How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient risperidone, which is a type of medicine known as an atypical antipsychotic. Risperidone works by blocking various receptors in the brain, particularly dopamine receptors. Dopamine is a natural compound called a neurotransmitter, which is involved in transmitting signals between brain cells. Psychotic illness is considered to be caused by overactivity of dopamine in the brain. Risperidone blocks the receptors that dopamine acts on, and this prevents the overactivity of dopamine in the brain. This helps to control psychotic illness. Risperidone is used to treat the psychotic condition schizophrenia. Schizophrenic patients may experience 'positive symptoms' (such as hallucinations, disturbances of thought, hostility) and/or 'negative symptoms' (such as lack of emotion and social isolation). Risperidone is effective in relieving both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, whereas the conventional antipsychotics are usually less effective against the negative symptoms. Risperidone also relieves 'affective symptoms' that are associated with schizophrenia, such as depression, guilt feelings or anxiety. Risperidone is also used by specialists to treat episodes of mania in people with the psychiatric illness, bipolar affective disorder (manic depression), though this is an unlicensed use of the medicine.

What is it used for?

Psychotic illness

Schizophrenia

Treatment of acute manic episodes in bipolar affective disorder (unlicensed use)

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience abnormal movements, particularly of the face, lips, jaw and tongue, while taking this medicine. These symptoms may be indicative of a rare side effect known as tardive dyskinesia, and your doctor may ask you to stop taking this medicine, or decrease your dose.

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms while taking this medicine: high fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, faster breathing and drowsiness or sleepiness. These symptoms may be due to a rare side effect known as the neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and your treatment may need to be stopped.

This medicine can cause some people to put on weight. Talk to your doctor about this before you start treatment so that you can discuss strategies, such as diet and exercise, for minimising any weight gain.

Risperdal Quicklets should be placed in the mouth where they rapidly dissolve in your saliva for easy swallowing. The Quicklets are fragile and should not be pushed through the foil as this will damage them. Open the blister by pulling up the edge of the foil and peeling it off, then tip the tablet out. The Quicklet should be taken as soon as you have opened the blister as it cannot be stored once removed.

Follow the instructions that are supplied with Risperdal liquid for measuring a dose carefully. Risperdal liquid may be diluted with mineral water, orange juice or black coffee. When diluted in this way, the product should be used immediately. Risperdal liquid should not be mixed with tea.

Use with caution in

Diabetes

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Elderly people

Epilepsy

Kidney disease

Liver disease

Parkinson's disease

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk and women taking this medicine should therefore not breastfeed. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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