risperidone is available in three forms: tablet, solution (liquid), an orally disintegrating tablet (tablet that dissolves rapidly in the mouth). It's taken once or twice a day, with or without food. Risperidone should be taken at the same time every day. To test your risperidone oral solution dose, use the dropper given. The oral solution may be combined with water, orange juice, coffee, or low-fat milk. The solution should not be mixed with tea or cola.
Risperidone Forms and strengths
Generic: Risperidone
- Form: orally disintegrating tablet (0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg)
- Form: oral tablet (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg)
Brand: Risperdal M-TAB
- Form: orally disintegrating tablet (0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg)
Brand: Risperdal
- Form: oral tablet (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg)
Dosage for schizophrenia
- Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years): 2 mg should be taken once in a day
Dosage for acute manic or mixed bipolar I disorder episodes
- Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years): 2-3 mg per day
Missed Dose:
As soon as you know, take your dose. Take just one dose if you remember just a few hours before the next scheduled dose. Never try to make up for missed doses by taking two at once. This could have dangerous consequences.
Overdose:
It's possible that you have dangerously high levels of the opioid in your system. An overdose of this medication can cause the following symptoms: sleepiness, vomiting and tremor. If you think you have taken too much of this drug then consult with your doctor immediately.
Warnings for some serious Health Conditions:
For people with diabetes
This medicine has the ability to lift your blood sugar levels. This could aggravate your diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause coma or death. Your doctor can monitor your blood sugar levels before and after treatment with this drug if you have diabetes or risk factors for diabetes (such as being overweight or having a family history of diabetes).
For people with high Cholesterol:
This treatment has the ability to raise your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This can increase the chances of having a heart attack or stroke. There may be no signs or symptoms of high cholesterol. During treatment with this drug, your doctor can check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
For people with heart problems:
This treatment has the ability to lower your blood pressure. Ask your doctor if this drug is safe for you if you have heart issues. A history of heart attack, angina (chest pain), coronary artery disease, heart failure, or heart rhythm disorders are among others. Risperidone can aggravate these symptoms.
Pregnancy:
If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, speak to your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Only use this drug if the potential advantage outweighs the potential risk.
Breastfeeding:
Risperidone can pass through breast milk and cause side effects in a breastfed infant. If you are breastfeeding your infant, talk with your doctor. It's possible that you'll have to choose between breastfeeding and drug.
Storage:
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Risperidone vs Aripiprazole:
Risperidone |
Aripiprazole |
|---|---|
| Risperidone is an antipsychotic drug that acts by altering the effects of brain chemicals. The medication is used to treat schizophrenia. | Aripiprazole is a prescription drug that comes in four oral dosage forms: a pill, an orally disintegrating tablet, a solution, and a tablet with a sensor. |
| It belongs to the class of drug called atypical antipsychotics. It functions by altering the brain's activity of certain natural substances. | Aripiprazole is a drug that is used to relieve the effects of schizophrenia. It's also used to treat symptoms of mania and depression in adults and children 10 years and older with bipolar disorder. |
Most common side effects of Risperidone are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Aripiprazole are:
|
