risperidone (injection)

What is the most important information I should know about risperidone?

What is risperidone?

Risperidone is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain.

Risperidone injection is used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression).

Risperidone injection is sometimes given with lithium or valproate (Depakene).

Risperidone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving risperidone?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, or a heart attack;
• Parkinson's disease;
• trouble swallowing;
• low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
• diabetes (or risk factors such as obesity or family history of diabetes);
• liver or kidney disease;
• a seizure;
• low bone mineral density;
• breast cancer; or
• if you are dehydrated.

Some people with mental illness have thoughts about suicide. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop using risperidone without your doctor's advice.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of risperidone on the baby.

Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Risperidone can pass into breast milk and may cause drowsiness, fussiness, abnormal muscle movements, or feeding problems in a nursing baby.

How is risperidone given?

If you already use other antipsychotic medication, you may need to keep using it for a short time. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.

You may need to take risperidone by mouth (in pill or liquid form) before you start receiving risperidone injections. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Risperidone is injected under the skin or into a muscle.

A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Risperdal Consta is usually given once every 2 weeks. Perseris is usually given once every month.

If you use risperidone injections long-term, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while receiving risperidone?

While you are receiving risperidone, you may be more sensitive to very hot conditions. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise.

What are the possible side effects of risperidone?

• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
• breast swelling or tenderness (in men or women), nipple discharge, impotence, lack of interest in sex, missed menstrual periods;
• severe nervous system reaction --very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out;
• high blood sugar --increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
• low blood cell counts --fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed; or
• penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• headache;
• dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling;
• tremors, twitching or uncontrollable muscle movements;
• depressed mood, agitation, anxiety, restless feeling;
• muscle or joint pain;
• dry mouth, upset stomach, constipation;
• weight gain; or
• pain in your arms or legs.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect risperidone?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may affect risperidone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about risperidone injection.