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Risperidone / RisperdolHow does it work? The effects of this medication appear to be related to reducing activity of a brain substance called dopamine. It also blocks some serotonin activity in the brain. Some of the benefits may occur in the first few days, but it is not unusual for it to take several weeks or months to see the full benefits. In contrast, many of the side effects are worse when you first start taking it. Proper Use of this Medicine: * Keep this and all medicines in a cool, safe place, out of the reach of children. * Never share your medicines with others. * If there is a possibility you could become pregnant while taking this medication consult with your psychiatrist. Adverse effects on pregnancy have not been studied and are currently unknown. * Do not breast-feed while on this medication without first consulting with your psychiatrist. Risperidone is present in breast milk. * Take this medicine exactly as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered. Do not miss any doses. * If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. * Drinking alcohol with risperidone may result in serious side effects. * Risperidone may be taken with or without food. Possible Side Effects: * All medications that act on dopamine can sometimes have side effects involving muscle coordination or muscle tension. It appears that Risperidone is somewhat less likely to cause this type of side effect than others. Examples can include stiffness in the arms, back or neck. Sometimes patients experience shakiness or problems with muscle coordination. * Some people who take Risperidone may become more sensitive to sunlight. When you first begin taking this medicine, avoid too much sun and do not use a sunlamp until you see how you react, especially if you tend to burn easily. If you burn easily or have a severe reaction, contact your physician. Stop taking this medicine and contact your physician immediately if you develop: * Convulsions (seizures) (.3%), fast or irregular heartbeat, high fever, very high or low blood pressure, increased sweating, loss of bladder control, severe muscle stiffness, trouble breathing, unusually pale skin, severe tiredness or weakness. Fortunately, these side effects are rare. Other side effects which should be reported include: * More common: Difficulty speaking or swallowing, inability to move eyes, loss of balance, feeling lightheaded when getting up, muscle spasms of neck and back, shuffling walk, stiff or weak arms or legs, trembling hands, unusual anxiety, nervousness, or irritability. Side effects which may go away with continued treatment include: * More common (10-15%): Abdominal or stomach pain or gas, constipation, cough, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, stuffy nose, trouble with sleeping , agitation. * Less common: Back or joint pain, decreased sexual desire or ability, fever, increased watering of mouth, rash or other skin problems, sore throat, toothache, burning sensation of legs and feet. Other possible side effectts may include: * Weight gain, breast pain and/or discharge. The following other medications may need to be adjusted while taking risperidone: * Antidepressants: Tricyclics (amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, imipramine, nortriptyline), venlafaxine/Effexor, Fluoxetine/Prozac, paroxetine/Paxil, trazodone/Desryl, maprotiline. * Other psychiatric medications: Clozapine/Clozaril, Haloperidol/Haldol, Perphenazine/Trilafon, Thioridazine/Mellaril. * Other drugs: Carbamazepine/Tegretol, Codeine, dextromethorphan (found in many over-the-counter cough and cold medications), encainide, flecainide, metoprolol, mianserin, propafenone. St.John's Wort. |
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