Apexidone is a psychiatric drug available in the form of tablets and Risperidone syrup, and is used to treat schizophrenia and relieve symptoms of acute manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. In this article from Dalili Medical, we will review the most important information available about Apexidone, including its pharmaceutical composition, dosage, method of use, indications for use, side effects, drug interactions, and price.

**What is Apexidone?**

 

Apexidone is considered an atypical antipsychotic, as it works to inhibit the hormones "dopamine" and "serotonin" in order to reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia, which include:

- Hallucinations (such as imagining images or sounds that do not exist).

- Delusions or false beliefs (such as believing that he is being targeted by a certain group or that there are aliens who want to kidnap him).

- Inability to organize thoughts and express speech clearly.

- Loss of the ability to communicate in a comprehensible way.

- Tendency to isolation.

- Loss of interest in activities.

Apexidone's FDA-approved uses include:

 

- Treatment of schizophrenia.

- Treatment of psychosis.

- Relieving agitation and agitation resulting from autism.

- As an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder.

- Treatment of bipolar disorder.

As for uses not approved by the FDA, they include:

- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.

- Post-traumatic stress disorder.

- Oppositional defiant disorder.

- Behavioral disorders in dementia patients.

Apexidone is also used as a syrup for children who show aggressive behavior toward others or themselves, which may lead to harm.

Some doctors also resort to using Apexidone to treat accompanying anxiety.

**Apexidone Pharmaceutical Forms**

 

Apexidone is available in several pharmaceutical forms, including:

- **Apexidone tablets**: Available in concentrations of 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg.

- **Apexidone syrup for children**: 1 mg/1 ml.

- **Apexidone injections**: Available in concentrations of 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg, and 50 mg (these are extended-acting injections).

When does the effect of Apexidone begin?

 

Slight improvement in symptoms begins within the first week of starting treatment, but the full effect of the drug usually appears within a period ranging from four to six weeks.

If the doctor does not notice any improvement in the patient's condition after three weeks of starting treatment, he gradually increases the dose until the condition improves.

As for long-acting injections, their effect appears after three weeks. So, when using injections for the first time, the doctor prescribes Apexidone tablets to control the symptoms during this period, and asks the patient to repeat the injection every two weeks to ensure a stable dose of the drug.

**Apexidone drug components**

 

Apexidone contains risperidone, an antipsychotic drug that helps reduce the activity of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Risperidone is characterized by its high ability to bind to serotonin receptors of the 5-HT2A type compared to dopamine D2 receptors, which helps relieve symptoms of schizophrenia and severe mood swings. It is believed that people suffering from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder face an imbalance in the levels of some neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, and this drug works to treat this imbalance.

This drug is available in different concentrations of the active substance, such as 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg, as the specialist doctor determines the appropriate concentration according to the patient's condition.

What is the difference between Apexidone and Cogentol?

 

Cogentol contains Benztropine at a concentration of 2 mg per tablet, which is an anticholinergic and is used to treat movement disorders resulting from Parkinson's disease or dystonia.

As for Apexidone, it contains a substance that belongs to the antipsychotic class, and is used to treat some mental disorders such as schizophrenia and manic episodes.

What are the benefits of Apexidone for patients with schizophrenia?

 

This drug helps relieve auditory and visual hallucinations, and enhances mental performance and improves the patient's general mood.

'/**Does Apexidone cause drowsiness?**

 

Taking this drug can lead to feeling tired and exhausted, in addition to dizziness and drowsiness. Therefore, it is recommended not to perform tasks that require high concentration, such as driving, after taking it.

**Does Apexidone cause indigestion?**

 

This drug may cause some common side effects in the digestive system, such as nausea, stomach pain and vomiting, and the patient may suffer from indigestion.

**Does Apexidone cause coughing?**

 

Coughing is a common side effect that may appear in some patients who use Apexidone, but not all users necessarily suffer from this problem.

**Can this medicine be used during pregnancy?**

 

The active ingredient in this medicine is classified as category C, which means that its safety during pregnancy has not been determined. Therefore, it is preferable to avoid taking this medicine throughout pregnancy, especially in the first months. In cases of extreme necessity, a doctor should be consulted and the necessary tests should be performed.

Is Apexidone safe during breastfeeding?

 

This medicine is considered unsafe to use during breastfeeding, as part of it can be secreted in breast milk, which may lead to serious side effects on the infant. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid it completely during breastfeeding. In cases of extreme necessity, you can consider replacing breastfeeding with formula milk.

When can you stop taking the medicine?

 

The medicine should not be stopped without consulting a specialist doctor. It is necessary to complete the entire treatment period even ifTo feel better. You must adhere to the doses and duration specified by the doctor to avoid a relapse.

Does the drug causewithdrawal symptoms?

