Risperdal
Generic Name:
Risperidone
Brand Names:
Risperdal, Risperdal M-Tab, Risperidone orally disintegrating tablets, Risperidone oral solution, Risperidone tablets
Risperdal Description:
Risperdal is a psychotropic, “atypical antipsychotic” medication that belongs in the benzisoxazole derivative class of chemicals. The drug is typically used to treat schizophrenia in adults as well as adolescents between 13 and 17 years of age. It may also be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat bipolar mania and other mental health disorders.
Risperdal Uses:
Risperdal is primarily used for the treatment of acute schizophrenia in both adults and adolescents between 13 and 17 years of age. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is characterized by a distorted perception of reality. It is possible for the condition to affect all five of the senses, but patients suffering from schizophrenia most commonly experience symptoms including altered thinking, auditory hallucinations, disorganized speech, and paranoid delusions.
Although the condition most often presents itself in adulthood, it is possible to be diagnosed at a younger age and be treated with Risperdal.
Risperdal may also be used in combination with medications such as lithium and valproate to treat bipolar mania in adults as well as in children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 17. Bipolar mania is also a mental disorder, but it is characterized by alternating feelings of depression and euphoria. During periods of depression, bipolar mania patients may experience a change in sleep patterns, loss of interest in favorite activities, and suicidal thoughts.
While in the manic state, on the other hand, patients may experience feelings of euphoria, increased energy levels, intrusive behavior, lack of judgment, racing thoughts, and restlessness. During the manic stage, patients with bipolar mania may become overly irritable, may speak rapidly or may think they have a greater amount of power or capabilities than they actually have. Risperdal helps even out these moods so patients do not experience major mood swings.
Risperdal may also be used to treat irritability in children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 16 who suffer from autism. More specifically, the drug is used to treat autistic children and adolescents who experience aggressive behavior toward others, rapid mood changes, self-injurious behavior, or temper tantrums.
Risperdal Interactions:
Drug interactions may exist if you are currently taking carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), Phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), clozapine (Clozaril), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater), or medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease such as levodopa, bromocriptine, pergolide, pramipexole, or ropinirole.
Other medications may interact with Risperdal that are not listed here.
Risperdal Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Risperdal may be administered in tablet form, as a disintegrating tablet, or as an oral solution. Dosages vary, but range from 0.25 mg to 4 mg, with the oral solution in the form of 1 mg/mL. In adults being treated for schizophrenia, the drug is typically administered once or twice per day, with the total recommended dosage being anywhere from 4 to 8 mg per day. Dosages over 6 mg twice per day have not been demonstrated to be more effective than lower dosages. Adolescents beginning Risperdal treatment are typically started with 0.5 mg dosages once per day in either the morning or the evening. If necessary, adjustments can be made by increasing the dosage in 0.5 to 1 mg intervals up to 3 mg per day.
Missing a Dose:
If you miss a dose of Risperdal, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and wait to resume your normal scheduled doses.
Overdosing:
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have overdosed. Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, fainting, lightheadedness, fast heart rate, and restless muscle movements in the eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck.
Risperdal FDA Approval:
Tablet form approved December 29, 1993; oral solution form approved June 10, 1996; disintegrating tablet approved April 2, 2003.
Risperdal Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
A Black Box warning on Risperdal warns consumers that atypical antipsychotics like Risperdal may increase the risk of death in dementia patients. The mechanism is not fully understood, but the risk of mortality associated with these drugs has been noticed with cardiovascular or infectious complications.
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