Risperidone tablets
Risperidone tablets
What is this medicine?
RISPERIDONE (ris PER i done) is an antipsychotic. It is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and some symptoms of autism.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
abnormal production of milk
breast enlargement in both males and females
breathing problems
changes in emotions or moods
difficulty moving, slow movements, tremor
fever or chills, sore throat
males: prolonged, painful erection
missed or irregular menstrual periods
muscle pain, spasms
problems with balance, talking, walking
redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
restlessness, pacing, inability to keep still
seizures
signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; palpitations; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; breathing problems
signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.
signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired
signs and symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome such as confusion; fast or irregular heart beat; high fever; increased sweating; stiff muscles
signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia such as uncontrollable head, neck, arm, or leg movements
sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg
tremor
trouble swallowing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
dry mouth
drowsiness
tiredness
trouble sleeping
upset stomach
weight gain
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
cisapride
dextromethorphan; quinidine
dronedarone
metoclopramide
pimozide
quinidine
thioridazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol
certain medicines for anxiety or sleep
certain medicines for blood pressure
certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole. and voriconazole
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin
fluoxetine
levodopa
other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
paroxetine
rifampin
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
dehydration
dementia
diabetes
difficulty swallowing
heart disease
history of breast cancer
history of stroke
irregular heartbeat
kidney disease
liver disease
low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
low blood pressure
Parkinson's disease
seizures
an unusual or allergic reaction to risperidone, paliperidone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Visit your doctor or healthcare professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine.
You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise.
This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.
Updated:  
February 16, 2020