Rispa

Indications

Risperidone is used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses, and episodes of mania in bipolar disorder. Specialists may also use it for short-term treatment of severe, persistent aggression in people with Alzheimer's dementia, and for irritability and aggression in children with autism or conduct problems.

How It Works

It blocks the action of two brain chemicals, dopamine and serotonin, which helps reduce hallucinations, unusual thoughts, agitation and extreme mood changes.

Dosage and Administration

The dose is set by the doctor and increased gradually. Adults with schizophrenia often start with 2 mg a day and usually take 4 to 6 mg a day, as prescribed. Doses for mania, older adults, people with liver or kidney problems and children are given as prescribed. It can be taken with or without food. Long-acting injections are given by a doctor or nurse. Do not stop taking it suddenly or change the dose without asking the doctor, even if you feel well.

Interactions

• Alcohol, sleeping pills, opioid painkillers and sedating antihistamines increase drowsiness.
• Fluoxetine and Paroxetine raise risperidone levels; Carbamazepine, Phenytoin and Rifampicin lower them.
• It can reduce the effect of Levodopa and other Parkinson's medicines.
• Medicines that affect heart rhythm (such as some antiarrhythmics, Haloperidol and some antibiotics) may increase the risk of rhythm problems.
• Blood pressure medicines may cause extra dizziness on standing.

Contraindications

Allergy to risperidone or Paliperidone, or to any ingredient of the product.

Side Effects

Common: sleepiness, weight gain and increased appetite, dizziness when standing up, tiredness, restlessness, tremor or muscle stiffness, constipation, runny nose and headache. Raised prolactin hormone can cause breast swelling or milk discharge, missed periods and sexual problems. It can raise blood sugar and cholesterol.

Get urgent medical help for high fever with stiff muscles, sweating and confusion; fainting or a fast or irregular heartbeat; sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, or slurred speech; uncontrolled movements of the face or tongue; a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours; fever, sore throat or mouth ulcers that may mean a low white cell count; or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Tell the doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy; do not stop on your own, as relapse can also be harmful. Use in the last three months of pregnancy can cause shaking, stiffness, sleepiness or feeding and breathing problems in the newborn. It passes into breast milk; discuss with the doctor before breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• In older people with dementia it increases the risk of stroke and death, so it is used only by specialists in this group.
• Tell the doctor if you have heart disease, low blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, a history of blood clots, or liver or kidney disease.
• It may cause drowsiness; take care with driving and machines.
• Avoid overheating and dehydration.
• Weight, blood sugar and cholesterol should be checked regularly.

Overdose

Overdose can cause severe drowsiness, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, abnormal muscle movements and seizures. Get emergency medical help at once.

Therapeutic Class

Atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Long-acting injections are stored by the clinic, usually in a fridge at 2 to 8°C.