Q: What is Risperdal?
A: Risperdal (resperidone tablets) is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. Antipsychotic medicines are used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia that may include hearing voices, seeing things, sensing things that are not there, mistaken beliefs, or unusual suspiciousness.

Risperdal is made by Janssen, L.P. and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993.

Q: Has there been any recent news about Risperdal?
A: In April 2005, the FDA issued an alert stating that older patients treated with atypical antipsychotic medicines, such as Risperdal, for dementia had a higher chance for death than patients who did not take the medicine. The FDA stated further that this is not an approved use and has asked the companies that make these medicines to change their labels to include this important information.

Q: Are there any serious health risks associated with Risperdal?
A: Risperdal and other antipsychotic medications can cause serious problems including Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) (a life-threatening nervous system problem), Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) (a movement problem), high blood sugar and diabetes, and strokes in older patients treated for mental illness from dementia.

Other serious side effects from Risperdal use may include low blood pressure (seen as dizziness and possible fainting), increased heartbeat, seizures, persistent erection, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (seen as fever and bruising), changes in body temperature, and difficulty swallowing.

Q: What are the most common side effects associated with Risperdal?
A: The most common side effects from Risperdal use include anxiety, uncontrolled movements, constipation, nausea, upset stomach, runny nose, rash, vision changes, saliva increase, abdominal pain, inability to control urination, and weight gain.

Q: What should I tell my healthcare professional before he or she prescribes Risperdal?
A: Before you start taking Risperdal, tell your healthcare professional if you have or had heart problems, have or have had seizures, have or had diabetes or increased blood sugar, have or had liver disease, have an obstruction of your intestines, have Reye's syndrome, have a brain tumor, are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, are breast-feeding, drink alcohol, or have a condition called phenylketonuria

Q: Are there any interactions between Risperdal and other drugs or foods?
A: Because certain other medications can interact with Risperdal, you should talk first with your healthcare professional about all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking Risperdal.

Q: What should I do if I think I have been injured as a result of taking Risperdal?
A: If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions while taking Risperdal, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for any injuries caused by Risperdal use.