Risperidone, also known by the brand name Risperdal, is an antipsychotic prescription drug used to treat mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The medication is known as an atypical antipsychotic, and changes chemicals in the brain that could lead to risky or aggressive behavior, according to MedlinePlus. Risperidone has some side effects and risks, but is considered a predominantly safe course of antipsychotic treatment.
Prescribing Conditions
Those who suffer from self-injury, delusions or abnormally excited behavior are likely to benefit from an antipsychotic such as risperidone, according to MedlinePlus. The medication is available as a solid tablet, disintegrating tablet or liquid solution. Most patients take the medication once or twice per day, with or without food. However, it is not usually recommended to give risperidone to children under 5 years of age.
Precautions
Elderly people who might have problems with dementia are strongly advised not to take risperidone. Women who are pregnant or nursing a child also should not take the medication. Those who exercise vigorously or are exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures should speak to their doctor about their lifestyle before taking risperidone. Those having dental surgery or any other kind of operation must let their attending physician know they are taking the antipsychotic medication.
Common Side Effects
Risperidone, like any other drug, does have the potential for a number of side effects. Unless the symptoms are severe, they need not cause alarm. Some of the most common reported issues associated with the medication are nausea, dizziness, anxiety, agitation, production of breast milk, loss of sexual interest, insomnia, weight gain and restlessness.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects or allergic reaction is possible with risperidone treatment. Symptoms that require immediate medical intervention include fever, confusion, stiff muscles, rapid pulse, itching and hives. Other potentially serious side effects needing medical attention also include an erection of the penis that will not go away, seizures, slowed movements, uncontrollable facial or body movements, and breathing problems.
Cost
Generic risperidone and brand-name Risperdal were available in the United States and other countries as of August 2009. Most insurance plans cover all or part of the cost of risperidone treatment, though the exact amount of patient financial responsibility depends on the individual's health-care coverage. Self-pay patients can apply for patient assistance or discount programs. The self-pay cash price for 60 2mg risperidone tablets was about $290, while the brand-name Risperdal version could cost up to $490.
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