Risperdal Consta
Generic Name:
Risperidone
Brand Names:
Risperdal Consta
Risperdal Consta Description:
Risperdal Consta belongs to a class of drugs known as selective monoaminergic antagonists and is used in the treatment of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. While the exact mechanisms of Risperdal Consta are unknown, many experts believe the antipsychotic medication works by acting on certain neurotransmitter receptors in the brain and blocking the chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which are considered key elements in attention and memory and may exist in imbalanced amounts in patients with psychotic disorders.
Risperdal Consta Side Effects:
The most common side effects associated with Risperdal Consta include:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Facial tics
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Pain in the arms or legs
- Restlessness
- Rigid muscles
- Tremor
- Weight gain
This medication may be associated with other, more serious side effects.
For more information, see our Risperdal Consta side effects page.
Risperdal Consta Uses:
Risperdal Consta is used to treat schizophrenia, a chronic psychotic disorder characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, emotional unresponsiveness and social withdrawal.
Risperdal Consta is also used alone or alongside other medications such as lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a condition in which patients experience intense mood swings, which oscillate between episodes of severe mania and episodes of severe depression.
Risperdal Consta Interactions:
Patients should speak with their doctor about the use of any medications, vitamins or supplements before taking Risperdal Consta.
The following medications may interact with Risperdal Consta:
- Adrenergic inhibitors
- Alpha blockers
- Antacids
- Beta blockers
- Diuretics
- Epilepsy medications
- Other antipsychotic medications
- Parkinson’s disease medications
- Viagra
Risperdal Consta Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Risperdal Consta is a long acting injection and is generally administered by a health care professional. The typical dosage for patients with schizophrenia is 25 mg administered once every two weeks. Your doctor may increase this dosage if necessary; however it should never exceed 50 mg. The typical dosage for patients with bipolar disorder is also 25 mg administered every two weeks. This dosage may be increased by your doctor if needed; however it also should never exceed 50 mg.
A lower dosage of 12.5 mg, administered every two weeks, may be arranged for patients with a history of liver or kidney problems.
Patients who have not previously taken an oral version of Risperdal may be required to do so before beginning treatment with Risperdal Consta in order to establish tolerability of the drug.
Missing a Dose of Risperdal Consta
Risperdal Consta should be administered by a health care provider. It is very important to keep all doctor appointments and ensure you return to receive an injection of Risperdal Consta every two weeks. Talk to your doctor if you are unable to do so.
Risperdal Consta Overdose
Because Risperdal Consta is administered by a health care professional, the risk of experiencing an overdose is relatively low. However, if you have received an overdose of this medication, immediate medical attention should be obtained to prevent the possibility of complications.
Risperdal Consta FDA Approval:
October 29, 2003
Risperdal Consta Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Warning Information:
Risperdal Consta, like other antipsychotic medications, carries a black box warning relating the dangers the medication poses to elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Such patients are at an increased risk of fatality if treated with Risperdal Consta. Consequently, Risperdal Consta is not approved for use in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Other Warnings
Risperdal Consta also carries the risk of other serious complications such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome and tardive dyskinesia. Patients or caregivers should discuss these risks before beginning treatment.
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March 5, 2010, 9:38 am
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March 4, 2010, 9:08 am
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March 2, 2010, 5:46 pm
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