Perseris (risperidone) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

What are the most common side effects of Perseris?

The most common side effects of Perseris are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Weight gain
• Drowsiness
• Muscle or joint pain

There may be other side effects of Perseris that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Perseris?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Perseris are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Perseris may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Perseris and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• A fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Antipsychotic medicines, like Perseris, may cause a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS can lead to death. Stop using Perseris and contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

• High fever
• Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
• Confusion 
• Changes in your breathing or heart rate
• Increased sweating

Uncontrolled Movements. Perseris can cause some people to have movements that they cannot control. This condition, called tardive dyskinesia (TD), can cause jerky movements of the face, tongue, or body. TD can be permanent. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of TD.

• Tongue sticking out
• Lip smacking or puckering
• Grimacing
• Rapid eye blinking
• Jerking or twisting motion of the arms, legs, or trunk

Metabolism Changes. Perseris can cause high blood sugar levels or diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and weight gain. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your bloodwork and weight. Call your health care provider if you gain weight or have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

• Thirsty more than usual
• Peeing more than usual
• Increase in hunger
• Tiredness
• Feeling sick to your stomach
• Confusion
• Your breath smelling fruity

High Prolactin Level (Hyperprolactinemia). Perseris may cause an increased level of the hormone prolactin in your blood. High levels of prolactin could lead to fertility or bone problems. Contact your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Vaginal dryness
• Irregular or no periods
• Production of breast milk when not pregnant or nursing
• Inability to get or keep an erection
• Enlarged breast size (gynecomastia)
• Decreased muscle and body hair

Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension) and Falls. Perseris may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up from a seated or lying position. This may increase your risk of falling. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Feeling weak

Blood Disorders. Perseris can cause blood disorders, such as low white blood cell levels (leukopenia,  neutropenia, or agranulocytosis). Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your bloodwork. Stop using Perseris and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

• A fever
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent infection
• Unusual weakness or tiredness
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
• A headache
• A fast or abnormal heartbeat

Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Perseris can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Perseris affects you.

Seizures. Some people who have used Perseris have reported having seizures. There are many types of seizures, and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop using Perseris and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

• Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
• Stiffening of your arms and legs
• Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Falling or losing consciousness

Trouble Swallowing. Perseris can cause trouble swallowing (dysphagia), which can increase your risk of choking while eating or drinking. Eat small amounts of food, and chew your food well. Get emergency help if you are choking or have food stuck in your esophagus that is not passing.

Painful, Prolonged Erection (Priapism). Perseris may cause an unwanted erection that is persistent, painful, and that may happen without sexual arousal. Permanent damage to the penis may happen if priapism is not treated quickly. Stop using Perseris and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of priapism.

• Erection lasting for more than four hours
• Erection that is unrelated to sexual stimulation
• Painful or tender penis

Body Temperature Regulation. Perseris can affect your ability to regulate your body temperature. This could make you become very hot, especially in hot weather or after exercising a lot. You should drink water and avoid overheating and dehydration. Call your health care provider right away if you are severely ill and have the following symptoms.

• Excessive or no sweating
• Dry mouth
• Feeling very hot
• Feeling thirsty
• Not able to pee