Risperdal (Risperidone) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Schizophrenia facts

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, debilitating mental illness that affects about 1% of the population, more than 2 million people in the United States alone.
With the sudden onset of severe psychotic symptoms, the individual is said to be experiencing acute schizophrenia. Psychotic means out of touch with reality or unable to separate real from unreal experiences.
There is no known single cause of schizophrenia. As discussed later, it appears that genetic factors produce a vulnerability to schizophrenia, with environmental factors contributing to different degrees in different individuals.
There are a number of various treatments for schizophrenia. Given the complexity of schizophrenia, the major questions about this disorder (its cause or causes, prevention, and treatment) are unlikely to be resolved in the near future. The public should beware of those offering "t...

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Risperdal Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking risperidone (Risperdal)?

Risperidone is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Risperidone may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to risperidone.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication:

liver disease;
kidney disease;
heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems;
a history of heart attack or stroke;
a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
a history of breast cancer;
seizures or epilepsy;
diabetes (risperidone may raise your blood sugar);
a history of suicidal thoughts;
Parkinson's disease; or
trouble swallowing.

Risperidone may cause you to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Talk to your doctor if you have any signs of hyperglycemia such as increased thirst or urination, excessive hunger, or weakness. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking risperidone.

The risperidone orally disintegrating tablet may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of risperidone if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether risperidone is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether risperidone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child without a doctor's advice.

How should I take risperidone (Risperdal)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Risperidone can be taken with or without food.

To take risperidone orally disintegrating tablets (Risperdal M-Tabs):

Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.
Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid after the tablet is completely dissolved.

It is important to take risperidone regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Measure the liquid form of risperidone with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Do not mix the liquid form of risperidone with cola or tea.

It may take several weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Store risperidone at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat. Do not allow the liquid form of risperidone to freeze.

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