Risperdal Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Jump to: navigation, search

Risperdal, a prescription medication classified as an anti-psychotic, is the brand name for risperidone. Manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Risperdal treats schizophrenia in individuals ages 13 and older, bipolar disorder in children over the age of 10, and irritability caused by autism in children and teens ages five through 16.[1]

Risperdal is considered an atypical antipsychotic that works by altering certain chemicals in the brain, and is typically administered once daily by tablet. As with many medications, side effects may occur while taking Risperdal. Common side effects associated with Risperdal include headache, diarrhea, heartburn, nervousness, and weight gain.[2]



Flickr: neofedex
Brand name for Risperidone[3]
Manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.[3]
Uses Treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia[3]
Common side effects Dizziness, nervousness, weight gain, etc.
Who should not take Risperdal Older adults with dementia-related conditions, children under ten, people allergic to risperidone
Disclaimer The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician.
 

Contents

Common Risperdal Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with Risperdal use include pain in the stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, drowsiness, leg, arm, and joint pain, and headaches. Fewer patients will experience the more serious side effects of Risperdal. Severe side effects include high temperature, stiffness in the muscles, uncontrollable movements, seizures, hives, or a penile erection that hurts and lasts for several hours.[4]

About Drug Side Effects

Drug Side Effects

Risperdal Allergic Reactions

Very few patients will experience a severe allergic reaction to Risperdal. However, the drug does have the potential to cause allergies, which may be dangerous in some cases. Patients with known allergies to risperidone are likely to experience allergic reactions to Risperdal. Signs of allergies that are serious enough to warrant medical attention include swollen throat (with or without breathing difficulty), facial swelling, dizziness, and itchy or rashy skin.

Risperdal interacts with several medications, including Lithium, Amitriptyline, drugs that have hypotensive effects, Digoxin, and centrally acting drugs and alcohol.[1]

Risperdal Precautions and Warnings

  • Patients that take Risperdal during their last few months of pregnancy may have complications with their newborn after delivery.[5]
  • Risperdal may cause drowsiness. Patients taking the medication are advised not to drive until they know how the medication affects them.[5]
  • People taking Risperdal may get hyperglycemia, which is an increase in blood sugar, while using Risperdal.[5]
  • Risperdal and similar medications increase the risk of diabetes among schizophrenics, who are already more likely to develop this disease.[5]
  • Elderly patients who have dementia and use Risperdal have an increased risk of dying during their treatment. This population may also have a greater chance of having a stroke or a mini-stroke while taking Risperdal. Risperidone is not approved by the FDA for this group of people.[5]
  • Risperdal sometimes causes a dangerous and possibly permanent condition called tardive dyskinesia, or TD. The risk increases with prolonged use.[6]
  • In rare cases, Risperdal can cause a life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or NMS.[7]
  • Risperdal interacts with several medications, including Lithium, Amitriptyline, drugs that have hypotensive effects, Digoxin, and centrally acting drugs and alcohol.[1]

Risperdal Lawsuits

  • April 2012: The state of Arkansas charged Johnson & Johnson, along with its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals, for making false statements that Risperdal was safer and more effective than similar antipsychotic medications. Both companies were also charged with not providing proper warnings about possible side effects that have been found to be associated with Risperdol, including the development of diabetes and neurological problems. Public funds were then improperly used to pay for Risperdal prescriptions through government programs like Medicaid. $1.2 billion in fines were levied for a determined 239,000 violations of Arkansas' False Claims Act, and approximately 4,600 violations of Arkansas's Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

Also See: Risperdal Coupons, Abilify Side Effects, Abilify Patient Assistance Programs, Abilify Free Samples, Abilify Coupons Cymbalta Coupons, Effexor XR Coupons, Seroquel Side Effects

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://www.risperdal.com/prescribing.html
  2. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a603012.html
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://www.risperdal.com/
  4. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a694015.html#brand-name-1
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000944/
  6. ↑ http://www.risperdal.com/safety.html
  7. ↑ http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=53550#nlm34084-4
Retrieved from "http://www.pharmacydrugguide.com/Risperdal_Side_Effects"



Personal tools