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Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a mental illness that is characterized by severe mood swings, repeated episodes of depression, and at least one episode of mania. Bipolar disorder is one kind of mood disorder that afflicts more than 1% of adults in the United States, up to as many as 4 million people. Here are some additional statistics about bipolar disorder:
Some products that may interact with this drug include: antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine), high blood pressure medicine (e.g., beta-blockers such as propranolol, alpha-blockers such as doxazosin or prazosin), medications for Parkinson's disease (e.g., levodopa), sibutramine.
Many drugs besides risperidone may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), thioridazine, sparfloxacin, among others. Therefore, before using risperidone, report all medications you are currently using to your doctor or pharmacist
Tell your doctor of any drugs that cause drowsiness such as medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine).
Check all labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask you pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual drowsiness; fast heartbeat; unusual muscle movements or stiffness of the face, neck, or limbs; seizure; or loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., fasting blood sugar-FBS, weight, blood pressure, blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE: Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised February 2011 Copyright(c) 2011 First DataBank, Inc.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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