Risperdal

Overview

About Risperdal

Brand name:

Risperdal

Generic name: Risperidone

Why is Risperdal prescribed?

Risperdal is prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder that can cause delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations. It is also used for the short-term treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder. Risperdal is thought to work by muting the impact of dopamine and serotonin, two of the brain's key chemical messengers.

Most important fact about Risperdal

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Risperdal may cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition that causes involuntary muscle spasms and twitches in the face and body. This condition can become permanent and is most common among older people, especially women. Tell your doctor immediately if you begin to have any involuntary movement. You may need to discontinue Risperdal therapy.

How should you take Risperdal?

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Do not take more or less of this medication than prescribed. Higher doses are more likely to cause unwanted side effects.

Risperdal may be taken with or without food.

Risperdal oral solution comes with a calibrated pipette to use for measuring. The oral solution can be taken with water, coffee, orange juice, and low-fat milk, but not with cola drinks or tea.

Risperdal orally disintegrating tablets (M-Tabs) come in blister packs and should not be removed from the package until you are ready to take them. When it's time for your dose, use dry fingers to peel back the foil of the blister pack to remove the tablet; do not push the tablet through the foil because this could damage the tablet. Immediately place the tablet on your tongue. The medication dissolves in the mouth quickly and can be swallowed with or without liquid. You should not split or chew the orally disintegrating tablets.

If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.