Risperidone: Drug Information

Generic name: Risperdal

Other names: Regrace, Respidon, Risclam, Risina, Risdone, Risolla, Rispid, Sizodon, Sycodone

Drug Class: Benzisoxazole, Antipsychotic

Uses of Risperidone:

Risperidone is an antipsychotic drug that is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and its associated symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and aggression. It has also proved beneficial for treating Tourette’s syndrome and certain behavioral problems associated with mental retardation. One of the biggest advantages of Risperidone is that is lesslikely to cause extrapyramidal effects as compared to other antipsychotics.

Dosage:

Risperidone is a prescription drug and must be taken as prescribed by your doctor at regular intervals everyday. You must also not stop taking the medication abruptly without the consent of your doctor as it may worsen some of the symptoms of the disorder you are being treated for. The drug can be ingested with or without food.

Warning and Precautions:

Risperidone should not be taken in case you are allergic to it. Caution is advised when administering this drug to patients identified with an alpha blockade as it may result in orthostatic hypotension. You must tell your doctor if you have been diagnosed with or have a history of cardiovascular disease, kidney or liver disease or epilepsy. You should discontinue taking this drug immediately in case signs or symptoms of tardive dyskinesia make an appearance. Pregnant and lactating women should also tell their doctor before taking Risperidone. Close drug monitoring may be required when giving this medicine to the elderly. Risperidone should not be give to elderly patients I case they are diagnosed with dementia-related psychosis as it may result in death.

Side effects of Risperidone:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication include agitation, orthostatic hypotension, anxiety, dizziness, headache, somnolence, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, blurred vision, erectile dysfunction, priapism, rhinitis, appearance of skin rash, allergic reactions and menstrual disorders.

Overdose:

In case of an overdose of the medication, you must report to your doctor at the earliest or contact your local poison control center.