RisperiDONE

Moderate to severe

Cl of parent drug and active metabolite decreased 60%.

Special Populations: Hepatic Function Impairment

Mean free fraction of risperidone in plasma increased approximately 35%.

Special Populations: Elderly

Oral

Renal clearance of parent drug and active metabolite was decreased.

Use: Labeled Indications

Injection:

Bipolar disorder: As monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy to lithium or valproate for the maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder.

Schizophrenia: Treatment of schizophrenia.

Oral:

Bipolar mania:

Monotherapy: For the treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults and in children and adolescents 10 to 17 years of age.

Adjunctive therapy: As adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate for the treatment of adults with acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.

Irritability associated with autistic disorder: For the treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents 5 to 17 years of age, including symptoms of aggression toward others, deliberate self-injuriousness, temper tantrums, and quickly changing moods.

Schizophrenia: For the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents 13 to 17 years of age.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to risperidone, paliperidone, or any component of the formulation

Dosing: Adult

Note: When reinitiating treatment after discontinuation, the initial titration schedule should be followed. Limiting initial oral dose to 2 mg daily (in 1 or 2 divided doses) may reduce the risk of orthostatic hypotension/syncope.

Bipolar mania: Oral: Initial: 2 to 3 mg once daily; if needed, adjust dose by 1 mg daily in intervals ≥24 hours; dosing range: 1 to 6 mg daily.

Maintenance: No dosing recommendation available for treatment >3 weeks duration

Bipolar I maintenance: IM (Risperdal Consta): 25 mg every 2 weeks; if unresponsive, some may benefit from larger doses (37.5 to 50 mg); maximum dose: 50 mg every 2 weeks. Dosage adjustments should not be made more frequently than every 4 weeks. A lower initial dose of 12.5 mg may be appropriate in some patients (eg, hepatic or renal impairment, poor tolerability to other psychotropic medications).

Note: Establishment of tolerability to oral risperidone is recommended prior to initiation of Risperdal Consta. Oral risperidone (or other antipsychotic) should be administered with the initial injection of Risperdal Consta and continued for 3 weeks (then discontinued) to maintain adequate therapeutic plasma concentrations prior to main release phase of risperidone from injection site.

Schizophrenia:

Oral: Initial: 2 mg daily in 1 to 2 divided doses; may be increased by 1 to 2 mg daily at intervals ≥24 hours to a recommended dosage range of 4 to 8 mg daily. Daily dosages >6 mg do not appear to confer any additional benefit, and the incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms is higher than with lower doses. Dose range studied in clinical trials: 4 to 16 mg daily. Maintenance: Recommended dosage range: 2 to 8 mg daily

IM (Risperdal Consta): Initial: 25 mg every 2 weeks; if unresponsive, some may benefit from larger doses (37.5 to 50 mg); maximum dose: 50 mg every 2 weeks. No additional benefit was observed with doses >50 mg; however, a higher incidence of adverse reactions was observed. Dosage adjustments should not be made more frequently than every 4 weeks. A lower initial dose of 12.5 mg may be appropriate in some patients (eg, demonstrated poor tolerability to other psychotropic medications).

Note: Establishment of tolerability to oral risperidone is recommended prior to initiation of Risperdal Consta. Oral risperidone (or other antipsychotic) should be administered with the initial injection of Risperdal Consta and continued for 3 weeks (then discontinued) to maintain adequate therapeutic plasma concentrations prior to main release phase of risperidone from injection site.

Delusional parasitosis (off-label use): Oral: Initial: 0.5 mg at bedtime; increase gradually based on response and tolerability up to 1 to 2 mg given at bedtime or in 2 divided doses. Doses up to 8 mg/day have been evaluated. (Freudenmann 2008; Heller 2013; Kenchaiah 2010). Additional data may be necessary to further define the role of risperidone in this condition.

Major depressive disorder (adjunct to antidepressants; off-label use): Oral: Initial: 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg daily; slowly adjust dose based on response and tolerability up to 3 mg/day (Keitner 2009; Mahmoud 2007; Rapaport 2006; Reeves 2008). Average doses in clinical trials were 1.2 to 1.6 mg/day (Komossa 2010)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (off-label use): Oral: Initial: 0.5 to 1 mg at bedtime or 0.5 mg twice daily; may adjust dose based on response and tolerability to a maximum of 8 mg daily; total daily dose may be given in 2 or 3 divided doses. Average dose in clinical trials: 1.25 to 3.75 mg daily (Bandelow 2008; Bartzokis 2005; Hamner 2003; Padala 2006; Reich 2004; Rothbaum 2008).

Tourette syndrome (off-label use): Oral: Initial: 0.25 mg once daily; increase gradually based on response and tolerability up to a usual dosage of 0.25 to 6 mg daily (Pringsheim 2012; Roessner 2011). Dosage adjustments in clinical trials were commonly in increments of <0.5 mg twice daily and at intervals ≥3 days (Bruggeman 2001; Dion 2002; Scahill 2003).

