COMMON USES:
Used to control hyperactivity, impulsivity, agitation, aggression, and self-injurious behaviors.
Also used to treat Psychosis and Schizophrenia (in 13-17 year olds).
HOW IT'S SUPPLIED:
0.25-, 0.5-, 1-, 2- , 3- , and 4- milligram tablets.
0.5-, 1- and 2- milligram M-tabs (melts in your mouth) tablets.
1 milligram per milliliter liquid suspension.
HOW IT WORKS:
The exact way risperidone works is not known, but scientists believe that it blocks the action of the brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin.
THINGS TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR DOCTOR:
* Common side effects include increased appetite, tiredness, lightheadedness when you stand or sit up, abnormal heartbeats.
* Other side effects include increased sensitivity to heat, trouble sleeping, agitation, anxiety, tremors, headache, dizziness, constipation, nausea, runny nose, vomiting, and/or stomach pain.
* Oral solution can be mixed in water, orange juice, or low-fat milk but cannot be mixed in cola or tea.
* May make the skin sensitive to sunlight.
* May cause facial or body twitching.
* Doses should be lowered in patients with kidney and/or liver disease.
* Using RISPERDAL along with CARBAMAZEPINE (Tegretol), CLOZAPINE (Clozaril) , FLUOXETINE(Prozac) OR LEVODOPA (Sinemet) may cause harmful side effects.
* Blood sugar levels should be followed while on this medication.
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