Risperdal Coupon & Discounts

Risperdal Information:

• What

What is Risperdal?

Risperdal (risperdone) is an atypical antipsychotic medication, specifically a benzisoxazole derivative psychotropic agent. It is available as a tablet, an orally disintegrating tab, an oral solution, or as a long acting parenteral injection. Risperdal works by adjusting the way the chemicals in your brain function as well as helping to restore the natural balance of certain substances in the brain.

Risperdal is considered a specialty medication, which means Risperdal uses are very specific. It is most often prescribed for schizophrenia in order to help patients (13 years or older) think more clearly. It may also be prescribed to patients (10 years or older) with bipolar during manic or mixed episodes. Sometimes it is prescribed to autistic spectrum children (5 to 16 years) in order to treat aggression and self-harm.

• How

How do I take Risperdal?

Your doctor will determine the best form and dosing according to your diagnosis and medical history. Always follow your doctor's instructions, and do not take more or less medication than prescribed. Your doctor or other care staff will need to monitor your body's tolerance to the Risperdal drug. Keep all doctor and lab appointments.

If you are receiving Risperdal Consta injections, your medication will be administered by a medical professional every 2 weeks. It is injected into the muscle. You may be prescribed additional Risperdal liquid solution when you begin Risperdal Consta. Follow your doctor's prescription exactly.

Other forms of Risperdal medication will be taken by mouth, with or without food. Take your medication at the same time every day, and always be sure to fill your prescription before you're out of your current prescription. Taking your medication regularly will improve its efficacy.

Do not mix the oral solution with cola, tea, or other beverages. Always use a dose-measuring syringe, spoon, or cup to measure your dose of oral solution.

Handle Risperdal M-Tabs (orally disintegrating pills) with dry hands. Always take your tablet out of its blister pack by peeling away the foil so the tablet does not get damaged. Place the tablet under your tongue and allow it to dissolve. Do not chew or swallow the tablet whole. These are not complete instructions for Risperdal. Refer to your pharmacist or doctor for complete Risperdal patient assistance.

• Precautions

Before taking Risperdal, tell your doctor if:

• You have or have a history of heart problems, disorders, or diseases, especially high blood pressure or a recent heart attack, or take medications for these.
• You have or have a history of a liver or kidney disease or disorder.
• You have or have a family medical history of diabetes.
• You have or have a history of low WBC counts.
• You have Parkinson's or another disorder with tremors or seizures.
• You have or have a history of cancer, especially breast cancer.
• You have low bone mineral density.
• You have problems swallowing or are often dehydrated.
• You have depression or have had suicidal ideations.
• You are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, as this medication may harm your child, especially in the last trimester.
• You are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, as this medication can pass to your child; it is harmful.
• You are taking or often take sleeping pills.
• You are currently prescribed a narcotic pain killer or other muscle relaxer.
• You have a mental or mood disorder or are taking medication for a mental or mood disorder.
• You are taking or plan to take any other prescription or non-prescription (i.e., over the counter) medications, drugs, vitamins, or supplements.
• Side Effects

What are the possible Risperdal side effects?

Some Risperdal drug side effects can be quite serious and require immediate medical attention. These include: difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, speech or vision problems (e.g., blurred vision), difficulty swallowing, inability to move some or all of your body (e.g., eyes, face), sudden weakness or stiffness in the arms and legs, sudden numbness in the face, loss of balance or coordination, muscle cramps, inability to hold still or feeling the need to constantly move, uncontrolled body motions (especially: twisting, writhing, shivering, chewing, unusual or worm-like tongue movements, trembling in the fingers and hands, twitching or tics), muscle spasms in the face or neck and back, back or chest pain, shuffling walk, lip puckering or smacking, puffing cheeks,  unusual facial expressions, unusual body positions, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, increased thirst or salivation, problems urinating or increased urine, skin rash, headache, clammy or pale skin, unusual bleeding or bruising, changes in mood (e.g., anxiety, agitation, aggression, mania).

Common Risperdal side effects will only require medical attention if they become severe or do not go away. These include: dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, joint pain, general body pain, fever or chills, headache, ear congestion, loss of voice or sore throat, coughing or sneezing, shortness of breath or a tight chest, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation, tooth ache, mild increase in salivation, unusual drowsiness, unusual weakness, increased sleep times and dream activity, increased body movement, dandruff, darkening skin color, weight gain, oily face, breast swelling or tenderness, unusual lactation, tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones, absent or irregular menstruation, inability to achieve an erection, decrease in sexual desire or ability.

• Missed Dose

What if I forget to take a dose of Risperdal?

If you miss an appointment for a Risperdal Consta injection, call your doctor as soon as you remember to discuss how to proceed.

For all other forms of Risperdal medication, you may take your dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take double doses or any extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

 

• Storage

How do I store Risperdal?

Store your medication at room temperature away from excessive heat, light, or moisture (e.g., a bathroom). Store orally disintegrating Risperdal pills in their sealed package, and do not open the package until you are ready to take them. Liquid forms of Risperdal should not be allowed to freeze.

 

• Overdose

What happens if I overdose on Risperdal?

Thankfully, an overdose of Risperdal medication is not fatal. However, that does not mean it isn't harmful. If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately.

Symptoms include: hypotension, tachycardia, drowsiness, low levels of sodium or potassium that can cause seizure. In rare cases, there may be convulsions or prolonged QT.

• Additional Info

Warnings

It may take a number of weeks to notice improvement in your symptoms, so do not stop taking your medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

This medication is not intended to be prescribed to elderly patients with dementia, as antipsychotic medications make them more likely to die of cardiovascular or infectious complications. This medication can alter your thinking and reactions. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how you're going to react.

Talk to your doctor before taking over the counter medications for diarrhea or allergy and colds, as some of these may exacerbate Risperdal's side effects. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication, as it may exacerbate certain side effects.

You may become extremely sensitive to temperatures around you, especially extremes. Be careful not to become too cold or to overheat, and ensure you are always properly hydrated.

Brand Names

While there is a generic for Risperdal pills or oral solution (risperdone), this is a specialty medication and no other brands are currently available. For the injection, only Risperdal Consta is available. That means Risperdal drugs can get very expensive, especially in certain formulations.  Save as much as 93% on the Risperdal retail cost at your local pharmacy by printing or downloading our free Risperdal coupon or discount card. Simply click Claim Discount to get started.