Discontinuation of therapy: American Psychiatric Association (APA), Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA), and World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) guidelines recommend gradually tapering antipsychotics to avoid withdrawal symptoms and minimize the risk of relapse (APA [Lehman 2004]; Cerovecki 2013; CPA [Addington 2005]; WFSBP [Hasan 2012]); risk for withdrawal symptoms may be highest with highly anti-cholinergic or dopaminergic antipsychotics (Cerovecki 2013). When stopping antipsychotic therapy in patients with schizophrenia, the CPA guidelines recommend a gradual taper over 6 to 24 months, and the APA guidelines recommend reducing the dose by 10% each month (APA [Lehman 2004]; CPA [Addington 2005]). Continuing anti-parkinsonism agents for a brief period after discontinuation may prevent withdrawal symptoms (Cerovecki 2013). When switching antipsychotics, 3 strategies have been suggested: Cross-titration (gradually discontinuing the first antipsychotic while gradually increasing the new antipsychotic), overlap and taper (maintaining the dose of the first antipsychotic while gradually increasing the new antipsychotic, then tapering the first antipsychotic), and abrupt change (abruptly discontinuing the first antipsychotic and either increasing the new antipsychotic gradually or starting it at a treatment dose). Evidence supporting ideal switch strategies and taper rates is limited, and results are conflicting (Cerovecki 2013; Remington 2005).

Dosing: Geriatric

Schizophrenia and bipolar mania: Oral: Initial: 0.5 mg twice daily; titrate slowly. Note: Limiting initial dose to 1 mg daily (in 2 divided doses) may reduce the risk of orthostatic hypotension/syncope. Additional monitoring of renal function and orthostatic blood pressure may be warranted.

Bipolar I maintenance: IM (Risperdal Consta): Refer to adult dosing.

Psychosis/agitation associated with dementia (off-label use): Oral: Initial: 0.5 mg daily, in 1 to 2 divided doses; if necessary, gradually increase based on response and tolerability not to exceed 2 mg daily. Doses >1 mg daily are associated with higher rates of extrapyramidal symptoms. In patients without a clinically significant response after 4 weeks, taper and withdraw therapy. In patients with an adequate response, attempt to taper and withdraw therapy within 4 months, unless symptoms recurred with a previous taper attempt. Assess symptoms at least monthly during taper and for at least 4 months after withdrawal of therapy (APA [Reus 2016]; Brodaty 2003; De Deyn 1999; Katz 1999; Schneider 2006; Sultzer 2008).

Dosing: Pediatric

Note: When reinitiating treatment after discontinuation, the initial titration schedule should be followed.

Bipolar mania: Children and Adolescents 10 to 17 years: Oral: Initial: 0.5 mg once daily; dose may be adjusted in increments of 0.5 to 1 mg daily at intervals ≥24 hours to a dose of 1 to 2.5 mg daily. Doses ranging from 0.5 to 6 mg daily have been evaluated; however doses >2.5 mg daily do not confer additional benefit and are associated with increased adverse events. Patients experiencing persistent somnolence may benefit from dividing the dosage into twice-daily doses.

Maintenance: No dosing recommendation available for treatment >3 weeks duration

Irritability associated with autistic disorder: Children ≥5 years and Adolescents: Oral:

<15 kg: Use with caution; specific dosing recommendations not available

15 to <20 kg: Initial: 0.25 mg daily; may increase dose to 0.5 mg daily after ≥4 days, maintain dose for ≥14 days. In patients not achieving sufficient clinical response, may increase dose by 0.25 mg daily in ≥2-week intervals. Doses ranging from 0.5 to 3 mg daily have been evaluated. Following clinical response, consider gradually lowering dose. Patients experiencing persistent somnolence may benefit from a once-daily dose administered at bedtime, dividing the dosage into twice-daily doses, or a reduction of the dose.

≥20 kg: Initial: 0.5 mg daily; may increase dose to 1 mg daily after ≥4 days, maintain dose for ≥14 days. In patients not achieving sufficient clinical response, may increase dose by 0.5 mg daily in ≥2-week intervals. Doses ranging from 0.5 to 3 mg daily have been evaluated. Following clinical response, consider gradually lowering dose.

Schizophrenia: Adolescents 13 to 17 years: Oral: Initial: 0.5 mg once daily; dose may be adjusted in increments of 0.5 to 1 mg daily at intervals ≥24 hours to a dose of 3 mg daily. Doses ranging from 1 to 6 mg daily have been evaluated, however, doses >3 mg daily do not confer additional benefit and are associated with increased adverse events. Patients experiencing persistent somnolence may benefit from dividing the dosage into twice-daily doses.

Tourette's syndrome (off-label use): Children and Adolescents: Initial: 0.125 to 0.5 mg once daily; increase gradually based on response and tolerability up to a usual dosage of 0.75 to 3 mg daily (AACAP [Murphy 2013]; Pringsheim 2012). Dosage adjustments in clinical trials were commonly in increments of <0.5 mg twice daily and at intervals ≥3 days; doses up to 4 mg daily have been evaluated in children and up to 6 mg daily in adolescents (Bruggeman 2001; Dion 2002; Ghanizadeh 2014; Gilbert 2004; Scahill 2003).

Dosing: Renal Impairment

Adults:

Oral: Note: Limiting initial dose to 1 mg daily (in 2 divided doses) may reduce the risk of orthostatic hypotension/syncope. Clearance may be decreased by 60% in patients with moderate to severe renal disease (CrCl <60 mL/minute).

Mild or moderate impairment (CrCl ≥30 mL/minute): There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling; reduce dosage.

Severe impairment (CrCl <30 mL/minute): Initial: 0.5 mg twice daily; titrate slowly in increments of no more than 0.5 mg twice daily; increases to dosages >1.5 mg twice daily should occur at intervals of ≥1 week.

IM: Initiate with oral dosing (0.5 mg twice daily for 1 week then 1 mg twice daily or 2 mg once daily for 1 week); if tolerated, begin 25 mg IM every 2 weeks; continue oral dosing for 3 weeks after the first IM injection. An initial IM dose of 12.5 mg may also be considered.

