Risperdal Consta (risperidone) is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain.
Risperdal Consta is used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression).
Risperdal Consta may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Risperdal Consta is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Risperidone may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related conditions.
While you are taking Risperdal Consta, you may be more sensitive to temperature extremes such as very hot or cold conditions. Avoid getting too cold, or becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking this medication. Risperdal Consta can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Risperdal Consta if you are allergic to risperidone.
Risperdal Consta is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Risperidone may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related conditions.
To make sure Risperdal Consta is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems;
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coronary artery disease or recent heart attack;
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diabetes (or risk factors such as obesity or family history of diabetes);
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a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
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liver or kidney disease;
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high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);
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a history of seizures;
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a history of breast cancer;
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low bone mineral density;
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trouble swallowing;
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Parkinson"s disease;
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if you are dehydrated; or
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if you also take blood pressure medicine.
Some people with mental illness have thoughts about suicide. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Risperdal Consta. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Risperdal Consta will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while receiving Risperdal Consta injections or within 12 weeks after you stop using this medicine.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Using antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop using your medicine during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while receiving Risperdal Consta injections.
Risperidone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while using this medicine and for at least 12 weeks after your treatment ends.
How is Risperdal Consta given?
Risperdal Consta is injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Risperdal Consta is usually given once every 2 weeks. You may also need to take risperidone by mouth in pill or liquid form during the first 3 weeks of your treatment with the injections. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Risperdal Consta injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Risperdal Consta?
This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase certain side effects of risperidone.
While you are receiving Risperdal Consta, you may be more sensitive to temperature extremes such as very hot or cold conditions. Avoid getting too cold, or becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise.
Risperdal Consta side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Risperdal Consta: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
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breast swelling or tenderness (in men or women), nipple discharge, impotence, lack of interest in sex, missed menstrual periods;
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severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out;
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low white blood cells--sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing;
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low levels of platelets in your blood--easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
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high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss; or
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penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.
Common Risperdal Consta side effects may include:
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headache;
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dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling;
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feeling hot or cold;
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tremors, twitching or uncontrollable muscle movements;
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agitation, anxiety, restless feeling;
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depressed mood;
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dry mouth, upset stomach, constipation;
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weight gain; or
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pain in your arms or legs.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Risperdal Consta?
Using this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Other drugs may interact with risperidone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
