Health Library

Risperidone (By injection)

Risperidone (ris-PER-i-done)

Treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Brand Name(s):

Perseris, RisperDAL Consta, Rykindo

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles or as a shot under your skin (in the stomach or upper arm area only).
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine. Perseris™ and Rizvan™ are given once a month. Risperdal Consta® is usually given every 2 weeks. Uzedy™ is given once a month or once every 2 months.
• If you have never taken risperidone, your doctor will first give you an oral form of this medicine before starting treatment with Perseris™, Risperdal Consta®, Rizvan™, or Uzedy™.
• Avoid rubbing, massaging, or placing belts or waistbands on the injection site.
• Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how risperidone works. Tell your doctor if you are using amitriptyline, carbamazepine, carbidopa, cimetidine, clozapine, digoxin, donepezil, erythromycin, fluoxetine, galantamine, levodopa, lithium, methylphenidate, paroxetine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, quinidine, ranitidine, rifampin, topiramate, valproate, or blood pressure medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, high cholesterol, Parkinson disease, trouble swallowing, or a history of breast cancer or seizures. Tell your doctor if you have a history of a heart attack or stroke.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (nerve disorder which can be life-threatening)
  • Tardive dyskinesia (movement disorder that could become permanent)
  • High blood sugar or high cholesterol levels
  • Increased levels of prolactin hormone
  • Increased risk of seizures
• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, lightheaded, or may cause trouble with thinking or controlling body movements, which may lead to falls, fractures, or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
• You may get overheated more easily while you are receiving this medicine. Be careful when you exercise or you are outside in hot or humid weather. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some female patients who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, sweating, confusion, or muscle stiffness
• Increased hunger or thirst, change in how much or how often you urinate
• Jerky muscle movements you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Painful, prolonged erection of the penis
• Seizures or tremors
• Swelling of the breasts, breast soreness, nipple discharge (in both women and men)
• Trouble swallowing
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, decreased appetite, vomiting, stomach pain or upset
• Drowsiness, headache
• Pain, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given
• Weight gain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024