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Risperdal

(other types of Risperdal)
generic: Risperidone (learn more about brand vs. generic drugs)

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Information on Risperdal

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Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .

Tablets
Chemical Name: RISPERIDONE (ris-PER-i-done)

Common uses
Risperdal 2mg is an antipsychotic agent used to treat emotional and mood disorders. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
WARNING: Risperdal 2mg is an antipsychotic. It may increase the risk of death when used to treat mental problems caused by dementia in elderly patients. Most of the deaths were linked to heart problems or infection. Risperdal 2mg is not approved to treat mental problems caused by dementia. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Risperdal 2mg. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking alpha-blockers (eg, doxazosin); medicines for high blood pressure; anticholinergics (eg, scopolamine); tramadol; clozapine; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine, paroxetine); carbamazepine; phenobarbital; phenytoin; rifampin; dopamine receptor agonists (eg, pramipexole); or levodopa. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including if you have a history of seizures; heart problems (eg, heart failure, slow or irregular heartbeat); abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG); heart attack; stroke; blood vessel problems; high or low blood pressure; low white blood cell levels; kidney or liver problems; stomach or bowel problems (eg, narrowing, blockage); neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS); suicidal thoughts or attempts; alcohol abuse or dependence; alzheimer disease; dementia; Parkinson disease; esophagus problems (eg, trouble swallowing); high blood prolactin levels; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, are very overweight, or if a family member has had diabetes. Tell your doctor if you have a history of certain types of cancer (eg, breast, pancreas, pituitary, brain), if you are at risk for breast cancer; are dehydrated, drink alcohol, or will be exposed to very high or very low temperatures. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Risperdal 2mg.

Directions
Follow the directions for using Risperdal 2mg provided by your doctor. Risperdal 2mg may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE RISPERDAL 2mg at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Taking Risperdal 2mg at the same time(s) each day will help you remember. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF RISPERDAL 2mg, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE Risperdal 2mg if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using Risperdal 2mg. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. RISPERDAL 2mg MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS, DIZZINESS, lightheadedness, blurred vision, or fainting. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of these effects. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Risperdal 2mg. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while you are taking Risperdal 2mg. RISPERDAL 2mg WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since risk of heatstroke may be increased. PATIENTS WHO HAVE BIPOLAR (MANIC-DEPRESSIVE) ILLNESS, or if their family members have had it, may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; depressed mood; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur. RISPERDAL 2mg MAY LOWER THE ABILITY OF YOUR BODY TO FIGHT INFECTION. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Risperdal 2mg. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms. SOME PATIENTS WHO TAKE RISPERDAL 2mg MAY DEVELOP MUSCLE MOVEMENTS THAT THEY CANNOT CONTROL. Tell your doctor at once if you have muscle problems with your arms; legs; or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw while taking Risperdal 2mg. RISPERDAL 2mg MAY INCREASE the amount of a certain hormone (prolactin) in your blood. Symptoms may include enlarged breasts, missed menstrual period, decreased sexual ability, or nipple discharge. RISPERDAL 2mg MAY CAUSE HYPERGLYCEMIA (high blood sugar). Symptoms of hyperglycemia include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, weakness, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED when using Risperdal 2mg in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Risperdal 2mg. FOR MEN: Risperdal 2mg may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. Contact your doctor right away if this happens. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Risperdal 2mg during pregnancy. RISPERDAL 2mg IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Risperdal 2mg.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Risperdal 2mg include anxiety; constipation; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; fatigue; headache; increased appetite; increased saliva production; indigestion; lightheadedness; nausea; restlessness; runny nose; stomach pain or upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting; or weight gain. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience abnormal thoughts; confusion; drooling; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; inability to control urination; increased sweating; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, aggression, agitation, depression, severe anxiety); seizures; severe dizziness; stiff or rigid muscles; suicidal thoughts or attempts; symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; unusual weakness); tremor; trouble concentrating, speaking, or swallowing; trouble sitting still; trouble walking or standing; uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, arm or leg movements, twitching of the face or tongue, jerking or twisting); unusual bruising; or vision changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO RISPERDAL 2mg IS UNLIKELY, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; or unusual hoarseness This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual drowsiness; rapid pulse; fainting; unusual muscle movement or rigidity of the face, neck, or limbs; seizures; and loss of consciousness.

Additional information
IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, Risperdal 2mg may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine. DO NOT SHARE RISPERDAL 2mg with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE RISPERDAL 2mg for other health conditions. KEEP RISPERDAL 2mg out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING RISPERDAL 2mg FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2010. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.
The name and strength of the drug discussed above has been provided for clarity by drugstore.com, inc. and without the express permission of Medi-Span, and Medi-Span makes no representation as to the accuracy of such additional information.