Risperdal (Risperidone)

SHOULD NOT BE USED OR SHOULD BE USED CAREFULLY WHEN THERE IS

use of drugs for depression (within 2-5 weeks)

use of tranquilizers, drugs for tension (within 2-5 weeks)

use of other antipsychotic/neuroleptic drugs

use of sleeping pills, pain killers

use of heart and blood pressure pills, anti-convulsive drugs

use of alcohol

blood pressure or heart problems

epilepsy

breast cancer, pituitary tumour

liver or kidney disease

Parkinson's disease

pregnancy, nursing

often:
sleeplessness, agitation, anxiety

headache

weight gain

sometimes:
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (see Remember below)

tardive dyskinesia: uncontrolled movements of the tongue, mouth, arms and legs, which may be permanent and may come after stopping the drug (see Remember below)

seizures

blood pressure and heart problems

fainting, dizziness

sleepiness, fatigue

nervousness

lack of concentration

tremors, muscle problems

aggression

constipation, diarrhea

dry mouth

nausea, vomiting

stomach pain

sweating

eating problems

abnormal sight problems

menstrual problems

sexual problems

skin rash

rarely:
attempted suicide

psychosis

• This is one of a group of psychiatric drugs which causes a serious and sometimes fatal reaction called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. It may cause fever, rigid muscles, rapid heart beat, rapid breathing, sweating, shaking, seizures, and unconsciousness or coma. The death rate is 20%.

• This drug can also cause tardive dyskinesia (TD). The brain damage caused by TD can be permanent. If symptoms appear, the drug must be stopped. One of the early signs of TD is "worm-like" movement of the tongue. Stop the drug and see your doctor immediately if this happens to you.

• Risperdal should be used only when there is no other choice, and when there is obvious benefit. It should be given in the lowest dose for the shortest time possible.

• Nine percent of people using this drug have stopped due to side effects.

• You should not drive, operate machinery, play sports, or do dangerous things until you know what this drug does to you.

• Tell your nurse, doctor, pharmacist, or dentist about any other drugs you are taking before any new treatment. Check with them before you take any medicine, even if it isn't a prescription drug.

• Stop taking this drug and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the problems or conditions listed or anything unusual is happening, especially extreme sleepiness or heart problems. These may be signs of overdose.

• Withdrawal symptoms can be severe with psychiatric drugs. If you stop using this drug, do it slowly.

• This drug may be passed in mother's milk and affect unborn children. It should not be given to pregnant or nursing women.

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