Risperdal Consta (Risperidone) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Risperdal Consta

Bipolar Disorder »

What is bipolar disorder?

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:

Bipolar disorder is the fifth leading cause of disability worldwide.
Bipolar disorder is the ninth leading cause of years lost to death or disability worldwide.
The number of individuals with bipolar disorder who commit suicide is 60 times higher than that of the general population.
People who have bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of also suffering from substance abuse and other mental health problems.
Males may develop bipolar disorder earlier in life compared to females.
Blacks are sometimes dia...

Read the Bipolar Disorder article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Next »

Risperdal Consta User Reviews >>

Risperdal Consta

Schizophrenia Slideshow Pictures

Take the Schizophrenia Quiz

font size

Risperdal Consta Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

RISPERIDONE - INJECTION

(riss-PAIR-ih-doan)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Risperdal Consta

WARNING: There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (e.g., stroke, heart failure) when this medication is used in elderly patients with dementia. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with your doctor.

USES: Risperidone is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder). This medication can help you to think clearly and function in daily life.

This is a psychiatric medication (antipsychotic-type) that works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters).

HOW TO USE: This drug is given by intramuscular injection into the buttock by a healthcare professional once every two weeks. Injections should alternate between the two buttocks. Do not give by injection into a vein (intravenously).

Injected risperidone may take up to three weeks to begin working. During this time, you should still take the oral form of this drug or another medication for your condition by mouth. After three weeks, your doctor should have you stop taking the oral form, but follow the directions provided.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Continue to take this medication as directed, even if you are feeling better and thinking more clearly.