Risperdal® Consta® is a preparation from the group of atypical neuroleptics with the active ingredient risperidone. It is available in powder and solution form and is used to prepare a soluble suspension for intramuscular injection. Thanks to a special preparation of the active ingredient, Risperdal® Consta® is a long-term neuroleptic with a duration of action of several weeks.
Risperdal® Consta® is used for the long-term therapy of schizophrenia. Those affected suffer from hallucinations, paranoia and agitation. The mechanism of action of Risperdal® Consta® corresponds to the action of the active ingredient Risperidone in the brain.
Risperidone primarily inhibits serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, which are responsible for the development of schizophrenia. The effect of the corresponding receptors is attenuated by the drug, thus alleviating the psychotic symptoms. Risperdal® Consta® has a positive effect on the patients’ self-control and aggressive behaviour is reduced. When injected into the muscle, the drug remains longer in the tissue and is released gradually from there. This is the reason for the long-term effect of Risperdal® Consta® as opposed to the same active ingredient in tablet form.
Dosage
The dosage of Risperdal® Consta® is based on the oral dose of Risperidone previously taken. If the tablet dose has been 4 mg or less daily for the last two weeks, an initial dose of Risperdal® Consta® of 25 mg is administered. If the tablet dose has been more than 4 mg daily for the last two weeks, a starting dose of 37.5 mg Risperdal® Consta® can be injected.
If other antipsychotics are taken at the same time, the dosage of Risperdal® Consta® is also based on this concomitant medication. The usual dose is 25 mg Risperdal® Consta®, which is injected into the patient’s arm or buttocks every two weeks with a syringe. The injection site should be chosen alternately on the left and right side of the body. Under no circumstances should Risperdal® Consta® be administered intravenously.
