Risperidone tablet

What is this medicine?

RISPERIDONE is an antipsychotic. It is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and some symptoms of autism.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood disorder or disease
• dementia
• diabetes or a family history of diabetes
• difficulty swallowing
• heart disease or previous heart attack
• history of brain tumor or head injury
• history of breast cancer
• irregular heartbeat or low blood pressure
• kidney or liver disease
• Parkinson's disease
• phenylketonuria
• seizures (convulsions)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to risperidone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Peel back the foil to expose the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil because this could damage the tablet. After removing the tablet from the package, the tablet should be taken immediately. It cannot be stored once it is removed from the package. These tablets are made to dissolve in the mouth. Place the tablet on the tongue and allow it to dissolve, then swallow. Do not split or chew the tablet. While you may take these tablets with water, it is not necessary to do so. 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.

What if I miss a dose?

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.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride
• droperidol
• sparfloxacin

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• arsenic trioxide
• carbamazepine
• certain medicines for the hormonal treatment of cancer
• certain quinolone antibiotics like gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin
• clarithromycin
• levodopa and other medications for Parkinson's disease
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for irregular heartbeats
• medicines for seizures (convulsions)
• medicines for sleep or sedation
• other medicines for mental anxiety, depression or psychotic disturbances
• pentamidine
• prescription pain medications
• rifampin
• ritonavir

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.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Only stop taking this medicine on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

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. You can get a hangover effect the morning after a bedtime dose.

Do not treat yourself for colds, diarrhea or allergies. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice, some nonprescription medicines may increase possible side effects.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• aching muscles and joints
• confusion
• excessive thirst and/or hunger
• fainting spells
• fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• frequently needing to urinate
• loss of balance, difficulty walking or falls
• stiffness, spasms, trembling

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• decreased sexual ability
• difficulty sleeping
• drowsiness or dizziness
• increase or decrease in saliva
• nausea, vomiting
• weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 to 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.