Risperidone

About risperidone

Risperidone works by correcting the imbalance of chemical substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Before taking risperidone

Before taking risperidone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from heart, circulation, liver or kidney problems.
• If you have had a stroke or a "mini-stroke" (transient ischaemic attack or TIA).
• If you suffer from diabetes, epilepsy or Parkinson's disease.
• If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure) or hypertension (high blood pressure).
• If you have not had treatment with risperidone before either as tablets, orodispersible tablets, oral liquid or injection.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take risperidone

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take risperidone exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Risperidone tablets can be taken with or without food. Swallow the correct number of tablets with some liquid.
• If you have been prescribed risperidone liquid it can be added to mineral water, orange juice or black coffee before being drunk, immediately.
• If you have been prescribed risperidone orodispersible tablets they should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve before swallowing.
• Try to take risperidone at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember then continue taking it at the usual times. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose and continue as normal. Never take two doses at the same time to make up.
• Do not stop taking risperidone without speaking to your doctor first.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of risperidone contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside risperidone.
• Try to avoid alcohol as it will increase feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effects on you.
• Keep your regular appointment with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking risperidone.

Can risperidone cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other side-effects may include weight-gain, sleeplessness, agitation and anxiety (worry).

Less common side-effects are constipation, feeling or being sick, indigestion, tummy pain, discharge from the nipples, irregular menstrual periods, breast enlargement, sexual problems, sustained erection, a need to urinate (pass water) more often.

If you develop a high temperature, stiffness or uncontrollable movements of the body, contact your doctor immediately.

How to store risperidone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

Important information about all medicines