Risperdal® (risperidone) is an antipsychotic medication prescribed for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It’s also given to autistic children in order to treat associated behavioral symptoms. Risperdal alters the chemical balance within a patient’s brain. While some find Risperdal quite helpful, it also has potentially serious side effects, including weight gain, strokes, increased prolactin levels (which may cause breast growth in male patients), headaches and fatigue. When you combine it with other prescription medications, dangerous Risperdal drug interactions can occur. Below are three Risperdal drug interactions you should discuss with your doctor, as they can have extremely dangerous health complications.
Dangerous Risperdal Drug Interactions: Cipro
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Cetraxal, Ciloxan, Proquin) treats bacterial infections. Cipro belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics and is prescribed for many different conditions. It works by stopping harmful bacteria growth. Cipro can alter your heart’s natural rhythm. When you take Risperdal and Cipro at the same time, you’re at increased risk for irregular heartbeat — a potentially life-threatening condition. Other antibiotic drugs like Cipro that may cause a similar adverse reaction include Levaquin (levofloxacin) and Avelox (moxifloxacin).
Dangerous Risperdal Drug Interactions: Topamax
Topamax (topiramate) is an anticonvulsant medication that helps prevent seizures as well as migraines. This drug reduces excessive electrical activity in the brain and suppresses overexcited nerves that contribute to seizures. Topamax can increase body temperature and decrease sweating, which can lead to heat stroke and dehydration. These specific side effects may worsen when you combine Topamax with Risperdal. Professionals suggest anyone taking both medications drink plenty of water, especially during warmer weather. Other potential side effects when combining Risperdal and Topamax include drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness. Drugs similar to Topamax (such as Lamictal or Neurontin) have similar side effects.
Dangerous Risperdal Drug Interactions: Plavix
Plavix (clopidogrel) is a blood thinner medication that keeps your platelets from sticking together and forming a clot. This medication’s often prescribed just after a recent heart attack or stroke. Because Plavix prevents your blood from clotting, you may easily have uncontrolled bleeding episodes — even with minor injuries. One potentially severe Risperdal side effect is decreased blood platelets. Taking Risperdal and Plavix together could thin your blood too much, causing excessive bleeding from otherwise minor injuries and bruises. Risperdal drug interactions with other platelet inhibitors, such as Effient® (prasugrel) and Brilinta® (ticagrelor), may cause similar adverse reactions.
If you took Risperdal with one of these medications and had serious health complications, you may be eligible for compensation. First, take a look at current Risperdal lawsuit information and see how other plaintiffs’ cases have played out. Then, fill out your free Risperdal claim review today and an attorney in your area will contact you about your case.
Mandy Voisin
Mandy Voisin is a freelance writer, blogger, and author of Girls of the Ocean and Star of Deliverance. As an accomplished content marketing consultant, mom of four and doctor's wife, Mandy has written hundreds of articles about dangerous drugs and medical devices, medical issues that impact disabled Americans, veterans' healthcare and workers' compensation issues since 2016.