Risperdal (Risperidone)

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -dehydration -dementia -diabetes -difficulty swallowing -heart disease -history of breast cancer -history of stroke -irregular heartbeat -kidney disease -liver disease -low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts -low blood pressure -Parkinson's disease -seizures -an unusual or allergic reaction to risperidone, paliperidone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives -pregnant or trying to get pregnant -breast-feeding

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications: -cisapride -dextromethorphan; quinidine -dofetilide -dronedarone -metoclopramide -pimozide -quinidine -thioridazine This medicine may also interact with the following medications: -alcohol -certain medicines for anxiety or sleep -certain medicines for blood pressure -certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole. and voriconazole -certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin -fluoxetine -levodopa -other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm) -paroxetine -rifampin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Visit your doctor or healthcare professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks. This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise. If you notice an increased hunger or thirst, different from your normal hunger or thirst, or if you find that you have to urinate more frequently, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible. You may need to have your blood sugar monitored. This medicine may cause changes in your blood sugar levels. You should monitor you blood sugar frequently if you have diabetes.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: -allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue -abnormal production of milk -breast enlargement in both males and females -breathing problems -changes in emotions or moods -difficulty moving, slow movements, tremor -fever or chills, sore throat -males: prolonged, painful erection -missed or irregular menstrual periods -muscle pain, spasms -problems with balance, talking, walking -restlessness, pacing, inability to keep still -seizures -signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; palpitations; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; breathing problems -signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as dizziness; dry mouth; dry skin; fruity breath; nausea; stomach pain; increased hunger or thirst; increased urination -signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired -signs and symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome such as confusion; fast or irregular heart beat; high fever; increased sweating; stiff muscles -signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia such as uncontrollable head, neck, arm, or leg movements -sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg -tremor -trouble swallowing Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): -constipation -dry mouth -drowsiness -tiredness -trouble sleeping -upset stomach -weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.