Risperdal Consta
Risperdal Consta helps manage symptoms of schizophrenia and prevents them from returning.
How to Use
Dosage
The usual dose is 25 mg given every two weeks, but your doctor may prescribe 37.5 mg or 50 mg if needed.
Method
This medicine is given as an injection into a muscle (either the arm or buttock) every two weeks by a nurse or doctor, alternating injection sites. It must not be given into a vein.
This is a bi-weekly injection, so there is no daily maximum dose; your doctor will determine the highest bi-weekly dose for you.
Possible Side Effects
- •Cold symptoms, headache
- •Difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, anxiety, depression
- •Parkinsonism (slow movements, stiff muscles, tremors), involuntary muscle movements (dystonia, dyskinesia), dizziness
- •Weight gain or loss, increased or decreased appetite, high blood sugar
- •High prolactin levels (can cause breast enlargement, milk discharge, or menstrual problems)
- •Fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, chest pain
- •Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea
- •Muscle, bone, or joint pain, back pain
- •Injection site reactions (pain, itching, swelling)
- •Allergic reaction (rash, swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing, fever, low blood pressure)
- •Blood clots in legs or lungs (swelling, pain, redness in leg; chest pain, breathing difficulty)
- •High fever, stiff muscles, sweating, or decreased consciousness (Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome)
- •Prolonged or painful erection (priapism)
- •Severe skin rash with blisters and peeling (Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- •Problems during eye surgery for cataracts (Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome)
- •Dangerously low white blood cells, leading to severe infection risk
- •Bowel obstruction
- •Changes in heart rhythm (irregular heartbeat)
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to risperidone or any other ingredients in this medicine.
- If you have never taken Risperdal before, you must first start with oral Risperdal (tablets) before switching to the injection.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, a history of stroke, Parkinson's disease, dementia, diabetes, or kidney/liver disease.
- Seek immediate medical help if you experience a sudden change in mental state, weakness or numbness on one side of your face, arms, or legs, or slurred speech, as these could be signs of a stroke.
- This medicine is not for elderly patients with dementia.
Show 2 more warnings
- Avoid alcohol during treatment with Risperdal Consta.
- Be careful when driving or using machines, as this medicine can cause dizziness, tiredness, and vision problems. Talk to your doctor first.
Use in Elderly Patients
Avoid use in older adults. For treatment of psychosis only. Use only in special cases and for a limited time in the management of severe behavioural symptoms of cognitive impairment. Reduce the dose already in mild renal impairment. Increases the risk of cardiovascular events, QT prolongation and orthostatic hypotension. Increases risk for falls and extrapyramidal symptoms. (updated 15.1.2024)