Risperdal M

The dose of Risperdal M (Risperidone) varies according to needs and the condition being treated.

For adults with schizophrenia, the dose is usually started at 1 mg to 2 mg per day (given either once or twice per day) and increased slowly over several days to 4 mg to 6 mg per day. Lower doses are often used for people with Low Blood Pressure, kidney problems, or liver disease. The safety of Risperdal M (Risperidone) has not been established beyond a maximum dose of 16 mg per day (8 mg given twice daily).

For seniors with schizophrenia, the dose is usually 0.25 mg given twice daily to a maximum daily dose of 3 mg.

For behavioural problems in people with severe Alzheimer type dementia, the usual starting dose is 0.25 mg twice a day. This dose is slowly increased every 2 to 4 days to a usual dose of 1 mg per day (0.5 mg twice a day). This dose may be increased to a maximum of 2 mg per day (1 mg twice a day).

For adults with mania associated with bipolar disorder, Risperdal M (Risperidone) should be taken once daily, starting with 2 mg or 3 mg daily. This dose may be increased to a maximum of 6 mg daily.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Risperdal M (Risperidone) can be taken with or without meals. Swallow the tablets with some water or other fluid.

Oral dissolving tablets should be left in the foil packaging until you are ready to take a dose. Place the tablet on the tongue, where it will begin to dissolve and can then be swallowed, with water if necessary.

Measure the oral solution using the pipette that is included with the medication. This gives a more accurate measurement than a household teaspoon. Mix the medication with 100 mL of water, coffee, orange juice or low-fat milk. It should not be taken with cola or tea.

It is important to take Risperdal M (Risperidone) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Risperdal M (Risperidone) at room temperature in a dry place (not the bathroom), protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Risperdal M-Tab is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under Risperdal M (Risperidone). This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using Risperdal M (Risperidone), speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.

Do not take Risperdal M (Risperidone) if you are allergic to Risperdal M (Risperidone) or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between Risperdal M (Risperidone) and any of the following:

• Abiraterone acetate
• aclidinium
• alcohol
• Aliskiren
• alpha blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Silodosin, Tamsulosin)
• alpha agonists (e.g., Clonidine, methyldopa)
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; Captopril, Ramipril)
• angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs; e.g., Candesartan, Irbesartan, Losartan)
• antiarrhythmics (e.g., Amiodarone, Dipyridamole, Disopyramide, Flecainide, procainamide, quinidine)
• antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine, Loratadine)
• antiparkinson medications (e.g., amantadine, Apomorphine, Bromocriptine, levodopa, Pramipexole, Ropinirole, Rotigotine)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine)
• Apalutamide
• atropine
• azelastine
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, Phenobarbital)
• belladonna
• benzodiazepines (e.g., Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam)
• Benztropine
• beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Propranolol, Sotalol)
• botulinum toxin
• brimonidine
• Buprenorphine
• Bupropion
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
• cannabis
• chloral hydrate
• chloroquine
• clidinium
• Cobicistat
• Cyclosporine
• Darifenacin
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, Glyburide, insulin, Metformin, Rosiglitazone)
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, triamterene)
• Domperidone
• Donepezil
• Eliglustat
• Eluxadoline
• Entacapone
• Enzalutamide
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine)
• Flavoxate
• Galantamine
• general anesthetics (medications used to put people to sleep before surgery)
• Glucagon
• glycopyrrolate
• Guanfacine
• Hepatitis C antivirals (e.g., asunaprevir, daclatasvir, glecaprevir, pibrentasvir)
• certain HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., darunavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, tipranavir)
• ipratropium
• ketotifen
• lithium
• lumacaftor and Ivacaftor
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• Methadone
• Methylphenidate
• Metoclopramide
• Mirtazapine
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine)
• muscle relaxants (e.g., Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine)
• Nabilone
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• Nitroglycerin
• Ondansetron
• opioid pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine, oxycodone)
• Oxybutynin
• potassium supplements
• protein kinase inhibitors (e.g., Crizotinib, Dasatinib, imatinib, Nilotinib, Sunitinib)
• quinine
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin)
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• Rivastigmine
• St. John's wort
• scopolamine
• seizure medications (e.g., Clobazam, Carbamazepine, Levetiracetam, phenobarbital, Phenytoin, primidone, Topiramate, Valproic acid, zonisamide)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Sertraline)
• serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• Simvastatin
• Solifenacin
• suvorexant
• Tapentadol
• terbinafine
• Tetrabenazine
• thalidomide
• tiotropium
• Tolterodine
• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Trimipramine)
• Tryptophan
• umeclidinium
• Zolpidem
• Zopiclone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Risperdal M (Risperidone). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Risperdal M (Risperidone).

Blood Clots: Risperdal M (Risperidone) may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.

If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as heart attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.

