Side effects of risperdal consta

The use of Risperdal consta

Risperdal consta is a depot injection form of risperidone, the medicine from the group of atypical antipsychotics, which means that it can be used in the treatment of a wide range of psychiatric conditions, in both, children and adults. Most frequently, it is used in the cases of schizophrenia, acute manic, episodes related to bipolar I disorder, Tourette’s syndrome and other disorders that result in tics. When it comes to its off label use and the disorders in which it may be helpful as well, the conditions that should be mentioned are severe depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder eating disorders, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder though only in people who have intellectual disabilities.

This medicine works by blocking the receptors in the brain is the pathways that are in charge of transmitting the dopamine from one part of the brain to another, which is why it is so effective in the treatment of such conditions. It has to be prescribed and it should not be given intravenously though it will probably take it two or three weeks to starts to work during which period the patient should use this medicine in the tablet form.

Side effects that may be expected when using Risperdal consta

As with every other medicine, there are side effects which are less severe and side effects which are serious indeed. Some of them are more common, some of them less, but having in mind the seriousness of the disorders which are treated by this medicine it is strongly advised to report every unusual symptom to the doctor who prescribed it. As for the milder side effects, sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, runny nose and redness or swelling at the injection site are possible, but none of them requires medical attention unless persistent. Medical attention shodul be sought immediately if a patient experiences irregular heartbeat, fever, spasm or twitching of the muscles, pain in the chest, problems with swallowing, fainting or seizures.

There are certain cases in which Risperdal consta should not be used, which is why the doctor will have to check medical history of the patient first, and only after the presence of some other condition has been confirmed or excluded the doctor will decide whether or not this medicine may be prescribed in a particular case. Since Risperdal consta may cause contraindications if used with some other medicines the doctor should be informed if the patient uses them.