Risperidone Solution for injection Health Article

Generic name(s):

Risperidone Solution for injection

Brand name(s):

Risperdal, Risperdal Consta, Risperdal M-Tab, Risperidone

What is this medicine?

RISPERIDONE (ris PER i done) is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood disorder or disease
• dementia
• diabetes or a family history of diabetes
• difficulty swallowing
• heart disease or previous heart attack
• history of brain tumor or head injury
• history of breast cancer
• irregular heartbeat or low blood pressure
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• Parkinson's disease
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to risperidone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Try to keep any appointments for your injections. Usually, this medicine is given every 2 weeks. Contact your health care provider for instructions if you miss an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride
• droperidol
• sparfloxacin

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• arsenic trioxide
• carbamazepine
• certain medicines for the hormonal treatment of cancer
• certain quinolone antibiotics like gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin
• clarithromycin
• levodopa and other medications for Parkinson's disease
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for irregular heartbeats
• medicines for seizures
• medicines for sleep or sedation
• other medicines for mental anxiety, depression or psychotic disturbances
• pentamidine
• prescription pain medications
• rifampin
• ritonavir

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not treat yourself for colds, diarrhea or allergies. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice, some nonprescription medicines may increase possible side effects.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.