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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking risperidone (Risperdal, Risperdal M-Tab)?

Risperidone is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Risperidone may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to risperidone.

To make sure you can safely take risperidone, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems;
• high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);
• a history of heart attack or stroke;
• a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
• a history of breast cancer;
• seizures or epilepsy;
• diabetes (risperidone may raise your blood sugar);
• a history of suicidal thoughts;
• Parkinson's disease; or
• trouble swallowing.

Risperidone may cause you to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Talk to your doctor if you have any signs of hyperglycemia such as increased thirst or urination, excessive hunger, or weakness. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking risperidone.

The risperidone orally disintegrating tablet may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of risperidone if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

FDA pregnancy category C. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking risperidone, do not stop taking it without your doctor's advice.

Risperidone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking risperidone.

Do not give this medicine to a child without a doctor's advice.

How should I take risperidone (Risperdal, Risperdal M-Tab)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Risperidone can be taken with or without food.

To take risperidone orally disintegrating tablets (Risperdal M-Tabs):

• Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
• Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.
• Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
• Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid after the tablet is completely dissolved.

Use risperidone regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Measure the liquid form of risperidone with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Do not mix the liquid form of risperidone with cola or tea.

It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat. Do not allow the liquid form of risperidone to freeze.

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