Body temperature regulation: Risperdal M (Risperidone) can cause body temperature changes. If you are taking Risperdal M (Risperidone) you should take precautions when there is a risk of exposure to extreme heat or cold, strenuous exercise, or dehydration, or if you are also taking anticholinergic medication. Discuss with your doctor about how to prevent body temperature issues.

Cataract surgery: During eye surgery for Cataracts, people who take or have taken Risperdal M (Risperidone) are at risk for developing a condition called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS). This condition can lead to eye damage. If you are planning to have an operation on your eye, inform your doctor if you are taking or have taken Risperdal M (Risperidone).

Cholesterol: Risperdal M (Risperidone) can cause increased blood cholesterol levels. If you are at risk of developing High Cholesterol or you have high cholesterol levels before starting Risperdal M (Risperidone), discuss with your doctor how Risperdal M (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperdal M (Risperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diabetes: A risk of aggravating pre-existing diabetes has been linked to Risperdal M (Risperidone) and other antipsychotic medications. If you have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes (e.g., family history of diabetes, Obesity), discuss with your doctor how Risperdal M (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Risperdal M (Risperidone) may interfere with activities requiring mental alertness. People taking Risperdal M (Risperidone) should not drive or operate machinery until they are reasonably certain that Risperdal M (Risperidone) does not affect their ability to carry out these activities safely.

Heart conditions: If you have a heart condition such as Angina, heart failure, or irregular heartbeat, and if you have had a heart attack, discuss with your doctor how Risperdal M (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperdal M (Risperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart rhythm: Risperdal M (Risperidone) has been linked to changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, angina, low potassium, or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Risperdal M (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperdal M (Risperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney problems: Decreased kidney function or Kidney Disease can cause Risperdal M (Risperidone) to build up in the body, causing increased side effects. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Risperdal M (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperdal M (Risperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver problems: If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Risperdal M (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperdal M (Risperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Low blood pressure: Risperdal M (Risperidone) may cause a lowering of blood pressure when rising from a sitting or lying position, or a racing heart rate, especially during the few weeks of treatment. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded or feel your pulse is racing, and this feeling does not go away after a few minutes, call your doctor. Because Risperdal M (Risperidone) can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, do not get up too quickly after you have been sitting or lying for prolonged periods.

Low white blood cells: Risperdal M (Risperidone) may cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells in your body. This decrease makes it harder for your body to fight infections. If you have a history of low white blood cells or are on medication (e.g., chemotherapy) that can cause low white blood cells, monitor for any signs of fever or infection and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Risperdal M (Risperidone), like other antipsychotic medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS, get immediate medical attention. Symptoms include high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, and fainting.

Parkinson's Disease: Risperdal M (Risperidone) may cause deterioration in the condition of people with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease may also cause an increased risk of experiencing Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). If you have Parkinson's disease, discuss with your doctor how Risperdal M (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperdal M (Risperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Seizures: Risperdal M (Risperidone) may increase the risk of seizures, especially in people who have had seizures in the past. If you have a seizure disorder or a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Risperdal M (Risperidone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperdal M (Risperidone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Suicidal or self-harm behaviour: People taking Risperdal M (Risperidone) may feel agitated or may want to hurt themselves or others. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Risperdal M (Risperidone), contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Risperdal M (Risperidone).

Tardive dyskinesia (TD): This syndrome consists of potentially irreversible, involuntary, and repetitive movements of the face and tongue muscles that may develop in people who take certain antipsychotic medications. Although TD appears most commonly in seniors (especially women), it is impossible to predict who will develop TD. The risk of developing TD increases with higher doses and long-term treatment. If signs and symptoms of TD develop during treatment with Risperdal M (Risperidone), contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Weight gain: With long-term treatment, weight gain (averaging 2.3 kg) has occurred in those who take Risperdal M (Risperidone).

Pregnancy: The safety of Risperdal M (Risperidone) for use during pregnancy has not been established. Risperdal M (Risperidone) should not be used during pregnancy unless the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks. If you become pregnant while taking Risperdal M (Risperidone), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Risperdal M (Risperidone) passes into breast milk. Women should not breast-feed while taking Risperdal M (Risperidone).

Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of Risperdal M (Risperidone) have not been established for use by children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors may require lower doses of Risperdal M (Risperidone). There may be a higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, and deaths associated with the use of Risperdal M (Risperidone) by people with dementia. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Risperdal M (Risperidone). If you notice the following signs and symptoms, get medical attention immediately:

• signs of a stroke: sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs (often on one side of the body); speech problems; vision problems; balance problems or dizziness; confusion; sudden severe headache with no known cause
• signs of a heart attack: discomfort or pain in the chest, back, neck, jaw, arms, or stomach; sweating; shortness of breath; nausea; lightheadedness; feeling of impending doom