Respidone 2mg Tablets

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic medicine. It is used to treat:

• schizophrenia
• bipolar disorder (mania)
• irritability, aggression and severe temper outbursts in some children and teenagers with autism

It helps balance chemicals in the brain. It controls symptoms but does not cure the condition, and it may take several weeks to feel the full benefit.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, at about the same time each day.

• It can be taken with or without food.
• Measure the liquid with the syringe provided. It can be mixed with water, orange juice, coffee or low-fat milk, but not tea or cola.
• For melt-in-the-mouth tablets, peel back the foil with dry hands, place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve. Do not push it through the foil.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless your next dose is nearly due, then skip it. Never take a double dose.
• Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well.

Common side effects include:

• increased appetite and weight gain
• drowsiness, dizziness or unsteadiness
• feeling sick, indigestion, constipation or diarrhoea
• restlessness or anxiety
• breast swelling or discharge, missed periods or sexual problems

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• a high fever with stiff muscles, sweating, confusion or a fast or irregular heartbeat
• uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue or body
• fits (seizures)
• extreme thirst, passing more urine, blurred vision or fruity-smelling breath
• swelling of the face or throat, a rash or difficulty breathing
• an erection that lasts for hours

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have heart disease, an irregular heartbeat, low or high blood pressure, or have had a stroke
• have diabetes (or a family history), high cholesterol or are overweight
• have Parkinson's disease, dementia, epilepsy, or trouble swallowing
• have kidney or liver problems, osteoporosis or breast cancer
• have had a low white blood cell count
• have phenylketonuria (melt tablets contain phenylalanine)

Keep in the original tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children. Keep melt tablets sealed until use.

Dementia: older people with dementia who take antipsychotics have a higher risk of stroke and death. It is not approved for behaviour problems in dementia.

Alcohol: avoid alcohol, as it makes drowsiness worse.

Driving: do not drive or use machines until you know how it affects you.

Heat and dizziness: take care in hot weather or during hard exercise, and get up slowly to avoid fainting.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use late in pregnancy may affect the newborn.