Risperdal

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

rregular heartbeat or low blood pressure

kidney or liver disease

Parkinson's disease

seizures (convulsions)

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?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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 (convulsions)

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?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Only stop taking this medicine on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
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. You can get a hangover effect the morning after a bedtime dose.
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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

aching muscles and joints

confusion

excessive thirst and/or hunger

fainting spells

fast or irregular heartbeat

fever or chills, sore throat

frequently needing to urinate

loss of balance, difficulty walking or falls

stiffness, spasms, trembling

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

constipation

decreased sexual ability

difficulty sleeping

drowsiness or dizziness

ncrease or decrease in saliva

nausea, vomiting

weight gain

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.