Risperidone is a drug used to treat schizophrenia. This drug is also used to treat bipolar disorder or behavior disorders in children with autism.
Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic that works by blocking dopamine type 2, serotonin type 2, and serotonin receptors. alpha adrenergic, so it can balance the natural chemical compounds in the brain. The balance of chemical compounds in the brain can maintain emotional stability and the ability to think more clearly.
Risperidone trademark: Neripros, Noprenia, Risperdal Consta, Risperidone, and Rizodal
What is Risperidone
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antipsychotic |
| Benefit | Treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or behavioral disorders |
| Used by | Adults and children 5 years old |
| Risperidone for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Risperidone can be absorbed into breast milk. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Tablets, syrups and injections |
Precautions Before Using Risperidone
Risperidone is a prescription drug that should not be used carelessly. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before using Risperidone:
- Do not use risperidone if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a behavior disorder or psychosis associated with dementia. Risperidone should not be used in these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had epilepsy, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, Parkinson's disease, liver disease, kidney disease, glaucoma, heart disease, arrhythmias, hypertension, blood disorders, stroke, diabetes, tumors, or cancer.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Do not drive, operate machinery, or consume alcoholic beverages while you are taking risperidone, as this medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Avoid activities that can overheat you, such as basking in the sun or exercising during the day, while taking risperidone because they can increase your risk of developing heat stroke.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using risperidone.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Risperidone
The dose of risperidone can be different for each patient. The following are general doses of risperidone for adults and children:
Condition: Schizophrenia
Drug preparation: Drinking medicine
- Mature: The initial dose is 2 mg per day. The dose can be increased to 4 mg per day from the second day. The maintenance dose is 4–8 mg per day. The maximum dose is 16 mg per day.
Condition: Bipolar disorder during acute manic episode
Drug preparation: Drinking medicine
- Mature: Initial dose 2 mg once daily. The dose can be increased gradually up to a maximum dose of 6 mg per day.
Condition: Behavioral disorders associated with autism
Drug preparation: Drinking medicine
- Children aged 5–18 years weighing 50 kg: The initial dose is 0.5 mg once daily. Maintenance dose 1–1.5 mg once daily.
- Children aged 5–18 years weighing <50 kg: Initial dose 0.25 mg per day. Maintenance dose 0.5–0.75 mg once daily.
Risperidone is also available in injectable form. The dosage for this dosage form will be adjusted to the patient's condition and the administration will be directly carried out by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
How to Use Risperidone Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the instructions on the package when using risperidone. Risperidone in the form of an injection will be given by a doctor or medical officer on doctor's instructions.
To reduce the risk of side effects, doctors will usually prescribe a low dose at the beginning of use. Furthermore, the dose can be increased gradually.
Risperidone in the form of a drink (oral) can be taken before or after meals. When taking risperidone in tablet form, it is best to swallow the drug whole.
If using risperidone in the form of ODT tablets that break easily, open the medicine package with scissors. Then, use dry hands to place the medicine on the tongue. Wait for the medicine to melt and then swallow.
When taking risperidone in the form of an oral liquid or syrup, use the special measure that came with the medicine package. Liquid risperidone can be mixed with water, coffee, orange juice, or low-fat milk. Do not mix the medicine with soft drinks or tea.
Use risperidone regularly, at the same time every day for maximum treatment results. Continue to use the drug even if the condition begins to improve. Do not stop using risperidone without your doctor's permission.
If you forget to use the drug, do it immediately if the interval with the next schedule of use is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store risperidone in a room that is not damp and out of direct sunlight. This drug should also not be included in freezer. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Risperidone Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are interactions that may occur if risperidone is used together with other medicines:
- Increases the risk of fatal side effects, such as respiratory distress, coma, and even death, when used with opioid drugs, such as tramadol or oxycodone
- Increased risk of side effects such as hypotension or cardiac arrest when used with clozapine
- Increased risk of dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating when used with lithium or phenobarbital
- Decreased effectiveness of risperidone when used with carbamazepine
- Increase the risk of occurrence heat stroke when used with topiramate
- Increases risk of seizures when used with bupropion
- Decreased effectiveness of levodopa, bromocriptine, pramipexole, or rotigone
- Increased risk of arrhythmias if used with ceritinib, cisapride, chloroquine, haloperidol, or other antiarrhythmic drugs
Side Effects and Dangers of Risperidone
There are several side effects that can occur due to the use of risperidone, including:
- Dizziness or difficulty maintaining balance
- Drowsiness
- Increased amount of saliva
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbance
If the side effects above do not improve and even get worse, check with your doctor. You also need to see a doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects, such as:
- Sleep apnea
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
- Tremors, muscle stiffness or uncontrollable movements (tardive dyskinesia)
- Mood swings, such as being more anxious or restless
- Erections that last longer and cause pain
- Increased prolactin levels in women characterized by the release of breast milk outside of breastfeeding or amenorrhea, also in men characterized by gynecomastia