Dosing: Hepatic Impairment

Adults:

Oral: Note: Limiting initial doses to 1 mg daily (in 2 divided doses) may reduce the risk of orthostatic hypotension/syncope. The mean free fraction of risperidone in plasma may be increased by 35% in patients with hepatic impairment.

Mild or moderate impairment (Child-Pugh class A or B): There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling; reduce dosage.

Severe impairment (Child-Pugh class C): Initial: 0.5 mg twice daily; titration should progress slowly in increments of no more than 0.5 mg twice daily; increases to dosages >1.5 mg twice daily should occur at intervals of ≥1 week.

IM: Initiate with oral dosing (0.5 mg twice daily for 1 week then 1 mg twice daily or 2 mg once daily for 1 week); if tolerated, begin 25 mg IM every 2 weeks; continue oral dosing for 3 weeks after the first IM injection. An initial IM dose of 12.5 mg may also be considered.

Reconstitution

Risperdal Consta: Do not substitute any components of the dose pack. Bring to room temperature for ≥ 30 minutes prior to reconstitution (do not warm any other way). Reconstitute with provided diluent only. Refer to the manufacturer’s labeling for device assembly and reconstitution instructions. Do not store suspension after reconstitution; administer immediately after reconstitution.

Administration

Oral: May be administered without regard to meals.

Oral solution can be administered directly from the provided calibrated pipette or may be mixed with water, coffee, orange juice, or low-fat milk, but is not compatible with cola or tea.

Risperdal M-Tab should not be removed from blister pack until administered. Do not push tablet through foil (tablet may become damaged); peel back foil to expose tablet. Using dry hands, place immediately on tongue. Tablet will dissolve within seconds, and may be swallowed with or without liquid. Do not split or chew.

IM: Shake syringe vigorously just before injection. Administer IM into either the deltoid muscle or the upper outer quadrant of the gluteal area. For IM use only; do not administer IV. Avoid inadvertent injection into vasculature. Injection should alternate between the two arms or buttocks. Do not combine two different dosage strengths into one single administration. Do not substitute any components of the dose-pack; administer with needle provided (1-inch needle for deltoid administration or 2-inch needle for gluteal administration).

Dietary Considerations

May be taken without regard to meals. Dispersible tablets contain phenylalanine.

Storage

Injection: Risperdal Consta: Store at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and protect from light. May be stored at 25°C (77°F) for up to 7 days prior to administration; do not expose unrefrigerated product to temperatures above 77°F (25°C). Following reconstitution, administer immediately (do not store for future use).

Oral solution, tablet: Store at 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep orally-disintegrating tablets sealed in foil pouch until ready to use. Do not freeze solution.

Drug Interactions

Abiraterone Acetate: May increase the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates. Management: Avoid concurrent use of abiraterone with CYP2D6 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic index whenever possible. When concurrent use is not avoidable, monitor patients closely for signs/symptoms of toxicity. Consider therapy modification

AbobotulinumtoxinA: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of AbobotulinumtoxinA. Monitor therapy

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors. Monitor therapy

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Central): May enhance the neurotoxic (central) effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Severe extrapyramidal symptoms have occurred in some patients. Monitor therapy

Aclidinium: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Avoid combination

Alcohol (Ethyl): CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Alcohol (Ethyl). Monitor therapy

Amisulpride: Antipsychotic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Amisulpride. Avoid combination

Amphetamines: Antipsychotic Agents may diminish the stimulatory effect of Amphetamines. Monitor therapy

Analgesics (Opioid): CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Analgesics (Opioid). Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Consider therapy modification

Anticholinergic Agents: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Anticholinergic Agents. Monitor therapy

Antidiabetic Agents: Hyperglycemia-Associated Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Monitor therapy

Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist): Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist). Management: Consider using an alternative antipsychotic agent when possible in patients with Parkinson disease. If an atypical antipsychotic is necessary, consider using clozapine or quetiapine, which may convey the lowest interaction risk. Consider therapy modification

Asunaprevir: May increase the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates. Consider therapy modification

Azelastine (Nasal): CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Azelastine (Nasal). Avoid combination

Blonanserin: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Blonanserin. Consider therapy modification

Blood Pressure Lowering Agents: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]). Monitor therapy

Brimonidine (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Buprenorphine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Buprenorphine. Management: Consider reduced doses of other CNS depressants, and avoiding such drugs in patients at high risk of buprenorphine overuse/self-injection. Initiate buprenorphine patches (Butrans brand) at 5 mcg/hr in adults when used with other CNS depressants. Consider therapy modification

Cannabis: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

CarBAMazepine: May decrease the serum concentration of RisperiDONE. Management: Consider increasing the dose of risperidone (to no more than double the original dose) if carbamazepine is initiated/dose increased. Monitor for reduced therapeutic effects of risperidone. Consider therapy modification

Chloral Betaine: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Monitor therapy

Chlormethiazole: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Monitor closely for evidence of excessive CNS depression. The chlormethiazole labeling states that an appropriately reduced dose should be used if such a combination must be used. Consider therapy modification

Chlorphenesin Carbamate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Cimetropium: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Cimetropium. Avoid combination

CNS Depressants: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Cobicistat: May increase the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates. Monitor therapy

CYP2D6 Inhibitors (Moderate): May decrease the metabolism of CYP2D6 Substrates. Monitor therapy

CYP2D6 Inhibitors (Strong): May decrease the metabolism of CYP2D6 Substrates. Consider therapy modification

Darunavir: May increase the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates. Monitor therapy

Dimethindene (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Doxylamine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: The manufacturer of Diclegis (doxylamine/pyridoxine), intended for use in pregnancy, specifically states that use with other CNS depressants is not recommended. Monitor therapy

