Risperidone is an antipsychotic medicine that focuses on the chemicals found in the brain. It can help treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability caused by autism. Risperidone oral tablet is available as a generic and brand-name drug. Common brands can include Risperdal, Risperdal Consta, and Risperdal M-TAB. A prescription is needed for this drug. Here we will be discussing the warnings and side effects associated with this medicine. Ask your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about this medicine.
Please note that I am not a doctor. Although this article has undergone extensive research to try to provide accurate and up-to-date information, do not replace this passage with the advice of your doctor. Contact your doctor for a professional opinion to discuss your condition and the effects of this medicine.
How does it work?
Risperidone can be used as a tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet, and as an oral solution. It can also be used as an injection. For the purpose of this article, we will look at the oral tablet specifically.
This medicine works as an atypical antipsychotic, which is a group of drugs that can treat similar conditions. Risperidone affects and changes the chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. These chemicals happen naturally in the brain, but when there is an imbalance, it can lead to certain conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism. Risperidone is meant to balance and stabilize these chemicals.
Risperidone for Fibromyalgia
According to the National Institutes of Health, antipsychotics like risperidone have shown some promise in treating fibromyalgia:
First- and second-generation antipsychotics have shown analgesic properties both in an experimental setting and in humans, although most of the available evidence for the treatment of human pain concerns older antipsychotics and involves clinical trials performed several decades ago.
While more study is required, it may be worth asking your doctor if an antipsychotic like risperidone would be beneficial in your treatment.
Warnings
As with every medication, there are some warnings to consider before taking risperidone:
Allergies
Do not use risperidone if you have experienced any allergic reactions to this drug. If you are using risperidone currently and believe to be experiencing any allergic reactions, call your doctor immediately. While taking this drug, if you believe to be experiencing any severe or life-threatening effects, stop using risperidone and call 911 as soon as possible. An allergic reaction to risperidone can involve: hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. If you are using risperidone while pregnant, your doctor may track your progress and the effects of the drug as well as ask for regular check-ups. It is also important to note that this medicine can affect your fertility and impact your ability to have children. Contact your doctor before starting or stopping any medicine.
Breast Feeding
It is recommended to not breast feed while taking risperidone. The medicine can transfer from you to your child through the breast milk and cause unwanted effects. If your baby shows any signs of drowsiness, tremors, or involuntary muscle movements, stop taking risperidone and call your doctor immediately.
Children
Do not give risperidone to your children without the doctor’s request. Keep this drug out of the reach of both children and animals. Children can be prescribed risperidone by their doctor depending on their condition. In fact, risperidone can help treat schizophrenia in children at least 13 years old. It can also be prescribed to autistic children who are at least five years old to help treat irritability.
Dementia
Older adults with dementia-related conditions should avoid risperidone. This drug can increase the risk of death in older patients who have dementia-related conditions. Therefore, this drug may not be right for you. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate use of this drug in order to find out what is best for you.
Other Conditions
Other risks can arise if you have any of the following conditions:
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- seizures
- heart problems
- diabetes
- low white blood cell counts
- breast cancer
- low bone mineral density
- trouble swallowing
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Let your doctor know if you have or experienced any of the conditions listed above in order to make sure whether or not this medicine is safe for you.
Side Effects
Make sure to contact your doctor as soon as you experience any side effects. If your symptoms worsen or appear to be life-threatening, call 911 immediately. Here is a list of possible side effects of risperidone:
- breast swelling or tenderness
- lack of interest in sex
- twitching or uncontrolled muscle movements
- stiff muscles
- fever
- excessive sweating
- low levels of white blood cells
- low levels of platelets in the blood
- high blood sugar
- increased urination
- headache
- dizziness
- confusion
- tiredness
- uneven or fast heartbeats
- anxiety
- depression
- dry mouth
- diarrhea
- weight gain
- sore throat
Keep your doctor updated on your reactions to the medicine, especially if you experience any of the side effects listed above. For a complete list, visit Mayo Clinic.
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