What is Risperidone?
Risperidone is a second-generation antipsychotic medication commonly used to treat conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and certain symptoms of autism.
This medicine is available on doctor’s prescription order.
What are the uses of risperidone?
- Irritability due to autism
- ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder): difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
- Schizophrenia (state of confusion, behaves strange and in unexpected ways)
- Bipolar disorder (excessive mood swings)
How risperidone helps for my child?
Risperidone is used to treat behavioural issues such as aggression, mood swings, self-injury, reacting without thinking.
What are the available forms of risperidone?
- Oral tablets
- Oral dispersible tablets
- Oral solution
- Long-acting injections (for IM route)- only for schizophrenia
How does risperidone work?
It works by balancing two chemicals in the brain, dopamine and serotonin, which help control mood, behaviour, and thoughts.
Does risperidone show its effect immediately?
You may not see any improvement immediately after taking risperidone. You may start noticing some benefits within the first one to two weeks, but it can take four to six weeks for risperidone to achieve its maximum effect.
When is the best time to take risperidone?
Usually, you will be prescribed with risperidone once or twice a day. If prescribed once a day, it is better to take risperidone in the evening before bed as it may cause drowsiness.
If prescribed twice a day, take it once in the morning and once in the evening before bed.
Risperidone can be taken with or without food, but if you have stomach issues, it’s best to take it with food.
How should I consume risperidone?
- Risperidone can be taken with water.
- If you need to take half a tablet, use the score line to divide the tablet into half.
- In case of consuming mouth dispersible tablet, make sure your hands are dry.
What to be discussed with my doctor before taking risperidone?
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to risperidone or any other medications.
- Discuss with your doctor regarding your past medical history and all the medicines you are consuming.
- If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), inform your doctor as the risperidone orally disintegrating tablet may contain phenylalanine.
Who should avoid taking risperidone?
- Do not give this medicine to a child without a doctor’s approval.
- Risperidone should not be used for dementia-related psychosis in older adults, as it may raise the risk of death.
- Patients with heart problems or a family history of heart-related issues.
Are there any warnings associated with taking risperidone?
While taking this medicine, you may be more sensitive to extreme temperatures. Avoid getting too hot or cold, and drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather or during exercise, as this medicine can increase the risk of overheating and dehydration.
Be cautious when driving or doing anything that needs alertness as risperidone makes you drowsy.
Stop risperidone and contact your physician if you have fever, stiff muscles, confusion, or trouble breathing.
Can I stop taking risperidone if I feel better?
Do not stop taking risperidone without your doctor’s advice, as symptoms may return and treatment may become more difficult.
Under your doctor’s guidance, you can safely stop taking risperidone by gradually lowering the dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
What to be done if I forget a dose?
- Consume the missed dose after remembering it. If remembered when it is time for next dose, skip the previous missed dose and continue with the usual dosage pattern as advised by the doctor.
- Avoid having medicine twice that leads to double dose
- If you frequently forget doses, setting an alarm may help remind you take medicine
- If you miss two or more doses, call your doctor for guidance on what to do.
What are the side effects of risperidone? (Lexicomp)
Every drug has their own side effects. But some may experience, and some do not have any side effects.
Taking risperidone could result in certain side effects. Reach out to your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms are getting worsened and do not subside.
- Weight gain: Gaining extra body weight.
- Constipation: Difficulty or infrequent passing of stools.
- Vomiting: Throwing up the contents of the stomach through the mouth.
- Urinary incontinence: Trouble holding urine, leading to accidental leaks.
- Extrapyramidal reaction: Uncontrolled movements, like stiff muscles, shaky hands, or jerky actions, caused by certain medications.
- Sedation: Feeling very drowsy, sleepy, or less alert than usual.
- Tremor: Shaking or trembling movements, often in the hands.
- Cough and running nose: Common cold symptoms like coughing and a nose that drips or feels blocked.
- Hyperprolactinemia: High levels of a hormone called prolactin, which can cause issues like irregular periods or milk production when not breastfeeding.
Rare adverse reactions:
- Bradycardia, chest discomfort, chest pain
- Acne vulgaris
- Amenorrhea, Abdominal distress
What are the signs that indicate you should go to the hospital immediately? (Cleveland clinic)
Some side effects, though rare, need immediate medical attention. These include:
- Bradycardia: Heart beating slower than normal.
- Chest discomfort: Feeling uneasy or tight in the chest.
- Chest pain: Hurting in the chest.
- Acne vulgaris: Pimples or breakouts on the skin.
- Amenorrhea: Missing periods.
- Abdominal distress: Stomach discomfort or uneasiness.
What medications should I avoid while taking risperidone?
This medication should not be taken with any of the following:
- Dextromethorphan
- Metoclopramide
- Allergic, cold and cough medicines
- Parkinsonism drugs like levodopa
- Rifampin
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking risperidone?
It’s best to avoid alcohol during risperidone treatment, as it can cause drowsiness and make you feel unsteady.
Is risperidone pregnancy safe?
Risperidone can be used during pregnancy, but there is limited information on its safety. There could be a slight risk to your baby.
Can breast feeding mother take risperidone?
You can take risperidone while breastfeeding if your doctor confirms that your baby is safe and healthy.
Risperidone enters breast milk in small amounts and has caused side effects in only a few babies, while many mothers using it without problems.
How should risperidone be stored?
- Store this medicine in the normal room temperature
- Store this medication in its tightly sealed container.
- Keep it away from children
- Keep this medicine away from moisture
Author:
- Dr. Likitha B S, Pharm.D, Clinical pharmacologist, Aster Hospitals, Bengaluru
- Dr Praveen Kumar, B.Pharm, Pharm D(PB), Head Clinical Pharmacologist, Aster Hospitals, Bengaluru
- Dr C P Ravi Kumar, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, Aster CMI Hospital