Risperidone

Risperidone is used in the treatment of schizophrenia (a mental disorder that can result in hallucinations or delusions and also adversely affects a person’s ability to think and behave) and mania.

Risperidone is taken with or without food, preferably at night. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. It is important that this medication is not stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may worsen your symptoms. However, discontinue this medicine immediately if you experience Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, and altered consciousness or seizures.

Some common side effects of this medicine include insomnia, sedation, somnolence, parkinsonism, and headache. Initially, this medicine may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you change positions, so it is better to rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. It also causes dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. This medicine may increase your weight but, modifying your lifestyle by having a healthy diet and exercising regularly can reduce this side effect.

You should be cautious while using this medicine as it may increase the risk of developing diabetes, so it is better to monitor glucose regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts while taking this medicine.

• Treatment of Schizophrenia
• Treatment of Mania

Treatment of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which a person’s thinking ability, feelings and behavior become abnormal. Risperidone helps restore the chemical imbalances in the brain that are responsible for such changes. It improves thoughts, behavior and enhances the quality of life.

Treatment of Mania
Mania means extremely excited or elevated mood. Risperidone helps calm the mood and relax the nerves. This stabilises the mood and prevents the symptoms of mania from recurring again. Taking Risperidone will ensure that you have a better social life and are able to do daily activities more comfortably.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Risdone

• Headache
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
• Parkinsonism
• Drowsiness
• Sedation

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Risperidone may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic. It works by affecting the levels of chemical messengers (dopamine and serotonin) to improve mood, thoughts and behavior.

• Risperidone helps treat schizophrenia and mania.
• It may cause less weight gain, sedation, and heart problems as compared to other similar medicines.
• It may take 4-6 weeks to notice any medication effects. Keep taking it as prescribed.
• Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Risperidone can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
• It may cause increase in weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, and fat. Eat healthy, exercise, and monitor your levels regularly.
• Inform your doctor if you experience any abnormal movements or restlessness.
• Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart diseases as Risperidone can increase your risk of irregular heartbeat.
• Do not stop taking Risperidone without talking to your doctor first as it may cause worsening of symptoms.

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