Final answer:
Risperidone, also known as Risperdal, is an antipsychotic drug used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Important things to know about risperidone include indications and contraindications, monitoring considerations and dosage adjustments, patient teaching and side effects, and drug interactions and administration timing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Risperidone, also known as Risperdal, is an antipsychotic drug that works by antagonizing D2 and serotonin type 2 receptors, as well as other receptors such as adrenergic and histaminergic H1 receptors. It is important to know several things about risperidone:
- Indications and contraindications: Risperidone is used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. It is contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to the drug or its components.
- Monitoring considerations and dosage adjustments: Risperidone may require monitoring of factors like blood pressure, weight, and blood glucose levels. Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on individual response and tolerability.
- Patient teaching and side effects: It is important to educate patients about potential side effects such as drowsiness, weight gain, and extrapyramidal symptoms. Close monitoring of mental health and adherence to treatment is also essential.
- Drug interactions and administration timing: Risperidone may interact with other medications, so it is important to inform healthcare providers of all current medications. The timing of administration may depend on factors such as meal times.