Risperidone: Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions

The great variability of psychotic disorders, as well as the symptoms and severity that these present, has led to the research and development of a large number of antipsychotic drugs different.

Risperidone is a second generation antipsychotic medication generally administered in schizophrenia and in certain cases of bipolar disorder. However, its applications are very varied. Throughout this article we will talk about these applications and the many more characteristics that distinguish this drug.

• Related article: "Types of psychotropic drugs: uses and side effects"

What is risperidone?

Risperidone is an antipsychotic drug, marketed almost worldwide under the name Risperdal, this medicine belongs to the antipsychotics known as second generation and its approval dates back to the year 1993.

This chemical compound, which it is administered mainly in cases of schizophrenia, works as a powerful dopamine antagonist blocker. In this way, it inhibits the activity or functioning of the postsynaptic dopamine receptors.

Additionally, risperidone also has a powerful effect on serotonin levels. Specifically, it acts as an antagonist of its receptor. Thanks to its fast and effective action, risperidone has become one of the drugs reference when stabilizing patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or some other type of psychosis.

By administering second-generation antipsychotics such as risperidone, psychotic patients They can think more clearly, lower their level of arousal and, with the help of other therapies of a psychological or psychiatric, integrate better into their environment and lead a life as normal as possible.

• You may be interested: "Types of antipsychotics (or neuroleptics)"

In what disorders is it used?

Although this drug is commonly used in diseases classified as psychotic, traditionally, risperidone It has been recommended for the treatment of the symptoms of schizophrenia in adults and young people from 13 years. Its effects on brain chemistry helps treat symptoms such as distorted or paranoid thoughts, decreases emotional intensity and favors an increase in interest in life.

Another of its many applications is related to the treatment of certain psychotic disorders emotional such as mania episodes or mixed episodes in patients older than 10 years with Bipolar disorder. These episodes are characterized by abnormally high moods and in the case of mixed episodes, coupled with deep feelings of sadness.

In addition, risperidone can also be used to treat aggressive symptoms commonly present, both in the above disorders, and in autism spectrum disorders. Therefore, it is very common for it to be administered in cases of minors between 5 and 16 years of age with any of these disorders.

• Related article: "The 6 types of schizophrenia and associated characteristics"

How is it administered?

Currently, risperidone is marketed in both tablet form, fast dissolving soluble tablets, and liquid solution form, all of them for oral consumption, being the usual dose of this is one or two doses a day.

However, it is necessary to specify that these are only generic indications and that the patient must always follow the instructions of the medical personnel to the letter. Therefore, the patient should never alter the dose of medication, neither by excess nor by default. Otherwise, you may experience serious side effects such as confusion or very serious hallucinations.

Due to the powerful effects of risperidone, treatment may well be started gradually, starting with very low doses of this medicine and increasing it as the first weeks of treatment go by.

Finally, in those patients who are in a more serious condition that incapacitates them at the time of manage or control your own medication, you can carry out an intramuscular administration of this antipsychotic. Thanks to this form of treatment, the patient will only have to go to their health center every two weeks and a more exhaustive control of the patient's symptoms can be carried out.

What side effects does it have?

Like the rest of psychiatric medications, risperidone can have a series of side effects that, depending on the intensity and duration that occur, pThey can be annoying and even harmful to the general health of the patient.

These side effects are divided into those that are not serious, so they do not require medical attention and those more serious in which it will be necessary to go to the doctor's office as soon as possible possible.

Whatever the case, if the unwanted effects of risperidone are prolonged or tend to worsen, It is highly recommended to inform the corresponding doctor so that this can adjust the dose or change the medication.

1. Non-serious side effects

Among the side effects that do not pose a serious health risk, we find the following.

• Gastrointestinal disorders such as heartburn, diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain.
• Dizziness, feeling dizzy and difficulties in maintaining balance.
• Nausea and / or vomiting.
• Increased appetite and / or weight gain.
• Feeling anxious
• Nervousness and agitation.
• Sleep disturbance in the form of trouble falling and maintaining sleep or increased dream production.
• Breast enlargement.
• Changes in menstrual cycle.
• Problems in sexual performance.
• Difficulty urinating.
• Blurred vision or vision problems.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Skin changes such as changes in skin color.

2. Serious side effects

If any of these side effects appear, the patient should not stop the medication on her own but should immediately inform the relevant doctor.

• Fever.
• Unexplained falls.
• Feeling confused.
• Increased muscle stiffness.
• Cardiac disorders such as fast and irregular rhythms.
• Increased sweating.
• Seizures.
• Slowness when walking or shuffling.
• Sudden and uncontrollable movements of the face or body.
• Trouble breathing or swallowing.
• Skin changes such as hives, rash or itching.
• Persistent and painful erection.

What precautions should be taken with its consumption?

Before starting treatment with risperidone, the patient should report any special health conditions in which they are. The reason is that there are a number of diseases or conditions that can interfere with or be aggravated by treatment. These diseases include:

• Dementias.
• Parkinson's disease.
• Heart diseases.
• Hypotension
• Epileptic disorders.
• Phenylketonuria

Likewise, the patient must inform the doctor if you have any allergies or if you are taking any other medication, vitamin supplement or complexes of natural herbs, as these can interfere with the action of risperidone and cause serious damage to the body.

Risperidone has been shown to cause a number of disturbances in the fetus and the child. newborn, so its administration is not recommended in pregnant women or in a period of lactation.

Finally, due to the sedative effects of risperidone, those patients whose daily routine includes driving or operating heavy machinery They should pay special attention to these symptoms and, as far as possible, stop these activities during treatment.