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Risperdal
Risperdal ® ( risperidone) is a prescription medication that is used to treat the following conditions:
Risperdal is manufactured by Janssen, L.P.
Risperdal belongs to a group of medications called atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely known how the drug works for the treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, it is known to block or lessen the effects of several chemicals in the brain. These chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin) may be elevated in people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), or autism.
In previous clinical studies of Risperdal for the treatment of schizophrenia, people taking the drug experienced improvements in their symptoms of schizophrenia (including hallucinations and suspiciousness), compared to those not taking it. Longer studies also showed that Risperdal can help keep symptoms from returning.
Previous clinical studies have also shown Risperdal to be effective at treating bipolar disorder. In these studies, the medication was effective at treating episodes of mania or mixed episodes (which involve symptoms of both mania and depression). It 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 the drug experienced fewer behavior problems, including aggression, self-harm, temper tantrums, and quickly changing moods. Longer studies also showed that it can help keep these symptoms from returning.
The following are some general considerations for when and how to take Risperdal:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once or twice a day.
- Risperdal can be taken with or without food. If the medication 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 it. These tablets will dissolve rapidly in your mouth, without any need for water. They should not be chewed, split, or crushed.
- The medication should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For Risperdal to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Risperdal your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age and weight
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Risperdal
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Risperdal. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Risperdal Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Risperdal?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Risperdal may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Drowsiness
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Shakiness, uncontrollable muscle contractions, or other unusual body movements
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Seizures
- Loss of life.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Risperdal Be Stored?
Risperdal should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets and liquid should be stored in an airtight container. Keep Risperdal M-Tabs in their original foil packaging until just before use.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Risperdal as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
- Risperdal 0.25 mg
- Risperdal 0.5 mg
- Risperdal 1 mg
- Risperdal 2 mg
- Risperdal 3 mg
- Risperdal 4 mg.
Orally disintegrating Risperdal M-Tabs are available in the following strengths:
- Risperdal M-Tab 0.5 mg
- Risperdal M-Tab 1 mg
- Risperdal M-Tab 2 mg
- Risperdal M-Tab 3 mg
- Risperdal M-Tab 4 mg.
There is also a 0.25 mg orally disintegrating tablet for generic (but not brand-name) Risperdal. Risperdal liquid comes in one strength -- Risperdal Oral Solution 1 mg per mL.
A long-acting injectable form (Risperdal Consta®) is also available.
Are There Any Alternatives?
Not all of the medications listed here are approved to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or autism. However, they are commonly used " off-label" for this use. In fact, Risperdal is the only medication approved to treat irritability due to autism.
Risperdal is currently available in generic form (see Generic Risperdal for more information).
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List of references (click here)
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Risperdal [package insert]. Titusville, NJ: Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.;2009 July. Risperdal Consta [package insert]. Titusville, NJ: Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.;2009 May. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Electronic orange book: approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. FDA Web site. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/ob/. Accessed May 8, 2009. Buehler, Gary. ANDA approval letter (6/30/2008). Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/appletter/2008/076228s000ltr.pdf. Accessed July 29, 2008. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Yaffe SJ. Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 7th ed. Philadelphia (PA): Lippincott Williams & Wilkins;2005. National Library of Medicine (US). Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMED). NLM Web site. Available at: http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT. Accessed May 4, 2007.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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