Risperdal

Generic Name: Risperidone

US Brand Name: Risperdal

Other Brand/Trade Names: Risperidone is sold with the following brand names: Ridal, Rispolept, Belivon and Rispen.

Advantages

Atypical medications such as Risperidone have several advantages over traditional medications: fewer anticholinergic side-effects, less Parkinsonism and dystonia, very low risk of tardive dyskinesia and reversal of many 'negative symptoms' of schizophrenia such as affective blunting, withdrawal, and low motivation. These newer medications all appear to primarily influence dopamine receptors but they also appear to affect serotonin receptors that deal with frontal lobe functions.

Uses

Risperidone aids to treat schizophrenia, bipolar mania and autistic disorder.

Active Ingredients: Risperidone

Inactive Ingredients: Colloidal silicon dioxide, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, and starch (corn).

Dosage and Forms

Risperidone is supplied in tablets, oral solution and orally disintegrating tablets.

The dosage depends on the treated disease.

In case of schizophrenia:
Adults - initial dose id 2 mg a day. The dose can be increased at intrevals not less than 24hours, in increments of 1-2 mg a day, as tolerated, to a recommended dose of 4-8 mg/day.
Adolescents – initial dose is 0.5 mg once daily administrated either in the morning or evening. The dose can be increased at intrevals not less than 24hours, in increments of 0.5 or 1 mg/day, as tolerated, to a recommended dose of 3 mg a day.

In case of bipolar mania:
Adults – the initial dose is 2 mg to 3 mg per day. Dosage adjustments is allowed at intervals of not less than 24 hours and in dosage increments/decrements of 1 mg per day to a dose not higher than 6 mg..
Adolescents – initial dose is 0.5mg once daily, taken in either the morning or evening. Dosage adjustments, if needed, should occur at intervals not less than 24 hours, in increments of 0.5 or 1 mg/day, as tolerated, to a recommended dose of 2.5 mg/day.

In case of irritability associated with autistic disorder:
The safety and effectivness of Risperidone in pediatric patients with autistic disorder less than 5 years of age have not been established. The dosage depends on the patient’s weight. Initial dose for patients < 20 kg is 0.25 mg a day. Patients ≥ 20 kg should start with 0.5 mg a day. The dose can be increased after four days of treatment initiation. The recommended dose is 0.5 mg per day for patients < 20 kg and 1 mg per day for patients ≥ 20 kg.

Take your doses at regular intervals. Each dose should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. If an overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately.

Contraindications and Precautions

Risperidone is contraindicated or should be used with caution in patients with: history of brain tumor or head injury, history of breast cancer, irregular heartbeat, kidney or liver disease, low blood pressure, Parkinson's disease, Phenylketonuria, previous heart attack, seizures, an unusual or allergic reaction to risperidone, other medicines, foods, dyes, pregnant or trying to get pregnant, breast-feeding, frequently drink alcohol-containing, beverages, blood disorder or disease, dementia, diabetes and difficulty swallowing.

Side Effects

Side effects that should be reported to your healthcare professional include: fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), changes in vision, increased thirst or hunger, increased need to pass urine, loss of balance, difficulty walking or falls, confusion, aching muscles and joints, changes in vision, stiffness, spasms and trembling.

Interactions

Risperidone should not be taken along with medicines for: high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, sleep or sedation, treating seizures (convulsions), mental anxiety, depression or psychotic disturbances, prescription pain medications and infertility.

Medicines for the hormonal treatment of cancer and quinolone antibiotics for treating infections (gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin) also interact with Risperidone.