Brand names: Risperdal®, Risperdal® Consta®, Risperdal® M-Tab®
Chemical formula:

- Drug Forms:
- Risperidone Injection (below)
- Risperidone Oral disintegrating tablet
- Risperidone Oral solution
- Risperidone Oral tablet
- Risperidone Solution for injection
- Espa�ol:
- Inyección de risperidona
- Risperidona, Tableta de desintegración oral
- Risperidona, Solución oral
- Risperidona, Tableta oral
- Risperidona, Solución para inyección
Risperidone Injection
What is Risperidone Injection?
RISPERIDONE (Risperdal® Consta) helps to treat schizophrenia. Risperidone can help you to keep in touch with reality and reduce your mental problems. Occasionally risperidone is used to treat other mood disturbances. Generic risperidone injection is not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
frequently drink alcohol or alcohol-containing beverages
blood disorder or disease
dementia
diabetes (increased blood sugar) or a family history of diabetes
difficulty swallowing
heart disease
history of brain tumor or head injury
history of breast cancer
irregular heartbeat
kidney disease
liver disease
low blood pressure
Parkinson's disease
previous heart attack
seizures (convulsions)
an unusual or allergic reaction to risperidone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Risperidone injection is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What drug(s) may interact with risperidone?
alcohol
arsenic trioxide
astemizole
bromocriptine
cabergoline
carbamazepine
clarithromycin
cimetidine
cisapride
droperidol
erythromycin
halofantrine
imatinib, STI-571
levodopa and other medications for Parkinson's disease
levomethadyl
medicines for high blood pressure
medicines for irregular heartbeats
medicines for sleep or sedation
medicines for treating seizures (convulsions)
other medicines for mental anxiety, depression or psychotic disturbances
pentamidine
prescription pain medications
probucol
rifampin
ritonavir
some medicines for infertility
some medicines for the hormonal treatment of cancer
some quinolone antibiotics for treating infections (gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin
terfenadine
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking risperidone?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not suddenly stop taking risperidone; you may need to gradually reduce the dose. Only stop taking risperidone on your prescriber's advice.
You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how risperidone 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. You can get a hangover effect the morning after a bedtime dose.
If you notice an increased hunger or thirst, different from your normal hunger or thirst, or if you find that you must frequently use the restroom (excessive urination), you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible. You may need to have your blood sugar monitored.
Do not treat yourself for colds, diarrhea or allergies. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice, some nonprescription medicines may increase possible side effects.
Risperidone may make you more sensitive to sun or ultraviolet light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps, or sun tanning beds or booths. To protect your eyes wear sunglasses even on cloudy days.
If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking risperidone.
What side effects may I notice from taking risperidone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
aching muscles and joints
changes in vision
confusion
fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
fainting spells
increased thirst or hunger
increased need to pass urine
inner restlessness, unable to keep still
loss of balance, difficulty walking or falls
stiffness, spasms, trembling
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
decreased sexual ability
difficulty sleeping
drowsiness or dizziness
headache
increase or decrease in saliva
increased sensitivity to the sun
injection site pain, redness or swelling
menstrual irregularity
nausea, vomiting
stomach pain
stuffy or runny nose, cough
unusual tiredness
weight gain
Where can I keep my medicine?
This does not apply. You will not keep the injection at home.
Last updated: 5/7/2003 9:18:00 AM
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.





