The Common Side Effects Associated with Risperdal

What is risperidone?

Risperidone oral is simply a prescription drug that is usually available as the brand name Risperdal which is available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. There are some cases whereby there are not available in every form or even strength as the version of the brand name. It also comes either in an orally dissolving tablet or an oral solution.

Why it is used

Risperidone is a drug that's used to treat the symptoms of some psychiatric conditions which includes:

a. Irritability that is connected with autism in children with five years and above and also the adults. Autism is said to affect how individual acts, learns, communicates and also hoe he or she interacts with others. Some of the symptoms of irritability include creating harm to one self, temper tantrums, aggression towards others and also mood swinging.

b. Schizophrenia- This is a mental disorder that causes some changes in the thinking or perception. Most of the people with this condition are said to have hallucinations or delusions.

c. Bipolar disorders that are associated with children of age 10 and above and also the adults with mixed episodes or acute manic caused by bipolar disorders. Risperdal can be given alone or with other drugs such as Divalproex or Lithium.

Risperidone can also be used as part of combination therapy meaning that you may need to take it with other medications.

How does it work?

Risperidone belongs to atypical antipsychotics drug class meaning that it’s in a class of medications that work the same way. It works by affecting a number of neurotransmitters that occur naturally in a person’s brain. It is thought that individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism have got an imbalance of some neurotransmitters. The drug is known to improve this imbalance.

Risperidone side effects

• parkinsonism (trouble moving)
• Stuffy nose, inflammation of your nose and throat and upper respiratory tract infections,
• akathisia (restlessness and urge to move)
• dystonia (muscle contractions that bring about twisting and repetitive movements one you can’t control)
• tremors (uncontrollable movement in one body part)
• sleepiness, dizziness and fatigue
• Anxiety
• Stomach and Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
• A blurred vision
• drooling
• increased appetite or weight gain
• Rash
• Dry mouth

Whenever these effects are mild, they can go away within a couple of weeks or even a few days. If they are more severe and don’t see to go away, you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist. In some cases, there may arise some serious effects that are as follows:

1. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome which has got symptoms such as confusion, stiff muscles, heavy sweating, and also changes in breathing and blood pressure

2. Tardive Dyskinesia Symptoms which include movement in some body parts that can’t be controlled e.g. in the tongue and the face.

3. Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar with symptoms such as feeling hungry or even thirsty faster, urinating more frequently, nausea and also weakness or the feeling of tiredness.

4. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

5. High levels of blood prolactin.

6. Orthostatic hypotension.

In conclusion, there are many risperdal side effects that need to be monitored to prevent bringing other severe conditions in the body of individuals. One should seek medical attention as soon as the symptoms mentioned above arise to prevent them from creating other conditions in the body.