Risperidone: uses, side effects and precautions.

A type of medication used to stabilize patients with psychotic disorders.

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

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

What is risperidone?

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

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

In addition, risperidone also exerts a potent effect on serotonin levels. Specifically, it acts as a serotonin receptor antagonist. Because of its fast-acting and effective form, risperidone has become one of the drugs of choice for stabilizing patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or other types of psychosis.

By administering second-generation antipsychotics such as risperidone, psychotic patients are able to think more clearly, reduce their level of excitement and, with the help of other therapies of a psychological or psychiatric nature, integrate better into their environment and lead as normal a life as possible..

In what disorders is it used?

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

Another of its many applications is related to the treatment of certain psychotic emotional disorders such as manic 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 profound feelings of sadness.

In addition, risperidone can also be used to treat symptoms of aggressive used to treat the symptoms of aggression commonly present in both 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 one of these disorders.

How is it administered?

Risperidone is currently marketed in tablet, fast dissolving soluble tablet and liquid solution form, all of them for oral consumptionThe usual dose of risperidone is one or two doses per day.

However, it is necessary to specify that these are only generic indications and that the patient should always follow the indications of the medical staff to the letter. Therefore, the patient should never alter the dosage of medication, neither by excess nor by defect. Otherwise it is possible to experience serious side effects such as confusion or very serious hallucinations.

Due to the potent effects of risperidone, treatment may well be started gradually, beginning with very low doses of risperidone.starting with very low doses of this medication and increasing it as the first few weeks of treatment pass.

Finally, in those patients who are in a more severe state that makes them unable to manage or control their own medication, an intramuscular administration of this antipsychotic can be carried out. Thanks to this form of treatment, the patient will only have to visit his health center every two weeks and a more exhaustive control of the patient's symptomatology can be carried out.

What are the side effects?

As with other psychiatric medication, risperidone can have a series of side effects which, depending on their intensity and duration, can be bothersome and unpleasant.Depending on their intensity and duration, these side effects can be bothersome and even harmful to the patient's general health..

These side effects are divided into those which are not serious and therefore do not require medical attention, and those which are more serious and require a visit to a physician as soon as possible.

Whatever the case may be, if the undesirable effects of risperidone are prolonged over time or tend to worsen, it is highly advisable to inform the corresponding physician so that he/she can adjust the dose or change the medication.

1. Non-serious side effects

Side effects that do not pose a serious health risk include the following.side effects that do not pose a serious health risk include the following.

• Gastrointestinal disturbances such as heartburn, diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain.
• Dizziness, sensation of dizziness and difficulties in maintaining balance.
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Increased appetite and/or weight gain.
• Feeling of anxiety.
• Nervousness and agitation..
• Sleep disturbance in the form of trouble falling and staying asleep or increased dream production.
• Increased breast size.
• Changes in menstrual cycle.
• Problems in sexual performance.
• Difficulty urinating..
• Blurred vision or vision problems.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Skin alterations 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 his own but should immediately inform the relevant physician.

• Fever.
• Unexplained falls.
• Feeling of confusion..
• Increased muscle stiffness.
• Cardiac alterations such as rapid and irregular rhythms.
• Increased sweating.
• Convulsions.
• Slowness in walking or shuffling.
• Jerky, uncontrollable movements of the face or body.
• Breathing or swallowing problems.
• 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. The reason is that there are a number of diseases or conditions that can interfere with or be aggravated by treatment. Among these diseases are:

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

Likewise, the patient should inform the doctor if he/she has any Allergy or if he/she is taking any other medication or vitamin supplement. if he/she has any allergy or if he/she is taking any other medication, vitamin supplement or natural herbal or natural herbal complexes, as these may interfere with the action of risperidone and cause serious damage to the body.

It has been demonstrated that risperidone can cause a series of alterations in the fetus and in the newborn child, so its administration is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

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