Dronabinol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Droperidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider dose reductions of droperidol or of other CNS agents (e.g., opioids, barbiturates) with concomitant use. Consider therapy modification

Eluxadoline: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the constipating effect of Eluxadoline. Avoid combination

Flunitrazepam: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunitrazepam. Consider therapy modification

Gastrointestinal Agents (Prokinetic): Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Gastrointestinal Agents (Prokinetic). Monitor therapy

Glucagon: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Glucagon. Specifically, the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects may be increased. Avoid combination

Glycopyrrolate (Oral Inhalation): Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Glycopyrrolate (Oral Inhalation). Avoid combination

Highest Risk QTc-Prolonging Agents: QTc-Prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk and Risk Modifying) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Highest Risk QTc-Prolonging Agents. Management: Avoid such combinations when possible. Use should be accompanied by close monitoring for evidence of QT prolongation or other alterations of cardiac rhythm. Consider therapy modification

HYDROcodone: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of HYDROcodone. Management: Avoid concomitant use of hydrocodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Consider therapy modification

HydrOXYzine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Imatinib: May increase the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates. Monitor therapy

Iohexol: Agents With Seizure Threshold Lowering Potential may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Iohexol. Specifically, the risk for seizures may be increased. Management: Discontinue agents that may lower the seizure threshold 48 hours prior to intrathecal use of iohexol. Wait at least 24 hours after the procedure to resume such agents. In nonelective procedures, consider use of prophylactic anticonvulsants. Consider therapy modification

Iomeprol: Agents With Seizure Threshold Lowering Potential may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Iomeprol. Specifically, the risk for seizures may be increased. Management: Discontinue agents that may lower the seizure threshold 48 hours prior to intrathecal use of iomeprol. Wait at least 24 hours after the procedure to resume such agents. In nonelective procedures, consider use of prophylactic anticonvulsants. Consider therapy modification

Iopamidol: Agents With Seizure Threshold Lowering Potential may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Iopamidol. Specifically, the risk for seizures may be increased. Management: Discontinue agents that may lower the seizure threshold 48 hours prior to intrathecal use of iopamidol. Wait at least 24 hours after the procedure to resume such agents. In nonelective procedures, consider use of prophylactic anticonvulsants. Consider therapy modification

Ipratropium (Oral Inhalation): May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Avoid combination

Itopride: Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Itopride. Monitor therapy

Kava Kava: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Levosulpiride: Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Levosulpiride. Avoid combination

Lithium: May enhance the neurotoxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Lithium may decrease the serum concentration of Antipsychotic Agents. Specifically noted with chlorpromazine. Monitor therapy

Lofexidine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Loop Diuretics: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of RisperiDONE. Management: Consider alternative diuretic therapy (e.g., thiazides) to more potent diuretics (e.g., furosemide) in elderly patients receiving risperidone. Patients who require use of more potent diuretic therapy should be closely monitored and adequately hydrated. Consider therapy modification

Lumacaftor: May decrease the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates. Lumacaftor may increase the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates. Monitor therapy

Magnesium Sulfate: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Mequitazine: Antipsychotic Agents may enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Mequitazine. Management: Consider alternatives to one of these agents when possible. While this combination is not specifically contraindicated, mequitazine labeling describes this combination as discouraged. Consider therapy modification

Methotrimeprazine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Methotrimeprazine. Methotrimeprazine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Reduce adult dose of CNS depressant agents by 50% with initiation of concomitant methotrimeprazine therapy. Further CNS depressant dosage adjustments should be initiated only after clinically effective methotrimeprazine dose is established. Consider therapy modification

Methylphenidate: Antipsychotic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Methylphenidate. Methylphenidate may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Monitor therapy

Metoclopramide: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Avoid combination

MetyroSINE: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of MetyroSINE. Monitor therapy

MetyroSINE: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Monitor therapy

Mianserin: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Monitor therapy

MiFEPRIStone: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk and Risk Modifying). Management: Though the drugs listed here have uncertain QT-prolonging effects, they all have some possible association with QT prolongation and should generally be avoided when possible. Consider therapy modification

Minocycline: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Mirabegron: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Mirabegron. Monitor therapy

Mirtazapine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Mirtazapine. Monitor therapy

Moderate Risk QTc-Prolonging Agents: QTc-Prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk and Risk Modifying) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Moderate Risk QTc-Prolonging Agents. Monitor therapy

Nabilone: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Nitroglycerin: Anticholinergic Agents may decrease the absorption of Nitroglycerin. Specifically, anticholinergic agents may decrease the dissolution of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets, possibly impairing or slowing nitroglycerin absorption. Monitor therapy

OnabotulinumtoxinA: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of OnabotulinumtoxinA. Monitor therapy

Orphenadrine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Orphenadrine. Avoid combination

Oxatomide: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Avoid combination

Oxomemazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Avoid combination

OxyCODONE: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of OxyCODONE. Management: Avoid concomitant use of oxycodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Consider therapy modification

Paliperidone: RisperiDONE may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Paliperidone. Management: Additive paliperidone exposure is expected with this combination. Consider using an alternative combination when possible. Consider therapy modification

Panobinostat: May increase the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates. Management: Avoid concurrent use of sensitive CYP2D6 substrates when possible, particularly those substrates with a narrow therapeutic index. Consider therapy modification

Paraldehyde: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Paraldehyde. Avoid combination

Peginterferon Alfa-2b: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates. Peginterferon Alfa-2b may increase the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates. Monitor therapy

Perampanel: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Patients taking perampanel with any other drug that has CNS depressant activities should avoid complex and high-risk activities, particularly those such as driving that require alertness and coordination, until they have experience using the combination. Consider therapy modification

