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Frequently Asked Questions about Risperdal
What should I know about
taking Risperdal?
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Contact your
doctor immediately if you experience fever, sweating, severe muscle stiffness
(rigidity), confusion, fast or irregular heart beat. These could be symptoms of
a potentially fatal side effect called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).
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Use caution
when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Risperdal may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
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Dizziness may
be more likely to occur when rising from a sitting or lying position. Rise
slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.
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Avoid alcohol.
Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Risperdal.
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Avoid becoming
overheated in hot weather and during exercise. Risperdal may increase the risk
of heat stroke.
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Do not mix the
liquid form of Risperdal with cola or tea.
Why is
diabetes and hyperglycemia a Risperdal side effect?
Hyperglycemia associated with diabetic ketoacidosis has been reported in
patients treated with atypical antipsychotics, including Risperdal. Diabetic
ketoacidosis or DKA is a condition where the body has a severe deficiency of
insulin. Assessment of the relationship between atypical antipsychotic use and
glucose abnormalities is complicated by the possibility of an increased
background risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with schizophrenia and the
increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in the general population. The
relationship between Risperdal and hyperglycemia-related adverse events is not
completely understood. However, studies suggest an increased risk of
treatment-emergent hyperglycemia-related adverse side effects in patients
treated with Risperdal.
Why is Risperdal prescribed
to children?
In January 2003, the medical journal, Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent
Medicine, reported that the number of children taking psychiatric drugs
nationwide has more than doubled in the past decade. Risperdal is a favored
prescription medication among child psychiatrists and the report re-ignited the
debate of the inappropriate use of potentially dangerous medications like
Risperdal for children. There has been very little research performed on how
Risperdal side effects and similar atypical antipsychotic drugs affect children
and therefore should be avoided.
What is schizophrenia?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, schizophrenia is one of the
most debilitating and baffling mental illnesses known. Schizophrenia appears to
be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Stress, heredity, drugs,
other medical illness, and physical injury to the brain can also contribute to
schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is characterized by a dysfunction of the thinking process, such as
hallucinations and delusions, and withdrawal from the outside world. Other
schizophrenic characteristics include the inability to manage emotions, make
decisions, and relate to others.
Can people with
schizophrenia live normal lives?
Yes, with the proper counseling, peer and social support, and medication,
many people can learn to live with schizophrenia and have a full and rewarding
life. Schizophrenia affects 1 in 100 people worldwide.
What is bipolar mania?
Bipolar mania is a serious mental illness. Bipolar mania is a serious mental
illness characterized by swings in mood and energy and can affect a person's
ability to function. Bipolar disorder usually requires lifelong treatment.
Bipolar disorder may be caused by a genetic predisposition to the illness as it
tends to run in families. Close relatives of people with bipolar disorder are
more likely to also have the disorder. A manic episode is defined as a period
during which people are in a highly elevated, expansive, irritable, or angry
mood, which lasts at least one week. While there is no cure for bipolar
disorder, it can be managed with medication and psychosocial therapies.
Should I contact Johnson & Johnson about my Risperdal symptoms?
You should contact your doctor and have your doctor file an adverse reaction
report with the FDA. You should also consider contacting an expert Risperdal
lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Also call the FDA MedWatch at
1-800-FDA-1088.
I cannot afford to hire a Risperdal lawyer. How much does a Risperdal lawsuit
cost?
It costs you nothing. If we agree to be retained, Monheit Law takes the case on
a percentage contingency basis. If you don’t win your Risperdal lawsuit, we
don’t get paid.
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