Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Risperidone.

Blood Clots: Risperidone may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.

If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as heart attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.

Body temperature regulation: Risperidone can cause body temperature changes. If you are taking Risperidone you should take precautions when there is a risk of exposure to extreme heat or cold, strenuous exercise, or dehydration, or if you are also taking anticholinergic medication. Discuss with your doctor about how to prevent body temperature issues.

Cataract surgery: During eye surgery for Cataracts, people who take or have taken risperidone are at risk for developing a condition called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS). This condition can lead to eye damage. If you are planning to have an operation on your eye, inform your doctor if you are taking or have taken risperidone.

Cholesterol: Risperidone can cause increased blood cholesterol levels. If you are at risk of developing High Cholesterol or you have high cholesterol levels before starting risperidone, discuss with your doctor how Risperidone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperidone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diabetes: A risk of aggravating pre-existing diabetes has been linked to risperidone and other antipsychotic medications. If you have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes (e.g., family history of diabetes, Obesity), discuss with your doctor how Risperidone may affect your medical condition, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Risperidone may interfere with activities requiring mental alertness. People taking Risperidone should not drive or operate machinery until they are reasonably certain that risperidone does not affect their ability to carry out these activities safely.

Heart conditions: If you have a heart condition such as Angina, heart failure, or irregular heartbeat, and if you have had a heart attack, discuss with your doctor how Risperidone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperidone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart rhythm: Risperidone has been linked to changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, angina, low potassium, or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Risperidone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperidone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney problems: Decreased kidney function or Kidney Disease can cause Risperidone to build up in the body, causing increased side effects. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Risperidone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperidone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver problems: If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Risperidone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperidone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Low blood pressure: Risperidone may cause a lowering of blood pressure when rising from a sitting or lying position, or a racing heart rate, especially during the few weeks of treatment. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded or feel your pulse is racing, and this feeling does not go away after a few minutes, call your doctor. Because Risperidone can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, do not get up too quickly after you have been sitting or lying for prolonged periods.

Low white blood cells: Risperidone may cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells in your body. This decrease makes it harder for your body to fight infections. If you have a history of low white blood cells or are on medication (e.g., chemotherapy) that can cause low white blood cells, monitor for any signs of fever or infection and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Risperidone, like other antipsychotic medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS, get immediate medical attention. Symptoms include high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, and fainting.

Parkinson's Disease: Risperidone may cause deterioration in the condition of people with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease may also cause an increased risk of experiencing Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). If you have Parkinson's disease, discuss with your doctor how Risperidone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperidone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Seizures: Risperidone may increase the risk of seizures, especially in people who have had seizures in the past. If you have a seizure disorder or a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Risperidone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Risperidone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Suicidal or self-harm behaviour: People taking Risperidone may feel agitated or may want to hurt themselves or others. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Risperidone, contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Risperidone.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD): This syndrome consists of potentially irreversible, involuntary, and repetitive movements of the face and tongue muscles that may develop in people who take certain antipsychotic medications. Although TD appears most commonly in seniors (especially women), it is impossible to predict who will develop TD. The risk of developing TD increases with higher doses and long-term treatment. If signs and symptoms of TD develop during treatment with risperidone, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Weight gain: With long-term treatment, weight gain (averaging 2.3 kg) has occurred in those who take Risperidone.

Pregnancy: The safety of risperidone for use during pregnancy has not been established. Risperidone should not be used during pregnancy unless the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks. If you become pregnant while taking risperidone, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Risperidone passes into breast milk. Women should not breast-feed while taking risperidone.

Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of risperidone have not been established for use by children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors may require lower doses of Risperidone. There may be a higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, and deaths associated with the use of risperidone by people with dementia. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Risperidone. If you notice the following signs and symptoms, get medical attention immediately:

• signs of a stroke: sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs (often on one side of the body); speech problems; vision problems; balance problems or dizziness; confusion; sudden severe headache with no known cause
• signs of a heart attack: discomfort or pain in the chest, back, neck, jaw, arms, or stomach; sweating; shortness of breath; nausea; lightheadedness; feeling of impending doom