Brand Name: Risperdal (not available in generic)

Manufacturer: Janssen Pharmaceutica

Description: Risperdal is an anti-psychotic agent. The mechanism of action is unknown, although it has been proposed that this drug's anti-psychotic activity is mediated through dopamine and serotonin antagonism.

Indications and Use: For the management of the manifestations of psychotic disorders (auditory and/or visual hallucinations, delusions).

Contraindications, Warnings, and Precautions: The potentially fatal symptom of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported in association with this class of drugs. Signs of NMS include: muscle rigidity, altered mental status, high fever, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and cardiac dysrhythmia. Tardive dyskinesia is a potentially irreversible, involuntary movement that may develop. The highest prevalence of tardive dyskinesia is in the elderly, particularly women. This medication has central nervous system effects; therefore, alcohol should be avoided. Risperdal should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Women should not breastfeed while taking this medication because it is not known if it is excreted in breastmilk.  Risperdal should be used with caution in patients who have a history of seizres.

Adverse Reactions: Possible common side effects include extrapyramidal symptoms, somnolence, headache, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, agitation and anxiety. Less common effects include elevated heart rate, hypotension, rash, dry skin, and photosensitivity.

Dosing Range: Generally begins with 1mg twice daily. Increases should be given on 1mg increments. Antipsychotic efficacy is generally seen in ranges of 4 to 6mg per day. Doses above 6mg per day are associated with more extrapyramidal symptoms.  The safety of doses above 16 mg a day has not been evaluated.

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© 2000 Red Oak Psychiatry Associates, P.A.    Updated 11/26/2007