Perhexiline: CYP2D6 Substrates may increase the serum concentration of Perhexiline. Perhexiline may increase the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates. Monitor therapy

P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inducers: May decrease the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates. P-glycoprotein inducers may also further limit the distribution of p-glycoprotein substrates to specific cells/tissues/organs where p-glycoprotein is present in large amounts (e.g., brain, T-lymphocytes, testes, etc.). Monitor therapy

P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Inhibitors: May increase the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates. P-glycoprotein inhibitors may also enhance the distribution of p-glycoprotein substrates to specific cells/tissues/organs where p-glycoprotein is present in large amounts (e.g., brain, T-lymphocytes, testes, etc.). Monitor therapy

Piribedil: Antipsychotic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Piribedil. Piribedil may diminish the therapeutic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Management: Use of piribedil with antiemetic neuroleptics is contraindicated, and use with antipsychotic neuroleptics, except for clozapine, is not recommended. Avoid combination

Potassium Chloride: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the ulcerogenic effect of Potassium Chloride. Management: Patients on drugs with substantial anticholinergic effects should avoid using any solid oral dosage form of potassium chloride. Avoid combination

Potassium Citrate: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the ulcerogenic effect of Potassium Citrate. Avoid combination

Pramlintide: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. These effects are specific to the GI tract. Consider therapy modification

Quinagolide: Antipsychotic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Quinagolide. Monitor therapy

Ramosetron: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the constipating effect of Ramosetron. Monitor therapy

Ranolazine: May increase the serum concentration of P-glycoprotein/ABCB1 Substrates. Monitor therapy

RimabotulinumtoxinB: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of RimabotulinumtoxinB. Monitor therapy

Rufinamide: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Specifically, sleepiness and dizziness may be enhanced. Monitor therapy

Secretin: Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Secretin. Management: Avoid using drugs with substantial anticholinergic effects in patients receiving secretin whenever possible. If such agents must be used in combination, monitor closely for a diminished response to secretin. Consider therapy modification

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: May decrease the metabolism of RisperiDONE. Exceptions: FluvoxaMINE. Monitor therapy

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: CNS Depressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Specifically, the risk of psychomotor impairment may be enhanced. Monitor therapy

Serotonin Modulators: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Specifically, serotonin modulators may enhance dopamine blockade, possibly increasing the risk for neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Antipsychotic Agents may enhance the serotonergic effect of Serotonin Modulators. This could result in serotonin syndrome. Exceptions: Nicergoline. Monitor therapy

Sodium Oxybate: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider alternatives to combined use. When combined use is needed, consider minimizing doses of one or more drugs. Use of sodium oxybate with alcohol or sedative hypnotics is contraindicated. Consider therapy modification

Sulpiride: Antipsychotic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Sulpiride. Avoid combination

Suvorexant: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Suvorexant. Management: Dose reduction of suvorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of suvorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of suvorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Consider therapy modification

Tapentadol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Avoid concomitant use of tapentadol and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Consider therapy modification

Tetrahydrocannabinol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Thalidomide: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Thalidomide. Avoid combination

Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics: Anticholinergic Agents may increase the serum concentration of Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics. Monitor therapy

Tiotropium: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Tiotropium. Avoid combination

Topiramate: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Topiramate. Monitor therapy

Trimeprazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Umeclidinium: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Avoid combination

Valproate Products: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of RisperiDONE. Generalized edema has developed. Monitor therapy

Verapamil: May increase the serum concentration of RisperiDONE. Monitor therapy

Zolpidem: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Zolpidem. Management: Reduce the Intermezzo brand sublingual zolpidem adult dose to 1.75 mg for men who are also receiving other CNS depressants. No such dose change is recommended for women. Avoid use with other CNS depressants at bedtime; avoid use with alcohol. Consider therapy modification

Adverse Reactions

>10%:

Central nervous system: Sedation (children 12% to 63%; adults 5% to 11%), parkinsonian-like syndrome (children 6% to 62%; adults 8% to 25%), drowsiness (adults 5% to 41%; children 4% to 11%), insomnia (≤32%), fatigue (children 18% to 31%; adults 1% to 9%), headache (12% to 21%), anxiety (≤16%), dizziness (3% to 16%), drooling (children 12%; adults <4%), akathisia (5% to 11%)

Endocrine & metabolic: Weight gain (≥7% kg increase from baseline: children 8% to 33%; adults 4% to 21%)

Gastrointestinal: Increased appetite (children 4% to 44%; adults 4%), vomiting (children 10% to 20%; adults <4%), constipation (5% to 17%), abdominal pain (children 6% to 16%; adults <4%), nausea (5% to 16%)

Genitourinary: Urinary incontinence (children 16%; adults <4%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Tremor (adults ≤24%; children ≤11%)

Respiratory: Nasopharyngitis (children 19%; adults ≤4%), cough (children ≤17%; adults ≤4%), rhinorrhea (children 12%; adults <4%)

Miscellaneous: Fever (children 16%; adults 1% to 2%)

1% to 10%:

Cardiovascular: Bradycardia (<4%), bundle branch block (<4%), chest pain (<4%), ECG changes (<4%), facial edema (<4%), first degree atrioventricular block (<4%), hypotension (<4%), orthostatic hypotension (<4%), palpitations (<4%), prolonged Q-T interval on ECG (<4%), tachycardia (adults <4%; children <1%), hypertension (≤3%), peripheral edema (≤3%), syncope (1% to 2%)

