What is Risperdal: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Risperdal

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You may mix your dose with water, coffee, low-fat milk, or orange juice. Do not mix it with cola or tea.

• Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

• Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.

• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You may mix your dose with water, coffee, low-fat milk, or orange juice. Do not mix it with cola or tea.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Risperdal

Risperdal contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to risperidone or paliperidone.

Risperdal warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, Parkinson disease, trouble swallowing, or a history of breast cancer or seizures. Tell your doctor if you have heart failure, low blood pressure, or a history of a heart attack or stroke.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of strokeNeuroleptic malignant syndrome (a nerve disorder that could be life-threatening)Tardive dyskinesia (a muscle disorder that could become permanent)High blood sugar levels or high cholesterol levelsIncreased levels of prolactin hormoneIncreased risk of seizures

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or have trouble with thinking or controlling body movements, which may lead to falls, fractures, or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• This medicine may change how your body regulates temperature. Avoid activities that could cause you to become very cold, hot, or dehydrated.

• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some women who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Risperdal® M-Tab® contains aspartame (phenylalanine). If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Swelling of the breasts, breast soreness, nipple discharge (in both women and men)

• Trouble swallowing

Risperdal interactions

• Some medicines can affect how risperidone works. Tell your doctor if you are using carbamazepine, clozapine, fluoxetine, furosemide, levodopa, paroxetine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, quinidine, rifampin, or blood pressure medicine.

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

• This medicine may change how your body regulates temperature. Avoid activities that could cause you to become very cold, hot, or dehydrated.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Risperdal® M-Tab® contains aspartame (phenylalanine). If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.