When you or someone close to you is prescribed treatment for a mental health condition, it's normal to have a lot of questions about it. Especially if it's a vaccine, it can be a source of curiosity and even a little fear. Today we're going to talk about one such long-acting vaccine, Risperidone. We'll talk about it in a very simple way, in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is this Risperidone injection?
Risperidone is a medication used to treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia . It belongs to a class of drugs called 'antipsychotics'. But don't let the name scare you. This type of medication is used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions.
Think of our brain as a complex radio. Sometimes some channels on this radio are not heard clearly, and it feels like each sound is mixed up. Risperidone works by balancing the levels of neurotransmitter chemicals called dopamine and serotonin in our brain. It's like 'tuning' a radio. These chemicals are very important for controlling our mood, behavior, and thoughts. When these are balanced, symptoms are controlled, and the mind becomes clear and calm.
Since it is given as an injection, it is very convenient for those who forget to take their pills every day. Once injected, it takes several weeks or months for it to take effect in the body.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before you start treatment with Risperidone, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions below.
| Your health condition or problem | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Dementia or memory loss | Elderly dementia patients may be at increased risk due to this drug. |
| Diabetes | This medicine can increase blood sugar levels. |
| Difficulty swallowing | This condition can sometimes be exacerbated by medication. |
| Heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or irregular heartbeat | This medicine may affect heart function. |
| Having a stroke | Special care is needed as the risk of paralysis may increase. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The process of eliminating the drug from the body may be affected. |
| Decreased blood cells (white, red, platelets) | This medicine may affect blood cell counts. |
| Parkinson's disease or muscle control problems | Symptoms may worsen. |
| Seizures | The risk of seizures may change with the medication. |
| History of breast cancer or elevated prolactin hormone levels | It is important to be aware that this medication affects the hormone Prolactin. |
| Allergy to Risperidone, Paliperidone or other medications or foods | This is essential to prevent allergies. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | It is essential to talk to the doctor about the possible effects on the child. |
How is this vaccine used?
This is a subcutaneous injection. This is not something you can use at home. It is given to you by a trained doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic.
The most important thing is to not miss the dates given for getting the vaccine on the scheduled date. If for some reason you are unable to go on the scheduled date, call your doctor or clinic immediately and let them know.
You do not need to worry about an overdose of the medicine. This is not something you are allowed to use on yourself. However, if you experience any severe unusual reaction after receiving the vaccine, go to a hospital's Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately. If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking. Some medications can interact with Risperidone. This can decrease or increase the effectiveness of the medication, or cause dangerous side effects.
| Never use Risperidone with these medications. | |
|---|---|
| Drugs like Cisapride, Dronedarone, Metoclopramide, Pimozide, Quinidine, Thioridazine. | |
| Be especially careful when using Risperidone with these things: | |
| Alcohol | Excessively increases drowsiness and dizziness. |
| Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | May increase drowsiness. |
| Some medications for anxiety or sleep | Excessive drowsiness may occur. |
| Some medications for depression (e.g. Amitriptyline, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine) | The effects of both drugs may vary. |
| Blood pressure medications | Blood pressure can drop too low and cause dizziness. |
| Drugs such as Levodopa for Parkinson's disease | Each other's functioning may be disrupted. |
| Narcotics, anesthetics, anti-epileptic drugs | These can increase the effects and cause excessive drowsiness. |
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Dizziness and drowsiness: This medicine may make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you. You may feel dizzy and fall when you stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are elderly. So change positions slowly.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking risperidone. Alcohol can greatly increase the side effects of the drug, especially drowsiness.
- Body temperature: This medicine can affect the way our body regulates temperature. This means that our tolerance to extreme cold or extreme heat may decrease. Therefore, if you go out on cold days, dress warmly. Also, limit your exposure to the sun and excessive exercise on hot days. Drink plenty of water. Tell your doctor if you feel very uncomfortable.
- Blood sugar:This medicine may increase your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels regularly. Tell your doctor if you have any new symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, or unusual tiredness .
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Risperidone can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some are serious, while others are common. The important thing is to be aware of these and take action if you have any problems.
| If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome | Very high fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion. |
| Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) | Uncontrollable repetitive movements of body parts (especially the face, mouth, limbs), muscle stiffness, tremors, restlessness, difficulty walking. |
| Stroke symptoms | Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Feeling of excessive thirst, frequent urination, unusual fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Symptoms of elevated prolactin hormone | Breast development in men, nipple discharge, decreased sexual desire, and irregular menstrual cycles in women. |
| Other serious symptoms | Seizures, prolonged erection, signs of infection (fever, chills). |
| These side effects are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Constipation, drowsiness, muscle pain or stiffness, weight gain. | |
Take-Home Message
- Risperidone is a long-term injectable treatment given in a hospital or clinic for mental illnesses such as schizophrenia .
- Before starting treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- When taking this medicine, be aware of dizziness, drowsiness, changes in body temperature, etc. Avoid alcohol completely.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as high fever, muscle stiffness, or uncontrollable body movements, seek medical advice immediately.
- Never miss your scheduled vaccination date. If you are unable to attend for any reason, notify your clinic or doctor immediately.
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