Use Risperidone (Risperdal) as directed by your doctor.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Risperidone (Risperdal).

Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Anxiety; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; fatigue; headache; increased appetite; lightheadedness; nausea; restlessness; runny nose; stomach pain or upset; trouble sleeping; weight gain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thoughts; confusion; decreased sexual ability; enlarged breasts; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; increased saliva production or drooling; increased sweating; missed menstrual period; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, agitation, aggression, severe anxiety) nipple discharge; prolonged painful erection; seizures; severe dizziness; stiff or rigid muscles; suicidal thoughts or attempts; symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, urination; unusual weakness); tremor; trouble concentrating, speaking, or swallowing; trouble sitting still; trouble walking or standing; uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, arm or leg movements, twitching of the face or tongue, jerking or twisting); unusual bruising; vision changes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Alpha-blockers (eg, doxazosin) or medicine for high blood pressure because the risk of low blood pressure and fainting may be increased
Anticholinergics (eg, scopolamine) because the risk of overheating may be increased
Clozapine or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine, paroxetine) because it may increase the risk of Risperidone (Risperdal)'s side effects
Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or rifampin because they may decrease Risperidone (Risperdal)'s effectiveness
Dopamine receptor agonists (eg, pramipexole) or levodopa because their effectiveness may be decreased by Risperidone (Risperdal)

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Risperidone (Risperdal) may interact with other medicines that you take.

Contact 1-800-222-1222 your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have a history of seizures, heart problems (eg, heart failure, slow or irregular heartbeat), abnormal electrocardiogram, heart attack, stroke, blood vessel problems, or high or low blood pressure

if you have a history of kidney or liver problems, stomach or bowel problems (eg, narrowing, blockage), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol abuse or dependence

if you have diabetes or are very overweight, or if a family member has had diabetes

if you have Alzheimer disease, dementia, Parkinson disease, or esophagus problems (eg, trouble swallowing)

if you have had high blood prolactin levels or a history of certain types of cancer (eg, breast, pancreas, pituitary, brain), or if you are at risk for breast cancer

if you are dehydrated, drink alcohol, or will be exposed to very high or very low temperatures

Do not double doses to make up for a missed dose.

Treating schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Risperidone (Risperdal) may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Store away from heat and direct light.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using Risperidone (Risperdal).

Risperidone (Risperdal) may raise your blood sugar.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Risperidone (Risperdal).

If you have any questions about Risperidone (Risperdal), please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.