Central nervous system: Dystonia (2% to 6%), abnormal gait (4%), pain (1% to 4%), disturbance in attention (≤4%), agitation (<4%), ataxia (<4%), depression (<4%), disturbed sleep (<4%), falling (<4%), lethargy (<4%), malaise (<4%), nervousness (<4%), orthostatic dizziness (<4%), paresthesia (<4%), seizure (<4%), tardive dyskinesia (<4%), vertigo (<4%), hypoesthesia (≤2%)

Dermatologic: Skin rash (≤8%), eczema (<4%), pruritus (<4%), skin sclerosis (<4%), xeroderma (≤3%), acne vulgaris (≤2%)

Endocrine & metabolic: Increased thirst (children ≤7%; adults <1%), weight loss (≤4%), amenorrhea (4%), decreased libido (<4%), galactorrhea (<4%), glycosuria (<4%), gynecomastia (<4%), hyperglycemia (<4%), hyperprolactinemia (<4%), increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (<4%), oligomenorrhea (<4%)

Gastrointestinal: Xerostomia (≤10%), dyspepsia (3% to 10%), sialorrhea (1% to 10%), diarrhea (≤8%), decreased appetite (≤6%), anorexia (<4%), gastritis (<4%), gastroenteritis (<4%), toothache (≤3%)

Genitourinary: Menstruation (≤4%), cystitis (<4%), ejaculatory disorder (<4%), erectile dysfunction (<4%), irregular menses (<4%), mastalgia (<4%), sexual disorder (<4%), urinary tract infection (<4%)

Hematologic & oncologic: Anemia (<4%), neutropenia (<4%)

Hepatic: Increased serum ALT (<4%), increased serum AST (<4%)

Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction (<4%)

Infection: Infection (<4%), influenza (<4%), localized infection (<4%), subcutaneous abscess (<4%), viral infection (<4%)

Local: Induration at injection site (<4%), injection site reaction (<4%), local pain (buttock: <4%), pain at injection site (<4%), swelling at injection site (<4%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Limb pain (2% to 6%), dyskinesia (adults ≤6%; children <1%), back pain (≤4%), arthralgia (2% to 4%), abnormal posture (<4%), akinesia (<4%), hypokinesia (<4%), musculoskeletal chest pain (<4%), myalgia (<4%), neck pain (<4%), weakness (<4%), increased creatine phosphokinase (≤2%)

Ophthalmic: Blurred vision (2% to 7%), conjunctivitis (<4%), reduced visual acuity (<4%)

Otic: Otalgia (≤4%), otic infection (<4%)

Respiratory: Nasal congestion (≤10%), pharyngolaryngeal pain (3% to 10%), rhinitis (≤9%), respiratory tract infection (≤8%), bronchitis (<4%), dyspnea (<4%), flu-like symptoms (<4%), pharyngitis (<4%), pneumonia (<4%), sinusitis (<4%), epistaxis (≤2%), sinus congestion (≤2%)

<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Abnormal erythrocytes, abscess at injection site, acariasis, agranulocytosis, alopecia, anaphylaxis, angioedema, anorgasmia, apnea, aspiration, atrial fibrillation, atrial premature contractions, blepharospasm, blunted affect, breast hypertrophy, bronchopneumonia, cellulitis, cerebral ischemia, cerebrovascular accident, cerebrovascular disease, cheilitis, chills, cholestatic hepatitis, cholinergic syndrome, cold extremities, coma, confusion, crusting of eyelid, cutaneous nodule, cyst, decreased hematocrit, decreased hemoglobin, dehydration, delirium, depression of ST segment on ECG, dermal ulcer, dermatological disease, desquamation, diabetes mellitus, diabetic coma, diabetic ketoacidosis, disruption of body temperature regulation, diverticulitis, dry eye syndrome, dysgeusia, dysphagia, dysuria, edema, eosinophilia, erythema, esophageal motility disorder, esophagitis, eye discharge, eye infection, eyelid edema, fecal incontinence, fecaloma, feeling abnormal, flushing, glaucoma, granulocytopenia, hematemesis, hematoma, hematuria, hemorrhage, hepatic failure, hepatic injury, hyperkeratosis, hyperphosphatemia, hyperthermia, hypertonia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, hyperventilation, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypoproteinemia, hypothermia, impaired consciousness, increased serum cholesterol, increased serum transaminases, intestinal obstruction, intraoperative floppy iris syndrome, inversion T wave on ECG, jaundice, joint stiffness, joint swelling, lacrimation, leukocytosis, leukopenia, leukorrhea, lip edema, loss of balance, lower respiratory tract infection, lymphadenopathy, mania, mastitis, migraine, movement disorder, myocardial infarction, myocarditis, nasal mucosa swelling, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, nystagmus, oculogyric crisis, ocular hyperemia, onychomycosis, pancreatitis, Pelger-Huet anomaly, phlebitis, photophobia, pitting edema, pituitary neoplasm, pollakiuria, polydipsia, precocious puberty, priapism, pulmonary congestion, pulmonary embolism, rales, renal insufficiency, respiratory congestion, respiratory distress, retinal artery occlusion, retrograde ejaculation, rhabdomyolysis, rigors, sarcoidosis, seborrhea, seborrheic dermatitis of scalp, SIADH, skin discoloration, skin lesion, sleep apnea, speech disturbance, stomatitis, stridor, swelling of eye, synostosis, thrombocytopenia, thrombophlebitis, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, tinnitus, tissue necrosis, tongue discoloration, tongue edema, tongue paralysis, tongue spasm, tonsillitis, torticollis, tracheobronchitis, transient ischemic attacks, unresponsive to stimuli, urinary retention, urticaria, vaginal discharge, ventricular premature contractions, ventricular tachycardia, voice disorder, water intoxication, wheezing, withdrawal syndrome, xerophthalmia

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Altered cardiac conduction: May alter cardiac conduction; life-threatening arrhythmias have occurred with therapeutic doses of antipsychotics. Use caution with history of conduction abnormalities. Relative to other neuroleptics, risperidone has a low risk of arrhythmias (APA [Lehman 2004]).

