Product Details: Risperdal Solution (Risperidone)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Janssen-Cilag

Generic Options - Manufacturer: Generic

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an antipsychotic agent used to treat emotional and mood disorders. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Use the dropper that comes with this medicine to measure your dose. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure this dose. Take this medicine with water, coffee, orange juice, or low-fat milk. DO NOT take this medicine with cola or tea. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Taking this medicine at the same time(s) each day will help you remember. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS, DIZZINESS, lightheadedness, blurred vision, or fainting. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of these effects. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since risk of heatstroke may be increased. PATIENTS WHO HAVE BIPOLAR (MANIC-DEPRESSIVE) ILLNESS, or if their family members have had it, may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; depressed mood; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur. NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by this medicine. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms. SOME PATIENTS WHO TAKE THIS MEDICINE MAY DEVELOP MUSCLE MOVEMENTS THAT THEY CANNOT CONTROL. Tell your doctor at once if you have muscle problems with your arms; legs; or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (eg, tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering, chewing movements) while taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE the amount of a certain hormone (prolactin) in your blood. Symptoms may include enlarged breasts, missed menstrual period, decreased sexual ability, or nipple discharge. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING DIABETES OR CAUSE HYPERGLYCEMIA (high blood sugar). Symptoms of hyperglycemia include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, weakness, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR MEN: This medicine may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. Contact your doctor right away if this happens. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include anxiety; constipation; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; fatigue; headache; increased appetite; increased saliva production; indigestion; lightheadedness; nausea; restlessness; runny nose; stomach pain or upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting; or weight gain. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience abnormal thoughts; confusion; drooling; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; inability to control urination; increased sweating; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, aggression, agitation, depression, severe anxiety); seizures; severe dizziness; stiff or rigid muscles; suicidal thoughts or attempts; symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; unusual weakness); tremor; trouble concentrating, speaking, or swallowing; trouble sitting still; trouble walking or standing; uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, arm or leg movements, twitching of the face or tongue, jerking or twisting); unusual bruising; or vision changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE IS UNLIKELY, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; or unusual hoarseness This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Active Ingredients

Risperidone