Risperidone

💊 What is Risperidone used for?

• •Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents (ages 13 to 17)
• •Acute manic or mixed episodes linked to Bipolar I Disorder, used alone or together with lithium or valproate
• •Irritability linked to autistic disorder in children and adolescents (ages 5 to 17), including aggression, self-injury, temper tantrums, and quickly changing moods

How it works

The label says risperidone works by blocking a brain signaling site called the D2 receptor. It is an antagonist of that receptor.

How it is usually taken

• •Risperidone is taken by mouth. The label says it can be given once or twice a day. The label says the dose is often increased slowly, at intervals of at least 24 hours, and that slower increases may be used for some patients. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist about how and when to take it.

Comes as

• •1 mg tablets (white, round, film-coated, engraved 'RI3' on one side)
• •The label's description also lists 0.25 mg tablets (orange) and 0.5 mg tablets (orange) among its available strengths

⚠️ Risperidone side effects

🛑 Who should not take Risperidone, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have a known allergy (hypersensitivity) to risperidone, paliperidone, or any of the other ingredients in the tablets. The label says hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take or plan to take, because interactions are possible.
• •Tell your provider if you have a history of seizures or conditions that lower the seizure threshold.
• •Tell your provider if you have a low white blood cell count or a history of drug-induced low white blood cell count. The label says your blood counts should be monitored.
• •Tell your provider if you have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes. Blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight are monitored during treatment.
• •Tell your provider if you are at risk for low blood pressure when standing.
• •Tell your provider about any plans to become pregnant or breastfeed.
• •Be careful with activities that need mental alertness, such as driving or operating hazardous machinery, until you know how the medicine affects you.
• •Take care to avoid overheating and dehydration, as the label advises.

🔀 Risperidone with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Carbamazepine and other enzyme inducers can lower risperidone levels in the blood. The label says the dose may need to be increased, slowly.
• •Fluoxetine, paroxetine, and other CYP2D6 enzyme inhibitors can raise risperidone levels. The label says the starting dose may need to be reduced, and that the final dose should not exceed a set maximum.
• •The label says no dose change is generally needed with ranitidine, cimetidine, amitriptyline, or erythromycin.
• •The label says risperidone does not change the levels of lithium, so no dose adjustment is recommended for lithium.
• •Avoid alcohol while taking risperidone, as the label advises.

Alcohol and food

The label advises avoiding alcohol while taking risperidone. The label does not give specific food instructions.

🤰 Risperidone in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says a pregnancy exposure registry monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to atypical antipsychotics, including risperidone. Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs in the third trimester may have extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms after birth. The label says available data have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. It also notes risks to the mother from untreated schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding

The label advises breastfeeding women who use risperidone to watch their infants for sleepiness, failure to thrive, jitteriness, and abnormal movements such as tremors, and to seek medical care if these signs appear.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with brief excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label describes overdose reports in which the effects were an exaggeration of the drug's known effects: drowsiness and sedation, fast heart rate, low blood pressure, and extrapyramidal symptoms. The label also mentions reports of low sodium, low potassium, abnormal heart rhythm changes, and seizures in some overdose cases. If you think someone has taken too much, seek medical care right away.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Risperidone

• Which of my symptoms is risperidone meant to treat, and how will we know it is working?
• How should I take risperidone, and how will my dose be adjusted over time?
• Are any of my other medicines, including over-the-counter products, known to interact with risperidone?
• What signs should make me call you right away, such as fever, muscle stiffness, or abnormal movements?
• How often should my blood sugar, cholesterol, weight, and blood counts be checked while I take this medicine?
• What should I do if I become pregnant or plan to breastfeed while taking risperidone?

❓ Risperidone: frequently asked questions