risperidone

What is Risperidone for?

Risperidone belongs to a class of medicine known as the second generation antipsychotics.

It is used to treat conditions such as

• Psychosis (including but not limited to symptoms of hallucinations, altered thought and altered emotions)
• Bipolar disorder (alternating mood)

It may be given to you for other reasons. Do check with your doctor what you are taking this for.

How should I take or use Risperidone?

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the instructions on the medicine label or as advised by the pharmacist.

Risperidone may be supplied as either tablets or an oral solution.

Risperidone can be taken with or without food.

If you are taking Risperidone oral solution, measure the dose carefully using the syringe provided. The solution can be mixed with ½ cup of water, coffee, orange juice or low fat milk. Do not mix with tea, cola or alcoholic beverages.

This medicine may not have an effect immediately. It may take up to a few weeks before this medicine can exert its full effects. Continue taking it regularly to benefit from it.

Do not stop taking this medicine even after you feel better. Your symptoms may return if this medicine is stopped too early. Check with your doctor on the duration of treatment that is suitable for you.

Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly or change the dose without consulting your doctor.

Avoid taking alcohol while you are on this medicine.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Risperidone?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at your usual timing.

Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Risperidone?

What do I need to tell my doctor before I take this medicine?

• Drug allergies
• Pre-existing medical conditions such as prior stroke, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, seizures, blocked intestines, liver or kidney diseases, blood disorders, and prostate problems.
• Whether you are taking any other medicines, supplements or traditional medicines. Some of them may affect how this medicine works.
• For women: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or have plans to become pregnant. If you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, your doctor would have discussed the potential benefits and side-effects of continuing this medicine with you but should you have further questions or concerns, do consult your doctor.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Risperidone?

This medicine may interact with a number of other medicines. Inform your doctor if you are taking or intend to start taking other medicines or supplements.

What are some common side effects of Risperidone?

Potential side effects

All medicines may cause side effects. However, many people do not experience them.

Most of the side effects listed here will improve with time. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if they persist, become bothersome or worsen.

Serious side effects

If you experience signs of allergy such as rashes, swelling of lips/face/throat and difficulty breathing, stop this medicine immediately and seek medical attention.

Risperidone may cause unusual movements involving the face or tongue, muscle stiffness, shakiness and unsteadiness on your feet. Please notify your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.

Risperidone may also cause changes in menstrual periods and can affect the breasts for both males and females (including abnormal production of breast milk). Please consult your doctor if this occurs after taking this medicine

If you have symptoms such as changes in weight, passing of large amounts of urine and feelings of thirst and hunger all the time after taking this medicine, consult your doctor.

A condition known as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome may occur rarely. Symptoms include but are not limited to fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental state/ consciousness and/or irregular blood pressure, heart rhythm and palpitations. If you develop any of these symptoms or other unexplained symptoms while taking this medicine inform your doctor immediately. Furthermore consult your doctor if you require further information regarding this condition.

Take note that the side effects listed here are not exhaustive. Do seek medical attention if you have other symptoms that you think may be related to the medicine.

How should I store Risperidone?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
• Store at room temperature

How do I throw away Risperidone safely?

Throw away any unused or expired medicines. Consult your medical professional if you are unsure with respect to how to safely dispose of any excess medicines/expired medicines.

What else should I know about Risperidone?

What are the things I need to know or look out for while taking this medicine?

• Avoid driving or any other activities that requires concentration until you see how this drug affects you.
• Be careful in hot weather or while being active. Drink lots of fluids to stop fluid loss.
• Inform your other healthcare professionals that you are on this medicine as well.
• Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any other medicines or natural products.
• Do not share your medicines with others
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about your medicine

What should I do if I overdose?

If you take more than the dose prescribed to you by your doctor, consult your doctor or health care professional immediately.