Warnings


What may interact with Risperdal?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

-cisapride
-dextromethorphan; quinidine
-dronedarone
-metoclopramide
-pimozide
-quinidine
-thioridazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

-alcohol
-antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
-certain medicines for anxiety or sleep
-certain medicines for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline
-general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
-levodopa or other medicines for Parkinson''s disease
-medicines for blood pressure
-medicines for seizures
-medicines that relax muscles for surgery
-methylphenidate
-narcotic medicines for pain
-other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
-phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine
-rifampin

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Risperdal?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

-dementia
-diabetes
-difficulty swallowing
-have trouble controlling your muscles
-heart disease
-high cholesterol
-high levels of prolactin
-history of breast cancer
-history of irregular heartbeat
-history of stroke
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
-low blood pressure
-Parkinson''s disease
-seizures
-an unusual or allergic reaction to risperidone, paliperidone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using Risperdal?

Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care professional if symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not stop taking except on your health care professional''s advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your health care professional will tell you how much medicine to take.
You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This drug can cause problems with controlling your body temperature. It can lower the response of your body to cold temperatures. If possible, stay indoors during cold weather. If you must go outdoors, wear warm clothes. It can also lower the response of your body to heat. Do not overheat. Do not over-exercise. Stay out of the sun when possible. If you must be in the sun, wear cool clothing. Drink plenty of water. If you have trouble controlling your body temperature, call your health care provider right away.
This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your health care provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medicine after the expiration date.
To get rid of medicines that are no longer needed or have expired:

-Take the medicine to a medicine take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medicine, check the label or package insert to see if the medicine should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medicine out of the container. Mix the medicine with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.