• Anticholinergic effects: May cause anticholinergic effects (confusion, agitation, constipation, xerostomia, blurred vision, urinary retention); use with caution in patients with decreased gastrointestinal motility, urinary retention, BPH, xerostomia, or visual problems. Relative to other neuroleptics, risperidone has a low potency of cholinergic blockade (Richelson 1999).

• Antiemetic effects: May mask toxicity of other drugs or conditions (eg, intestinal obstruction, Reyes syndrome, brain tumor) due to antiemetic effects.

• Blood dyscrasias: Leukopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis (sometimes fatal) have been reported in clinical trials and postmarketing reports with antipsychotic use; presence of risk factors (eg, pre-existing low WBC or history of drug-induced leuko-/neutropenia) should prompt periodic blood count assessment. Discontinue therapy at first signs of blood dyscrasias or if absolute neutrophil count <1,000/mm³.

• Cerebrovascular effects: An increased incidence of cerebrovascular effects (eg, transient ischemic attack, stroke), including fatalities, has been reported in placebo-controlled trials of risperidone for the unapproved use in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.

• CNS depression: May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks that require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery, driving). May be low to moderately sedating in comparison with other antipsychotics (Richelson 1999); dose-related effects have been observed.

• Dyslipidemia: Has been reported with atypical antipsychotics; risk profile may differ between agents. Discrepant results have been reported in clinical trials, regarding lipid changes associated with risperidone (American Diabetes Association, 2004).

• Esophageal dysmotility/aspiration: Antipsychotic use has been associated with esophageal dysmotility and aspiration; use with caution in patients at risk of pneumonia (eg, Alzheimer disease).

• Extrapyramidal symptoms: May cause extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), including pseudoparkinsonism, acute dystonic reactions, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia (risk of these reactions is generally much lower relative to typical/conventional antipsychotics; frequencies reported are similar to placebo). Risk of dystonia (and possibly other EPS) may be greater with increased doses, use of conventional antipsychotics, males, and younger patients. Factors associated with greater vulnerability to tardive dyskinesia include older in age, female gender combined with postmenopausal status, Parkinson disease, pseudoparkinsonism symptoms, affective disorders (particularly major depressive disorder), concurrent medical diseases such as diabetes, previous brain damage, alcoholism, poor treatment response, and use of high doses of antipsychotics (APA [Lehman 2004]; Soares-Weiser 2007). Consider therapy discontinuation with signs/symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.

• Falls: May increase the risk for falls due to somnolence, orthostatic hypotension, and motor or sensory instability. Complete fall risk assessments at baseline and periodically during treatment in patients with diseases or on medications that may also increase fall risk.

• Hyperglycemia: Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with development of hyperglycemia; in some cases, may be extreme and associated with ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar coma, or death. Use with caution in patients with diabetes or other disorders of glucose regulation; monitor for worsening of glucose control.

• Hyperprolactinemia: Risperidone is associated with greater increases in prolactin levels as compared to other antipsychotic agents; clinical significance of hyperprolactinemia in patients with breast cancer or other prolactin-dependent tumors is unknown.

• Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions and angioedmia have been reported.

• Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome: Few case reports describe intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) in patients receiving risperidone and undergoing cataract surgery (Ford, 2011). Prior to cataract surgery, evaluate for prior or current risperidone use. The benefits or risks of interrupting risperidone prior to surgery have not been established; clinicians are advised to proceed with surgery cautiously.

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Use may be associated with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS); monitor for mental status changes, fever, muscle rigidity and/or autonomic instability.

• Orthostatic hypotension: May cause orthostatic hypotension; use with caution in patients at risk of this effect (eg, concurrent medication use which may predispose to hypotension/bradycardia or presence of hypovolemia) or in those who would not tolerate transient hypotensive episodes. Use caution with history of cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease (MI, heart failure, or ischemic disease).

• Priapism: Rare cases of priapism have been reported.

• Suicidal ideation: The possibility of a suicide attempt is inherent in psychotic illness or bipolar disorder; use with caution in high-risk patients during initiation of therapy. Prescriptions should be written for the smallest quantity consistent with good patient care.

• Temperature regulation: Impaired core body temperature regulation may occur; caution with strenuous exercise, heat exposure, dehydration, and concomitant medication possessing anticholinergic effects (Kwok 2005, Martinez 2002).

• Weight gain: Significant weight gain has been observed with antipsychotic therapy; incidence varies with product. Monitor waist circumference and BMI.

Disease-related concerns:

• Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with severe cardiac disease, hemodynamic instability, prior myocardial infarction or ischemic heart disease.

• Dementia: [US Boxed Warning]: Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotics are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo. Most deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (eg, heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (eg, pneumonia) in nature. Use with caution in patients with Lewy body dementia or Parkinson disease dementia due to greater risk of adverse effects, increased sensitivity to extrapyramidal effects, and association with irreversible cognitive decompensation or death. (APA [Reus 2016]). Risperidone is not approved for the treatment of dementia-releated psychosis. Careful assessment of risk factors for stroke or existing cardiovascular morbidities is required prior to initiation.

• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic disease or impairment; dosage reduction is recommended.

