Has your doctor prescribed you or someone in your family a medication called Risperidone? Especially the oral tablet. You probably have a lot of questions about this medication. "What will happen with this?", "What are the precautions to be taken while using it?" Things like that. Don't worry, today we'll talk about this medication in a simple and friendly way.
What kind of medicine is Risperidone?
Simply put, Risperidone is a medication used to treat several mental health conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs called `antipsychotics`. It is mainly used to:
- Schizophrenia : A mental condition that affects thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
- Bipolar Disorder: A condition in which mood swings rapidly between extremes of extreme happiness and extreme sadness.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: Control excessive anger and aggressive behavior in some children and adults.
This medication works by balancing the activity of neurotransmitters called `dopamine` and `serotonin` in our brain. Think of them as messengers that control our mood, behavior, and thoughts. When these become unbalanced, the mental problems mentioned earlier arise. Risperidone works by restoring that messaging system.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Although risperidone is a very useful drug, it is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, before your doctor prescribes this drug, he or she will need to know a complete history of your health . If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Your health condition | Why is it important to inform about it? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | This medicine may increase blood sugar levels. |
| A history of heart disease or irregular heartbeat | Because this can affect the heartbeat. |
| Low blood pressure | The medication may increase the risk of headaches and dizziness. |
| Liver or kidney disease | The dosage may need to be adjusted because it affects the removal of the drug from the body. |
| Parkinson's disease | This medication can sometimes worsen Parkinson's symptoms. |
| Seizures | This may slightly increase the risk of epileptic seizures. |
| Difficulty swallowing | Even with a dissolving pill, it is important to be aware of swallowing problems. |
| Allergies to risperidone, paliperidone or other medications or foods | This is essential to prevent allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | Because this medication can affect the baby, it is very important to discuss it with your doctor. |
How exactly do you use this dissolving pill?
This is not a pill that you swallow with water like a regular pill, so remember these steps carefully.
1. Take your medicine on time: Take your medicine at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor.
2. Hands should be dry: Dry your hands thoroughly before taking the pill. The pill may dissolve if you touch it with wet hands.
3. Tear the packet as soon as you are ready to drink:Do not open the sealed pack containing the pill until you are ready to take the medicine.
4. Take out carefully: Tear open the packet and take out the pill very carefully. These pills are very delicate. If the pill breaks or crumbles, throw it away and get a new pill.
5. Hold in mouth: Place the tablet directly on your tongue. It will dissolve in a few seconds.
6. Then swallow: After the tablet has completely dissolved, swallow with some saliva. No water is needed.
7. Do not break, crush, or chew: Do not break, crush, or chew this medicine at any time.
Most importantly: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly unless your doctor tells you to. Doing so can cause serious side effects. If you do stop, do so gradually, following your doctor's instructions.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two pills at once.
Things that should not be used with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Risperidone can interact with other medications and substances, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the other medications you're taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Never take Risperidone with these | |
|---|---|
| Cisapride | Dronedarone |
| Metoclopramide | Pimozide |
| Thioridazine | Quinidine |
| Be very careful if you take Risperidone with these. | |
| Alcohol | May cause excessive drowsiness and dizziness. |
| Some allergy and cough medicines (Antihistamines) | Increases drowsiness. |
| Medications for depression, anxiety, and sleep | The effect of the drug may be increased unnecessarily. |
| Blood pressure medication | Blood pressure may be lowered unnecessarily. |
| Medications such as Levodopa for Parkinson's disease | Both drugs may interfere with their effectiveness. |
Things to consider when taking the medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Don't get up too quickly: Getting up suddenly from a sitting or lying position can cause dizziness and fall. Get up slowly, especially if you are elderly.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can increase the side effects of the medication (especially drowsiness).
- Body temperature: This medicine may affect the way the body regulates its temperature. This means that the ability to tolerate extreme cold and extreme heat may be reduced.
- Cold weather: Wear warm clothes if you are going out on a cold day.
- Hot weather: Limit sun exposure and excessive exercise on hot days. Wear breathable clothing and drink plenty of water.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medication, Risperidone can cause side effects. Some are minor, but others require immediate attention.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergy | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Symptoms of Stroke | Numbness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, weakness, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome | High fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, confusion. |
| EPS (Extrapyramidal Symptoms) | Uncontrollable movements (mouth, tongue, limbs), muscle stiffness, tremors, restlessness, changes in gait. |
| High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Unusual thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue. |
| If these persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. | |
| Constipation | Weight gain |
| Drowsiness | Dry mouth |
| Nasal congestion, such as from a cold | Upset stomach |
Take-Home Message
- Risperidone is a medicine prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
- Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time, as prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and any other illnesses you have.
- You may feel drowsy or dizzy while taking the medicine, so be careful when doing tasks that require attention, such as driving.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as fever, muscle stiffness, or uncontrolled movements of the face or limbs, seek medical attention or go to a hospital immediately.
- If you have any further questions about this medication, don't be afraid to discuss them with your doctor.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What are Risperidone (Risperidone / Risperdal M-Tab) dissolvable tablets used for?
This is a highly effective new generation (Atypical antipsychotic) medication that is used to control the abnormal agitation of children with 'Schizophrenia', Bipolar Disorder (an illness that changes anger/happiness), and Autism! This (ODT) tablet dissolves instantly when placed in the mouth/on the tongue without water, making it very easy to give to patients who do not like to take medicine/hide pills.
💬 How does this dissolving pill (Risperidone) stop the mental confusion/impulsivity once it reaches the brain?
The main reason for the development of intractable mental illnesses is the excessive increase in the chemicals 'dopamine' and 'serotonin' in the brain! This drug completely blocks/closes both the dopamine and serotonin receptors (D2 and 5-HT2A) as soon as it enters the brain. It eliminates the strange thoughts in the mind and the patient's impulsiveness is reduced and he becomes calmer.
💬 What are the most annoying side effects of taking this psychiatric medication?
This has a surprising side effect! Because this drug increases the hormone (Prolactin), even in men, breasts can enlarge and produce milk (Gynecomastia / Galactorrhea), and in women, menstruation can stop! There is also a high risk of weight gain, tremors in the legs and arms (EPS), and if given to the elderly (with dementia), there is a high risk of heart attack/stroke and death (Black Box Warning).
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