Risperidone
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about risperidone. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using this medicine against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may want to read it again.
What this medicine is used for
Risperidone belongs to a group of medicines called antipsychotic agents, which improve the symptoms of certain types of mental illness.
Risperidone is used for:
symptoms of schizophrenia and other types of related psychoses in adults and adolescents over 15 years of age. These are conditions related to thoughts, feelings and/or actions.
acute mania associated with Bipolar 1 Disorder. Symptoms of this condition may include elevated, expansive or irritable mood, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressured speech, racing thoughts, distractibility or poor judgment including disruptive or aggressive behaviours.
short term treatment of behavioural problems in patients with a decline in mental ability (dementia). These problems include aggression through words or action, morbid suspiciousness, agitation or wandering.
conduct and other disruptive disorders such as aggression, impulsiveness and self-injury in adults and children aged over 5 years old who are intellectually disabled.
certain behaviours seen in children and adolescents with autism.
How it works
Risperidone helps to correct a chemical imbalance in the brain associated with the above conditions.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.
Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine for another reason.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
This medicine is not addictive.
Before you take this medicine
When you must not use it
Do not use this medicine if you have an allergy to:
risperidone
any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
shortness of breath
wheezing or difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or other parts of the body
rash, itching or hives on the skin.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.
Before you start to take it
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
heart or blood vessel problems, including problems with blood pressure control or heart rhythm
disease of the blood vessels of the brain including stroke
dehydration
kidney or liver problems
Parkinson's disease
dementia or Lewy Body dementia
epilepsy or seizures
restlessness or difficulty sitting still
intraoperative iris syndrome (a complication that may occur during cataract extraction)
suicidal thoughts
low volume of blood in your body (hypovolaemia)- seen by cold hands and feet, light headedness, infrequent urination, increased heart rate, and weakness
breast cancer
disease of the pituitary gland
diabetes, high or low blood sugar (you may need to monitor your blood glucose levels closely)
tardive dyskinesia (a reaction to some medicines with uncontrollable twitching or jerking movements of the arms and legs)
neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a serious reaction to some medicines with a sudden increase in body temperature, extremely high blood pressure and severe convulsions)
blood clots
low white blood cell count
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Do not take this medicine until you and your doctor have discussed the risks and benefits involved.
Tell your doctor if you are planning to have surgery, dental treatment or an anaesthetic.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you take this medicine.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may interact with risperidone. These include:
sleeping tablets, tranquillisers, pain-killers or antihistamines which may make you drowsy
medicines to treat Parkinson's disease or a tremor
carbamazepine a medicine used to treat epilepsy and trigeminal neuralgia
medicines to treat depression, panic disorder, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) e.g. fluoxetine and paroxetine
other medicines to treat mental illness or psychotic conditions
diuretics, used to treat high blood pressure or swelling caused by the build-up of too much fluid. This combination may increase the risk of side effects or death in elderly people.
rifampicin, an antibiotic
medicines used to treat heart problems or blood pressure
medicines to relieve severe nausea and vomiting
protease inhibitors, used to treat HIV infection (e.g. tipranavir, ritonavir)
cimetidine and ranitidine, used for treating stomach ulcers or excess acid
medicines which have an effect on the heart called QT prolongation
medicines which affect the liver so that more of an enzyme called CYP3A4 is produced
itraconazole and ketoconazole, medicines used to treat fungal infections.
These medicines may be affected by this medicine or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking this medicine.
Other medicines not listed above may also interact with risperidone.
How to take this medicine
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
They may differ to the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the label, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
Taking it for the first time
At the start of treatment, you may have a fall in blood pressure making you feel dizzy on standing up, or your heart may beat faster.
Standing up slowly, especially when you get up from bed or chairs, will help your body get used to the change in position and blood pressure.
These symptoms should go away after a few days. Tell your doctor if they continue or worry you.
How much to take
Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how much of this medicine you should take. This will depend on your condition and whether you are taking any other medicines.
Risperidone may be taken as a single dose, once a day, or it may be taken in divided doses twice a day (in the morning and in the evening).
It is very important that you take the correct amount of risperidone, but this will vary from person to person. Your doctor will adjust the number and strength of the tablets until the desired effect is obtained.
For schizophrenia and related psychoses in adults and children aged over 15 years old:
The usual starting dose is one 1 mg tablet taken twice a day. This will be gradually increased by your doctor to suit your needs.
From then on, the dose can be taken once a day or twice a day according to your doctor's instructions.