• Parkinson disease: Use with caution in patients with Parkinson disease; antipsychotics may aggravate the motor disturbances of Parkinson disease (APA [Lehman 2004]; APA [Reus 2016]).

• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal disease; dosage reduction is recommended.

• Seizures: Use with caution in patients at risk of seizures, including those with a history of seizures, head trauma, brain damage, alcoholism, or concurrent therapy with medications which may lower seizure threshold.

Concurrent drug therapy issues:

• Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.

Dosage form specific issues:

• Benzyl alcohol and derivatives: Some dosage forms may contain sodium benzoate/benzoic acid; benzoic acid (benzoate) is a metabolite of benzyl alcohol; large amounts of benzyl alcohol (≥99 mg/kg/day) have been associated with a potentially fatal toxicity (“gasping syndrome”) in neonates; the “gasping syndrome” consists of metabolic acidosis, respiratory distress, gasping respirations, CNS dysfunction (including convulsions, intracranial hemorrhage), hypotension, and cardiovascular collapse (AAP ["Inactive" 1997]; CDC, 1982); some data suggests that benzoate displaces bilirubin from protein binding sites (Ahlfors, 2001); avoid or use dosage forms containing benzyl alcohol derivative with caution in neonates. See manufacturer’s labeling.

• Dispersible tablet: Inform patients with phenylketonuria that dispersible tablets contain phenylalanine.

• Injectable suspension: Vehicle used (polylactide-co-glycolide microspheres) has rarely been associated with retinal artery occlusion in patients with abnormal arteriovenous anastomosis (eg, patent foramen ovale). Not for intravenous use; administer only as an intramuscular injection.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Discontinuation of therapy: When discontinuing antipsychotic therapy, the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA), and World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) guidelines recommend gradually tapering antipsychotics to avoid physical withdrawal symptoms, including anorexia, anxiety, diaphoresis, diarrhea, dizziness, dyskinesia, headache, myalgia, nausea, paresthesia, restlessness, tremulousness, and vomiting (APA [Lehman 2004]; CPA [Addington 2005]; Lambert 2007; WFSBP [Hasan 2012]). The risk of withdrawal symptoms is highest following abrupt discontinuation of highly anti-cholinergic or dopaminergic antipsychotics (Cerovecki 2013). Additional factors such as duration of antipsychotic exposure, the indication for use, medication half-life, and risk for relapse should be considered. In schizophrenia, there is no reliable indicator to differentiate the minority who will not from the majority who will relapse with drug discontinuation. However, studies in which the medication of well-stabilized patients were discontinued indicate that 75% of patients relapse within 6 to 24 months. Indefinite maintenance antipsychotic medication is generally recommended, and especially for patients who have had multiple prior episodes or 2 episodes within 5 years (APA [Lehman 2004]).

Monitoring Parameters

Mental status; vital signs (as clinically indicated); blood pressure (baseline; repeat 3 months after antipsychotic initiation, then yearly); weight, height, BMI, waist circumference (baseline; repeat at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after initiating or changing therapy, then quarterly; consider switching to a different antipsychotic for a weight gain ≥5% of initial weight); CBC (as clinically indicated; monitor frequently during the first few months of therapy in patients with pre-existing low WBC or history of drug-induced leukopenia/neutropenia); electrolytes, renal and liver function (annually and as clinically indicated); personal and family history of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease (baseline; repeat annually); fasting plasma glucose level/HbA_1c (baseline; repeat 3 months after starting antipsychotic, then yearly); fasting lipid panel (baseline; repeat 3 months after initiation of antipsychotic; if LDL level is normal repeat at 2 to 5 year intervals or more frequently if clinical indicated); changes in menstruation, libido, development of galactorrhea, erectile and ejaculatory function (at each visit for the first 12 weeks after the antipsychotic is initiated or until the dose is stable, then yearly); abnormal involuntary movements or parkinsonian signs (baseline; repeat weekly until dose stabilized for at least 2 weeks after introduction and for 2 weeks after any significant dose increase); tardive dyskinesia (every 12 months; high-risk patients every 6 months); ocular examination (yearly in patients >40 years; every 2 years in younger patients) (ADA, 2004; Lehman, 2004; Marder, 2004).

Pregnancy Risk Factor

C

Pregnancy Considerations

Adverse events were observed in animal reproduction studies. In human studies, risperidone and its metabolite cross the placenta (Newport, 2007). An increased risk of teratogenic effects has not been observed following maternal use of risperidone (limited data) (Coppola, 2007). Agenesis of the corpus callosum has been noted in one case report of an infant exposed in utero; relationship to risperidone exposure is not known. Antipsychotic use during the third trimester of pregnancy has a risk for extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and/or withdrawal symptoms in newborns following delivery. Symptoms in the newborn may include agitation, feeding disorder, hypertonia, hypotonia, respiratory distress, somnolence, and tremor. These effects may be self-limiting and allow recovery within hours or days with no specific treatment, or they may be severe requiring prolonged hospitalization. When using Risperdal® Consta®, patients should notify healthcare provider if they become or intend to become pregnant during therapy or within 12 weeks of last injection. Risperidone may cause hyperprolactinemia, which may decrease reproductive function in both males and females.

The ACOG recommends that therapy during pregnancy be individualized; treatment with psychiatric medications during pregnancy should incorporate the clinical expertise of the mental health clinician, obstetrician, primary healthcare provider, and pediatrician. Safety data related to atypical antipsychotics during pregnancy is limited and routine use is not recommended. However, if a woman is inadvertently exposed to an atypical antipsychotic while pregnant, continuing therapy may be preferable to switching to a typical antipsychotic that the fetus has not yet been exposed to; consider risk:benefit (ACOG, 2008).