Before using risperidone depot injection

Before taking risperidone depot injection 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 "mini-stroke" (Transient Ischaemic Attack or TIA).
• If you suffer from diabetes, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease or hypertension (high blood pressure).
• If you have not had treatment with risperidone before either as 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 use risperidone depot injection

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Risperidone depot will be administered by your doctor or nurse.

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 in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Keep your regular appointment with your doctor so your progress can be checked. Always check with your doctor if you decide to stop treatment.
• If you miss an injection you should tell your doctor or nurse because it should be given as soon as possible.
• If you think that you have been given more than you should have, or if you think that you have been given more than one injection every two weeks, contact a doctor or hospital straight away.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are being treated with risperidone depot injection.
• Risperidone may cause lightheadness and dizziness when getting up from a lying or sitting position, particularly when you begin treatment. Getting up slowly may help. If the problem continues or gets worse, speak with your doctor.

Can risperidone depot injection 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.

The area where you have had the injection can sometimes become painful, red and swollen or lumpy. If this happens and becomes too uncomfortable tell your doctor.

Other side-effects may include depression, fatigue, weight-gain, sleeplessness, excess saliva, agitation or slowness of movement, 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.

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

How to store risperidone depot injection

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines