Risperidone is the active ingredient of Risperdal. It belongs to a class of drugs known as atypical (second generation) antipsychotic medications. Risperdal [Risperidone] is available in a form of tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, liquid and injection (Risperdal consta). It is used for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and irritability associated with autism. Chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin are elevated in people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism. However Risperdal [Risperidone] blocks these chemicals or lessen the effects of these chemicals in brain. Thus, it controls the symptoms of these diseases, but does not cure. Risperdal [Risperidone] when comes in various strengths in capsules, oral solution and orally disintegrating tablets. Tablet comes in 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, 3mg and 4mg. In case of oral solution, 1mg/mL is supplied in 30mL bottles with a calibrated pipette. The minimum calibrated volume is 0.25mL and the maximum calibrated volume is 3mL. Orally disintegrated tablet (Risperdal M-Tab) comes in 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, 3mg and 4mg Risperidone.
How to use
The dosage depends on the age and the weight of the individual, the medical condition prevailing and other medical treatment undergoing if any.
In case of schizophrenia, the initial recommended dosages for the adults are as such; 1mg Risperdal [Risperidone] twice daily or 2mg Risperdal [Risperidone] once daily. Slowly it can be increased to 3mg twice daily or 6mg once daily. Depending on the medical condition, the physician can increase the dosage to 16mg total in a day. The initial recommended dosage for schizophrenia in children between 13 and 17 years of age is 0.5mg Risperdal [Risperidone] once daily. The physician can increase the dosage depending on the medical condition.
The initial recommended dosage for bipolar disorder in adults is 2mg to 3mg Risperdal [Risperidone] once daily to a maximum of 6mg once daily if needed. For elderly people with liver or kidney disease the lower dosage should be initiated i.e. 0.5mg Risperdal [Risperidone] twice daily. The initial recommended dosage for bipolar disorder in children between 10 and 17 years of age is 0.5mg Risperdal [Risperidone] once daily. The physician can increase the dosage depending on the medical condition.
The recommended dosage for autism in children weighing less than 44 pounds is 0.25mg Risperdal [Risperidone] once daily. For children weighing 44 pounds and more, the dosage is 0.5mg once daily. After a minimum of 4 days the physician can increase the dosage to 0.5mg once daily or 0.25mg twice daily for children weighing less than 44 pounds. For children weighing 44 pounds or more than that, the dosage will be 1mg once daily or 0.5mg twice daily.
Side Effects
The most common Risperdal [Risperidone] side effects are drowsiness, increased appetite, upper respiratory tract infections, fatigue, insomnia, agitation, increased salivation, anxiety, abdominal pain, heartburn or indigestion, nausea, dizziness and headache.
Other common side effects are constipation or diarrhea, dry mouth, vomiting, running nose, bladder control problem, vision change, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, joint pain, weight gain, acne, dry skin, fever and sexual problem.
Less common side effects are vertigo, leg cramps, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), pneumonia, asthma, hair loss, tinnitus and anemia.
Some serious side effects indicated are signs of diabetes, depression, tachycardia, restlessness, hypertension, breast enlargement or breast pain in men, abnormal muscle contraction and movement and allergic reactions.
Drug Interaction
Concomitant use of Risperdal [Risperidone] and any of the followings like alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, sedating antihistamines, sleeping tablets, tricyclic antidepressants and strong opioid painkillers, may increase the risk of drowsiness and sedation.
Concomitant use of Risperdal [Risperidone] and antihypertensive medicines may enhance the blood pressure lowering effect.
Concomitant use of Risperdal [Risperidone] and carbamazepine may reduce the blood level of risperidone.
Concomitant use of Risperdal [Risperidone] and fluoxetine or paroxetine may increase the blood level of risperidone.
Uses
Risperdal [Risperidone] is used for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and irritability associated with autism.
Storage
Risperdal [Risperidone] should be stored at a room temperature between 15°-25°C (59°-77°F), away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.
Precaution
Patients with any of the followings like diabetes, seizures, epilepsy, liver disease, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, low blood pressure, heart disease and allergies to any food, dye or preservatives should be cautious and consult the physician before taking the medication.
Pregnant women or planning to be pregnant and nursing mothers should consult the physician before taking the medication.
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