Risperidone Information: Understanding Its Uses, Dosage, Potential Side Effects, and Beyond
Risperidone is a prescription drug used to treat several mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and irritability associated with autistic disorder. Manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, the drug is available as a brand-name drug called Risperdal and as a generic drug.
Risperidone works by affecting the amount of certain chemicals called neurotransmitters that occur naturally in your brain. The dosage of risperidone depends on various factors, such as age, condition being treated, severity of condition, other medical conditions, and reaction to the first dose.
Risperidone comes in several forms, including regular tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and an oral solution, as well as an injection. However, for people with phenylketonuria (PKU), the orally disintegrating tablet should not be taken as it contains phenylalanine.
For people with kidney problems, the starting dosage and increases may be lower than for those without these conditions. Similarly, for people with liver disease, the starting dosage and increases may also be lower.
One of the common side effects of risperidone includes parkinsonism, akathisia, dystonia, tremors, sleepiness and fatigue, dizziness, anxiety, blurred vision, abdominal pain or discomfort, drooling, dry mouth, increased appetite or weight gain, rash, stuffy nose, upper respiratory tract infections, and inflammation of the nose and throat.
However, risperidone can also cause serious side effects. For instance, it carries a black box warning due to an increased risk of death in seniors with dementia. Serious side effects can include death from infection and stroke in older adults with dementia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, hyperglycemia, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood prolactin levels, orthostatic hypotension, low white blood cell count, trouble thinking, impaired judgment and motor skills, seizures, trouble swallowing, and priapism (painful erection lasting more than four hours).
Risperidone can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs, and it's important to discuss all medications with a doctor or pharmacist to avoid interactions. Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with risperidone include anxiety drugs, muscle relaxants, pain drugs, antihistamines, sedative/hypnotics, fluoxetine, paroxetine, clozapine, blood pressure drugs, and Parkinson's disease drugs.
For people with heart problems, risperidone may decrease blood pressure, potentially making heart conditions worse. Similarly, for people with diabetes, risperidone may increase blood sugar levels, potentially worsening the condition.
For people with Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia, they may be more sensitive to the effects of risperidone. Tardive dyskinesia, a serious condition causing uncontrollable movements, may be caused by risperidone.
Risperidone can also increase the risk of stroke or heart attack due to metabolic changes. It can cause a severe allergic reaction, with symptoms including trouble breathing and swelling of the throat or tongue.
For pregnant women, risperidone should be taken with caution as it may have negative effects on the fetus and cause withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies. Breastfeeding women should discuss the use of risperidone with their doctor, as the drug may pass into breast milk and cause side effects in the child.
Consuming alcohol while taking risperidone can increase the risk of drowsiness. Some insurance companies may require a prior authorization for risperidone. Kidney function, mental health and behavioral problems, liver function, blood sugar, cholesterol, weight, and clinical monitoring should be monitored regularly while taking risperidone.
It's crucial to remember that everyone's reaction to medication can vary, and it's essential to discuss all concerns with a healthcare provider. There are other drugs available to treat the conditions risperidone is used for. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.
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