Risperdal and Alcohol Interaction

Risperdal and Alcohol

Risperdal generic name resperidone is a long acting injectable antipsychotic medication which works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain and is used to treat schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression). It is also used in autistic children to treat symptoms of irritability.

It is not used in psychotic conditions related to dementia as it may cause heart failure, sudden death or pneumonia in older adults with dementia.

It is suggested that patients do not consume alcohol even moderate drinking while using this drug as the side effects may be greatly affected.

At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. If anything more than that it is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.

If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.

If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.

Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.

Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.

When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.

Before using this drug advise your doctor if you are allergic to any other drug or substance, if you are using dietary or herbal supplements, are pregnant, plan to be or are breastfeeding, have liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, history of heart attack or stroke, history of low white blood cell counts, history of breast cancer, seizures, epilepsy, diabetes, history of suicidal thoughts, Parkinson’s disease or trouble swallowing.

Side Effects

Less serious side effects are mild restless, drowsy, tremors, sleepy with more dreams, blurred vision, dizzy, headache, weight gain, urination problems, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, decreased sex drive, impotence or difficult orgasm. If these occur call your physician for advice.

Serious side effects are severe allergic reactions such as hives difficult breathing, tight chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue, fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast uneven heartbeats, restless muscle movements in eyes, tongue, jaw or neck, tremors, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips, trouble swallowing lightheaded or faint.If these occur get emergency medical help.

This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.

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