Risperdal (generic name: Risperidone) is a compound, which belongs to a new class of antipsychotic agents. Risperdal is generally well-tolerated.
Risperdal is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. These include first episode psychoses, acute schizophrenic exacerbations, chronic schizophrenia and other psychotic conditions, in which positive symptoms (such as hallucinations, delusions, thought disturbances, hostility, suspiciousness), and/or negative symptoms (such as blunted effect, emotional and social withdrawal, poverty of speech) are prominent.
Risperdal is also indicated for the treatment and long term control of mania in bipolar disorder. These episodes are characterised by symptoms such as elevated, expansive or irritable mood, inflated self esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressured speech, racing thoughts, distractability, or poor judgement, including disruptive or aggressive behaviours.
Risperdal also alleviates affective symptoms (such as depression, guilt-feelings, anxiety) associated with schizophrenia.
Risperdal is also indicated for the treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia such as aggressiveness (verbal outburst, physical violence), activity disturbance (agitation, wandering) or psychotic symptoms.
Risperdal is also indicated for the treatment of conduct and other disruptive behaviours such as aggression, impulsiveness and self-injury in children (over 5 years old), adolescents and adults who are intellectually disabled.
Risperdal is indicated for the treatment of autism in children and adolescents.
Risperdal also appears effective in maintaining the clinical improvement during continuation therapy.
Risperdal helps to correct a chemical imbalance in the brain associated with these conditions.
Risperdal is not addictive.
Recommendations
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Risperdal exactly as directed.
Take Risperdal by mouth with or without food. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. Take Risperdal at around the same time(s) every day. Risperdal tablets should be swallowed with water or other liquid. Risperdal oral solution should be mixed with a non-alcoholic drink. Mineral water, orange juice, coffee and milk are suitable. Do not use tea.
Take Risperdal on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Risperdal at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
It may take several weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of Risperdal. Continue to take Risperdal even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Risperdal without talking to your doctor.
Avoid excessive eating.
If you forget to take Risperdal, take the missed dose as soon as you remember instead of your next dose. Then go back to taking it as you would normally. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed. If you forget to take Risperdal for 5 days or more, tell your doctor before starting your medicine again.
Keep Risperdal tablets at room temperature. The oral solution should not be refrigerated.
Precautions
Before you start to use it, tell your doctor if you are allergic to Risperdal or other medicines; also if you have: heart or blood vessel diseases, including low blood pressure; kidney or liver problems; diabetes, or dehydration; Parkinson's disease; dementia or Lewy body dementia; epilepsy; breast cancer; disease of the pituitary gland; Tardive dyskinesia or Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome; if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, or you are breast-feeding.
Description