Risperidone (By Mouth)

Risperidone (ris-PER-i-done)

Treats symptoms of psychosis and schizophrenia.

Brand Name(s):

Risperdal, Risperdal M-Tab
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to risperidone.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid, Dissolving Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
• May be taken with or without food.
• Measure your oral liquid dose carefully using the special tube (pipette) that comes with your medicine. You should receive an information sheet that tells you how to use the measuring tube.
• You may mix your oral liquid dose with water, low-fat milk, coffee, or orange juice. Do not mix with cola or tea.
• If you are using the disintegrating tablet, make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it. Remove the tablet from the blister pack by peeling back the foil, then taking the tablet out. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. It should melt quickly. After the tablet has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking carbamazepine (Tegretol®), levodopa, clozapine, medicine to lower blood pressure, or other medicines that might make you drowsy such as narcotic pain killers, muscle relaxants, or medicine for depression.
• Avoid drinking alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before taking risperidone if you have heart, kidney or liver disease; or a seizure disorder.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• This medicine can cause drowsiness or dizziness. If it does, avoid driving or operating machinery.
• Side effects that may occur in some patients are muscle spasms, twitching in the face and body, and uncontrolled tongue or jaw movement. If you have questions about this or any other risk, talk to your doctor.
• Dizziness from this medicine may be decreased by getting up slowly from a lying or sitting position.
• Risperidone may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen if you need to be outdoors.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• High fever, muscle stiffness
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Severe muscle weakness, trouble standing
• Feeling as if you need to be moving constantly
• Muscle spasms, twitching, or uncontrolled tongue or jaw movement

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Anxiety, trouble sleeping, increased dreaming
• Vision changes such as trouble focusing
• Dry mouth, stuffy nose, upset stomach
• Constipation, changes in urination
• Less interest in sex or trouble having sex (impotence)
• Weight gain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.