For long-term treatment, 4 to 6 mg per day is usually sufficient but your doctor will determine the dose most suitable for you.
Important note: never take more tablets than your doctor tells you to take.
The effects of high doses are not yet known. Please double check with your doctor if your doctor prescribes more than 5 mg twice a day.
Risperidone cannot be recommended for use in children with schizophrenia under 15 years as there is little experience with the product in this group.
For schizophrenia and related psychoses in elderly patients:
The usual starting dose is one 0.5 mg tablet taken twice a day.
The dose may be increased by 0.5 mg twice daily to 1 to 2 mg twice a day.
Patients who have impaired kidney or liver function:
The usual starting dose is one 0.5 mg tablet taken twice a day. The dose may be increased by 0.5 mg twice daily to 1 to 2 mg twice a day.
For acute mania in patients with Bipolar 1 Disorder:
The usual starting dose is one 2 mg tablet once a day. This dose can be adjusted by dose increases of 1 mg when needed every 24 hours. Most people feel better with doses between 2 mg and 6 mg a day. Your doctor may also decide you should take another drug called a mood stabiliser as well as risperidone.
For behavioural problems in people with dementia:
The usual starting dose is 0.25 mg (half a 0.5 mg tablet) taken twice daily. This may be gradually increased by your doctor to suit your needs.
From then on, the dose can be taken once a day or twice a day according to your doctor's instructions. For long-term treatment, 1 mg daily is the usual dose, but your doctor will determine the dose most suitable for you.
For conduct and other disruptive disorders in adults and children aged over 5 years old who are intellectually disabled:
For people who weigh 50 kg or more, the usual starting dose is one 0.5 mg tablet taken once a day. The dose may be increased by 0.5 mg once every two days, to the usual dose of 0.5 to 1.5 mg once a day.
For people who weigh less than 50 kg, the usual starting dose is 0.25 mg (half a 0.5 mg tablet) taken once a day. The dose may be increased by 0.25 mg once every two days, to the usual dose of 0.25 to 0.75 mg once a day.
Your doctor will advise you on how much risperidone you need.
Risperidone cannot be recommended for use in children under 5 years or age with disruptive behaviour disorders as there is little experience with the product in this group.
For behavioural disorders associated with autism in children and adolescents:
For people weighing less than 20 kg the usual starting dose is 0.25 mg (half a 0.5 mg tablet) daily. On day 4, this dose can be increased to 0.5 mg.
For people weighing 20 kg or more the usual starting dose is 0.5 mg (0.5 mg tablet or half a 1 mg tablet) daily. On day 4, this dose can be increased to 1 mg.
After 14 days, the doctor should check that the tablets are working. The doctor will say whether a bigger dose is needed if the tablets do not seem to be having the desired effect. Your doctor will advise you on how much risperidone you need.
In clinical trials, people with autism weighing less than 20 kg did not need more than 1.5 mg/day. People weighing over 20 kg did not need more than 2.5 mg of risperidone a day, and people weighing over 45 kg did not need more than 3.5 mg a day.
If you feel sleepy, then the doctor may split up your daily dose so that you take half of it in the morning and half in the evening.
How to take it
Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.
When to take it
Take your medicine at about the same time each day.
Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.
It does not matter if you take this medicine before or after food.
How long to take it
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
This medicine helps to control your condition but does not cure it. It is important to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well.
Make sure you have enough to last over weekends and holidays.
If you forget to take it
If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take the next dose when you are meant to.
Otherwise take it as soon as you remember and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for missed doses.
This may increase the chance of you experiencing side effects.
If you forget to take risperidone for 5 days or more, tell your doctor before starting your medicine again.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints to help you remember.
If you take too much (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
You may need urgent medical attention.
Symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, sleepiness, excessive trembling, excessive muscle stiffness, increased heart rate, and very low blood pressure causing fainting or unconsciousness.
While you are taking this medicine
Things you must do
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking risperidone.
Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking this medicine.
If you become pregnant while you are taking risperidone, tell your doctor immediately.
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are using this medicine.
Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.
Your doctor may occasionally do tests to make sure the medicine is working and to prevent side effects.
If a child is taking risperidone, tell the doctor if they do not seem to be developing normally.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual movements of the tongue, or other uncontrolled movements of the tongue, mouth, cheeks or jaw which may progress to the arms and legs.
These are symptoms of a condition called tardive dyskinesia, which may develop in people taking antipsychotic medicines, including risperidone. This condition is more likely to occur during long term treatment with risperidone, especially in elderly women. In very rare cases, this may be permanent. However, if detected early, these symptoms are usually reversible.
