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Risperidone ( Risperdal
)
Risperidone ( Risperdal ) is an antipsychotic drug used in the treatment
of disorganized or psychotic thinking. Risperidone ( Risperdal
) is used to treat aggression, false perceptions, Tourette's
syndrome, or behavioral problems in persons with mental retardation.
THIS DRUG MAY CAUSE NEUROLEPTIC
MALIGNANT SYNDROME.
CLASS: Benzisoxazole Derivative.
Generic name: Risperidone.
Type: Antipsychotic.
Strengths:
Oral Solution:
1mg per ml.
Tables:
1mg , 2mg, 3mg, 4mg.
Dosages: Actual dosage must be determined
by a physician.
Normal dosage:
If under 18 years of age, DO
NOT USE!
18 to 60 years of age, 1mg two times daily.
Over 60 years of age, 0.5mg two times daily, increased
cautiously in one week intervals.
Oral:
Start: 1mg 2 times daily.
Increases: 1mg increase after two days and another 1mg on the third
day, for a total of 3mg 2 times daily.
Maximum: 6mg in 24 hours.
Problems with:
Liver Function:
Lower dosage.
Kidney Function: Lower dosage.
Test:
Before taking: Electrocardiogram.
While taking: Blood pressure twice a week.
Take With: With or without
food.
Full Benefits In: One to two
weeks.
Missed Dose(s): If within
one hour take, if over an hour skip and then continue on your
normal schedule.
Never Take a Double Dose!
If Stop Taking: Do not stop
without consulting your physician and never abruptly.
Overdose symptoms include:
Low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, or sleepiness.
Warnings
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium should not
be taken one hour before taking this drug and never right after.
Only take this drug and Heterocyclic
antidepressants with careful monitoring. Also check with your
physician if you are taking central nervous system depressants like
antihistamines, hay fever medicines, sedatives, narcotics,
anesthetics, barbiturates, or muscle relaxants. Also
check with your physician if you are taking a vasodilator (drug
that dilate blood vessels.)
The habit-forming potential is none, but long term use
may lead to Tardive Dyskinesia.
Do not take this drug if you are pregnant ( Only
take if the mother's or baby's live is endangered. )
Do not take this drug if planning to become pregnant.
Do not take if you are breast-feeding.
Do not give this drug to children. Only use drug
in small doses at first if over sixty and with close monitoring.
Also if over sixty be careful when standing up because blood pressure
may be lowered enough to impair balance.
If you smoke blood levels of this drug need to be taken.
Smoking drops this drugs level in the blood.
Do not use if:
You had negative reactions to this drug in the past or if you have a
history of NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME.
Inform your Doctor if:
You had negative reactions to this drug in the past. If you have
a history of asthma, breast cancer, epilepsy, heart
rhythm disturbances, liver / kidney disease, Parkinson's
disease, seizures, or Tardive Dyskinesia. If you
are taking any other prescription or non-prescription drug. If
you plan to be under anesthesia or having any surgery in the next few
months, also if you will be under-going any medical tests.
If you are on a special diet ( low-salt / low-sugar or any other.)
Risperidone ( Symptoms or Effects
)
Common: Lethargy / sleepiness, low blood
pressure, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation,
weight gain, difficulty urinating, nasal irritation / stuffiness,
or stiffness.
Rare: Dizziness, racing heartbeat / palpitations,
weakness, sexual problems, restlessness, skin
rash, seizures, low white blood cell count, tremors,
involuntary facial / tongue movements, or reduced urinary output.
See physician always: Low blood pressure,
dizziness, racing heartbeat / palpitations, weakness,
sexual problems, restlessness, skin rash, stiffness,
seizures, low white blood cell count, tremors, reduced
urinary output, difficulty urinating, or involuntary facial
/ tongue movements. nasal irritation / stuffiness,
See physician if severe: Blurred vision,
constipation, dry mouth, Lethargy / sleepiness, or
weight gain.
See physician NOW: Low white blood cell
count, reduced urinary output, or skin rash.
Stop taking and see physician
NOW: Seizures.
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