 

Suddenly stopping the drug may lead to a deterioration in the health condition or a relapse. Therefore, it is important to gradually reduce the doses when starting treatment and also when you want to stop it. The dose should be reduced gradually under the supervision of a doctor to avoid any withdrawal symptoms.

**Types of Apexidone**Apexidone is available in the form of coated tablets (apexidone tablets) in different concentrations including 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 mg of the active ingredient risperidone. It is also available in the form of a syrup for children (apexidone syrup) which contains 1 mg of the active ingredient per 1 ml of the syrup.

**Indications for use of Apexidone**Apexidone is used to treat a group of mental disorders, most notably: psychosis, schizophrenia, mania, and bipolar disorder.

**Apixidone for the treatment of psychosis**

 

Psychosis is a condition in which the patient loses the ability to communicate with reality, and its symptoms may include auditory or visual hallucinations (such as seeing or hearing things that are not there) in addition to delusions and illusions that make the patient believe things that are not real. Apixidone (an antipsychotic) is considered one of the leading medications in the treatment of psychosis, as it helps reduce the symptoms associated with this condition, and it also works to calm patients and help them sleep.

**Apixidone and autism**Apixidone is the first medication approved for children with autism, and it is widely used to improve behavioral or aggressive disorders. Despite its effectiveness, it has some side effects. Despite its effectiveness, it has severe side effects that may affect some people. Therefore, it is often used as a short-term treatment of up to 6 weeks.

**Apexedone and Mood Disorder**Bipolar disorder is a mental condition characterized by extreme mood swings, where the patient moves between periods of extreme sadness and excessive happiness, leading to episodes of abnormal elation or depression.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of risperidone, the active ingredient in the drug Apexedone, to treat acute manic episodes or episodes associated with bipolar disorder, either as a single treatment or in combination with other medications such as lithium or valproate.

**Apexedone and Schizophrenia**Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which the patient feels that there are things that are not real (visual hallucinations) or hears voices that are not there (auditory hallucinations), in addition to an abnormal feeling of suspicion and confusion. Its symptoms may also include disorganized speech and difficulty thinking.

This medication is used to relieve symptoms associated with schizophrenia, and it also enhances the patient's ability to think and act normally, in addition to improving his general mood.

This medication is used to manage anger, agitation, and aggression resulting from mood swings in individuals suffering from mental disorders. It is also useful for Alzheimer's patients who exhibit aggressive behaviors that may lead to harming themselves or others.

**How ​​to use Apexidone**

 

Doses are determined based on the recommendations of the specialist doctor.

The duration of treatment for children suffering from behavioral disorders does not exceed 6 weeks.

It is not used for children under 5 years of age.

In case of forgetting a dose, it can be taken when remembered, unless this conflicts with the time of the next dose. If a conflict occurs, a double dose should be avoided, and a doctor should be consulted.

This medication should not be stopped except after consulting a doctor to avoid the return of symptoms, and doses should be reduced gradually until it is completely stopped.

**Apexidone side effects**

**The most common side effects:**

Risks associated with Apexidone include the following:

1. **Dizziness and vertigo**

The patient may experience severe dizziness when standing up suddenly.

2. **Weight gain and high cholesterol and fat levels**

This increase can lead to an increased risk of heart disease.

3. **High blood sugar**

The doctor can monitor this symptom by conducting periodic blood sugar tests.

4. **Tardive dyskinesia**

This symptom is rare, but it may continue with the patient throughout life. Its most prominent symptoms are:

- Muscle stiffness. 

- Involuntary movements of the face, tongue, upper and lower extremities.

5. **High prolactin**

For women, high prolactin levels may lead to milk secretion from the breast (galactorrhea), menstrual irregularities, and difficulties in getting pregnant.

While in men:

Breast enlargement occurs (gynecomastia), their sexual desire decreases, and they face difficulties in erection and their ability to produce sperm.

6. Insomnia and fatigue

7. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

This syndrome occurs in less than 1% of Apexidone users, and its most prominent symptoms are:

- Feeling confused.

- High temperature and excessive sweating.

- Muscle stiffness.

- Difficulty breathing.

- Loss of control over urine.

8. Strokes and transient ischemic attacks

It is considered one of the risks associated with Apexidone that may lead to death, and this condition increases among the elderly who suffer from behavioral problems due to dementia.

9. Hot flashes

The doctor recommends that the patient avoid strenuous sports or exposure to high temperatures, in addition to the need to maintain body hydration by drinking plenty of fluids.

Increased saliva secretion.

Stiffness in muscles and bones.

Weakness in body movement.

Tremors when bending the limbs.

Nausea or stomach pain.

Drowsiness or difficulty sleeping.

For sore throat.

Headache, fatigue, and dizziness.

Less common side effects:

Increased thirst and frequent drinking.