Pre-menopausal women should tell their doctor if they do not have a period for more than six months while taking risperidone.
Things you must not do
Do not take your medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Do not stop taking your medicine, or change the dosage, without first checking with your doctor. Do not use more than the recommended dose.
Do not drink alcohol whilst you are taking this medicine.
Risperidone can increase the effects of alcohol.
Things to be careful of
Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Risperidone may cause dizziness, drowsiness or light-headedness in some people, especially after the first dose. Make sure you know how you react to risperidone before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you feel drowsy or dizzy.
Avoid excessive eating and try to eat a moderate diet.
Risperidone can cause weight gain.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking risperidone.
Your doctor will decide whether any change in your treatment is needed.
This medicine helps most people, but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following side effects and they worry you:
problems sleeping, listlessness, excessive sleepiness
headache
trembling, agitation, anxiety
muscle or joint pain, swelling, stiffness or weakness
dry mouth; dry, swollen or cracked lips
increased or decreased appetite, weight gain
excessive saliva or drooling
nausea, vomiting
indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation
restless legs
hair loss, dandruff, rash or other skin disorders, nail infection
blocked nose, sinusitis, nose bleed
missed, irregular or heavy periods
unusual secretion of breast milk
breast swelling (men or women)
sexual function disturbances
fall in blood pressure, particularly on standing. This may appear as light-headedness or dizziness that passes after a few seconds or after sitting down again.
The above list includes the more common side effects. Mostly, these are mild.
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
drowsiness, tiredness, listlessness, difficulty in concentrating, excessive sleepiness, slow reactions
dizziness
confusion, nervousness
breathing problems, cough
flushing
ear pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
fever or infection of the chest, throat, ears, sinuses, tonsils or urinary tract
an increased tendency to get infections or sore throats
problems swallowing
some loss of bladder or bowel control
high blood sugar, symptoms of which may include the need to urinate more often or feeling thirsty all the time
increased blood cholesterol
uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face, mouth and jaws, arms legs or trunk.
swelling of the ankles, feet or legs due to fluid build up
uncoordinated movements, feeling unbalanced (vertigo)
yellow skin or eyes, dark coloured urine (signs of liver problems)
eye problems (dryness, swelling, itching, infection, problems seeing, blurred vision)
The above list includes serious side effects. You may need medical attention. Most of these side effects are rare.
If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital:
shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin (signs of an allergic reaction)
significant changes in body temperature (e.g. very high temperature or chills)
high fever, stiff muscles, fast breathing, abnormal sweating or decreased mental alertness (signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome)
fast or slow or irregular or thumping heart beat
chest pain
loss of consciousness or fainting
sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arms or legs, especially on one side, or slurred speech (symptoms of stroke or mini-stroke)
in men, a prolonged and painful erection (known as priapism)
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are usually very rare
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients.
Tell your doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.
Storage and disposal
Storage
Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them.
If you take the tablets out of the pack, they may not keep well.
Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Do not store your medicine, or any other medicine, in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep this medicine where children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.
Product description
What it looks like
Risperidone 0.5 mg tablets:
Brownish-red, capsule-shaped biconvex film-coated tablets. Engraved "APO" on one side, "RI" score ".5" on the other side.
Risperidone 1 mg tablets:
White, capsule-shaped biconvex, film-coated tablets. Engraved "APO" on one side, "RI" score "1" on the other side.
Risperidone 2 mg tablets:
Light orange, capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablets. Engraved "APO" on one side, "RI" score "2" on the other side.
Risperidone 3 mg tablets:
Beige, capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablets. Engraved "APO" on one side, "RI" score "3" on the other side.
Risperidone 4 mg tablets:
Light green, capsule-shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablets. Engraved "APO" on one side, "RI" score "4" on the other side.
*Not all strengths, pack types and/or pack sizes may be available.
Ingredients
Each tablet contains 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg or 4 mg of risperidone as the active ingredient.
It also contains the following:
lactose
cellulose microcrystalline
maize starch
magnesium stearate
hypromellose
hydroxypropylcellulose
macrogol 8000
titanium dioxide
iron oxide red (0.5 mg)
sunset yellow FCF aluminium lake (2 mg)
iron oxide yellow (3mg and 4mg)
indigo carmine aluminium lake (4 mg).
This medicine does not contain gluten, sucrose, tartrazine and other azo dyes.
