What is Risperdal (Risperidone) prescribed for?

Schizophrenia is a disorder that includes various symptoms such as distorted thoughts, hallucinations, and feelings of fright and paranoia. It is a chronic disease and affects the way a person thinks, acts and expresses emotions and perceives reality. Whereas people with bipolar suffer from moods swings that can shift from depression o mania. It is a very serious condition and can cause risky behavior, and suicidal tendencies.

Risperidone is used to treat mental and mood disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autistic disorder.  In taking this medication, it can help you think clearly and take part in everyday life. Risperidone belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. It works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substances within the brain

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this medication, consult with your doctor or pharmacist on the matter. Take this medication directly has prescribed, and make sure to read the instructions on the prescription label.  And if you have any concerns, speak with your medical professional.

This medication is taken by mouth, usually once a day and can be taken with or without food.

Remember the dosage is based on your age, medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. And be sure to tell your doctor of any medications you may be currently using which includes; prescription drugs, non prescription drugs, and any herbal products.  Plus to reduce the risk of any side effects your doctor may start this medication at a lower dose only to gradually raise it over time.

Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic Risperidone; or to any other medications or allergies in general. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, seizures, difficulty swallowing, low white blood cell count, Parkinson's disease, dementia, certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma), personal or family history of diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol/triglyceride levels, breathing trouble during sleep (sleep apnea).

Risperidone may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using risperidone, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using risperidone safely.                               

While minor, some of these side effects may occur. They are as follows; Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, drooling, nausea, weight gain, or tiredness may occur. However if any of these persist or worsen, it’s best to speak with your doctor right away.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: difficulty swallowing, muscle spasms, shaking (tremor), mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, restlessness), interrupted breathing during sleep.

This medication may rarely make your blood sugar rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

This drug may also cause significant weight gain and a rise in your blood cholesterol (or triglyceride) levels. These effects, along with diabetes, may increase your risk for developing heart disease. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. (See also Notes section.)

Risperidone may rarely cause a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, this condition may be permanent. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any unusual/uncontrolled movements (especially of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, arms or legs).

This medication may increase a certain natural substance (prolactin) made by your body. For females, this increase in prolactin may result in unwanted breast milk, missed/stopped periods, or difficulty becoming pregnant. For males, it may result in decreased sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: severe dizziness, fainting, seizures.

This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness, severe tiredness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, dark urine, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever that doesn't go away, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

What is Risperdal?

In taking this medication it will help you think clearly and take part in everyday life. So exactly what is Risperidone? This is a medication that is used to treat various mental and mood disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, irritability associated with autistic disorder. How does risperidone work? When taken, this medication goes to work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances found within the brain. This medication comes in six different strengths which are 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, 3mg, and 4mg. If you have any questions regarding this medication or any inquiries in general, feel free to give us a call at our toll free number 1-877-385-8998.     

How long does Risperdal take to work?

It may take up to four to six weeks before you see the full benefit of this medication.  Although, some patients have seen signs of improvement within the first week. So the question as to how long does risperidone take to work varies from one person to the next. Just be sure to stay in touch with your doctor while on this medication.     

How long does Risperdal stay in your system?

Generally, once you stop taking Risperdal, it may take 4 to 5 days for it to be completely eliminated from your system.

What are the side effects of Risperdal?

Some of the more common side effects are listed as follows; Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired, tremors, twitching or uncomfortable muscle movements, agitation, anxiety, restless feeling, depressed mood, dry mouth, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, weight gain, or any cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat. Keep in mind that these are not all of the side effects listed for this medication, and if you are experiencing any of these be sure to inform your doctor if they persist or worsen.

What is the generic name for Risperdal?

The generic name of Risperdal is known as Risperidone. It was approved as a generic, for medical use in the year 2008.

How much does Risperdal cost?

Risperdal falls under Medicare’s Tier 1 of their formulary. This means most medications that fall in this category are usually inexpensive generics. However you can still find a more affordable option on an online Canadian Pharmacy such as My Drug Center. We do have a starting price of $57.00 for 100 pills.

When did Risperdal come out?

Study on this medication began in the late 1980s and it was approved for medical use in the United States in 1993.