Risperdal (Cont.)

Risperdal Effects

In previous clinical studies of Risperdal for the treatment of schizophrenia, people taking Risperdal experienced improvements in their symptoms of schizophrenia (including hallucinations and suspiciousness), compared to those not taking Risperdal. Longer studies also showed that Risperdal can help symptoms from returning.
 
Previous clinical studies have also shown Risperdal to be effective at treating bipolar disorder. In these studies, Risperdal was effective at treating episodes of mania or mixed episodes (which involve symptoms of both mania and depression). Risperdal was effective when used alone or in combination with other bipolar disorder medications.
 
Several studies have shown Risperdal to also be effective at treating the emotional symptoms of autism. Children taking Risperdal experienced fewer behavior problems, including aggression, self-harm, temper tantrums, and quickly changing moods. Longer studies also showed that Risperdal can help these symptoms from returning.
 

When and How to Take Risperdal

The following are some general considerations for when and how to take Risperdal:
 
  • Risperdal comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once or twice a day.
     
  • Risperdal can be taken with or without food. If Risperdal bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Risperdal also comes in a liquid form and in orally disintegrating tablets that dissolve rapidly in the mouth (Risperdal M-Tabs®). These products are helpful for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets. A long-acting injectable form (Risperdal Consta®) is also available.
     
  • Risperdal M-Tabs should be kept in their original foil blister until just before use. Carefully peel back the foil, as pushing the tablet through the foil can crush the delicate tablet. These tablets will dissolve rapidly in your mouth, without any need for water. These tablets should not be chewed, split, or crushed.
     
  • Risperdal should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For Risperdal to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Risperdal will not work if you stop taking it.
 
(Risperdal Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;