Dosage
The dosage of the drug is determined by the treating physician. Usually the starting dose is 2mg Risperidone per day. This can be increased successively.
Most patients are treated with a daily dose of 4-6mg Risperidone. The dose can be divided into one or two times a day. Risperidone only develops its full effect after about two weeks of use.
This is especially important for people with a tendency to endanger themselves. Risperidone can be taken with meals or independently with a glass of water. Other drinks (e.g. tea) are not recommended for taking Risperidone.
Patients with swallowing disorders can also be administered the drug by injection or as a melted tablet. The drug should always be taken regularly. Patients should refrain from discontinuing the medication or changing the dosage without authorization, as this can lead to a rapid deterioration in the patient’s state of health. You should also refrain from drinking alcohol while taking Risperidone.
Contraindications
Risperidone should not be used in cases of hyperprolactinaemia, i.e. when the blood level of the hormone prolactin is elevated. This excess of prolactin can be caused, for example, by a tumor of the pituitary gland (pituitary gland) (so-called prolactinoma). Among other things, prolactin controls the milk flow into the female breast during lactation and ensures the maturation of the mammary gland tissue.
Dopamine regulates and inhibits the release of prolactin, so that not too much of it gets into the circulation. Since risperidone reduces the effect of dopamine, this would lead to a further increase in prolactin levels, which would not be beneficial if the levels were already too high. Particular caution should be exercised when taking Risperidone in patients with Parkinson’s disease and severe cardiovascular disease. These diseases could worsen under Risperidone therapy. The indication for risperidone therapy must also be checked separately for liver and kidney dysfunctions.In any case, a reduction of the dose is indicated for these diseases, since the drug remains in the body longer if liver and kidney function is impaired.