Incontinence of urine or stool.

Lung or bladder injuries.

Skin irritation.

If severe and unexpected symptoms occur, such as decreased level of consciousness, involuntary movements of the face and tongue, or in cases of hypersensitivity when using it, you should see a doctor immediately and stop taking this medicine.

**Apexidone Alternatives**

 

**Similar drugs** (contain the same active ingredients and have the same mechanism of action):

- Risperdal

- Rispadex

- Psychodal

**Alternative drugs** (contain other active ingredients but have a similar effect):

- Seroquel

- Dogmatil

- Clozapex

- Olapex

**Apexidone dosage**

The usual dosage of Apexidone is 1-2 times daily, as directed by your doctor. It is essential to adhere to the dosage and duration of treatment determined by your doctor. The medicine can be taken with or without food, and it is preferable to take it with a glass of water, juice, or low-fat milk. You should avoid mixing the medicine with tea or cola. The dosage is determined based on your health condition, body response, and age. It is recommended to take the dose at the same time daily to achieve the best results. It is preferable to start with a low dose and gradually increase it according to the health condition. It is warned against taking a large dose for a long period without consulting a doctor. If the drug has been used for several weeks without feeling better, it should be stopped. It is important to continue taking the drug even when the symptoms of the disease and seizures disappear, and it is recommended to stop the drug gradually to relieve withdrawal symptoms.

**Abexidone drug form in pharmacies**

 

The drug is available in the form of coated tablets in several different concentrations. Each tablet contains the active ingredient at a concentration of 0.5 mg, 3 mg, or 4 mg. The box contains thirty tablets divided into three strips equally.

Tablets are also available at a concentration of 1 mg or 2 mg, as one package of these concentrations contains only twenty tablets, divided into two strips, so that each strip contains ten coated tablets.

In addition, Abexidone is available in the form of a syrup at a concentration of 1 mg per ml. One bottle contains one hundred ml of this drug.

**Apixidone dosage**

**For the treatment of schizophrenia:**

- **Adults:** The initial dose is 2 mg daily, and can be increased to 4 mg the next day. Doses are adjusted according to need, and the dose can be divided into two doses throughout the day.

- **Elderly:** The initial dose is 0.5 mg daily, and the doctor can gradually increase it to 1 or 2 mg twice daily.

**For the treatment of mania or madness:**

 

- **Adults:** The dose starts with 2 mg, and can be adjusted as needed to reach 1 to 6 mg daily.

- **Elderly:** The initial dose is 0.5 mg twice daily, and can be adjusted to reach 1 or 2 mg daily.

**To treat behavioral disorders in children or adolescents:**

 

- **Children under 50 kg:** The initial dose is 0.25 mg once daily, and can be increased, and the dose is usually fixed at 0.25 to 0.75 mg daily.

- **Children 50 kg or more:** The initial dose is 0.5 mg once daily, and can be increased as needed, and the dose is usually fixed at 0.5 to 1.5 mg once daily.

Instructions for using Apexidone

1. The medicine can be taken with or without food.

2. The tool enclosed with the medicine should be used to measure the dose, and avoid using household spoons.

3. The dose can be mixed with water, juice, or low-fat milk, but it is forbidden to mix it with hot drinks.

4. For best results, it is preferable to set a specific time of the day to take the dose.

5. It is recommended to start with a low dose at the beginning of treatment and gradually increase it based on the doctor's advice.

6. It is recommended to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages to avoid feeling sleepy.

7. When stopping the medication, this should be done gradually to avoid any relapses.

Patients using the medication should be careful if they suffer from any of the following symptoms:

1. Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant.

2. Excessive excitement.

3. Problems with liver or kidney function.

4. Cardiovascular problems.

5. Respiratory problems.

6. Diabetes, epilepsy, or Parkinson's disease.

**Contraindications for the use of Apexidone**

 

Apexidone should not be used in the following cases: It should be avoided by people who are allergic to any of its components. It is also preferable not to give it to the elderly or those suffering from dementia. In case of liver or kidney problems, this medication should be avoided. It is also prohibited to use it in cases of Parkinson's disease or high blood sugar levels. It should be avoided in case of heart problems or high blood pressure. It is also prohibited for people with respiratory problems to take this medicine. It is necessary to consult the attending physician before using this medicine to avoid serious symptoms that may threaten the patient's life.

**Drug interaction with Apexidone**

 

There are some medicines that are not recommended to be used in conjunction with Apexidone, as they can negatively affect the health of the body and reduce the effectiveness of the drug. These medicines include:

- Tricyclic antidepressants such as doxepin, protriptyline and trimipramine.

- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

- Parkinson's disease medications such as benztropine.

- Haloperidol.

- Nausea medications such as metclobromide.

- Mental illness medications.

- Sedatives.

- Epilepsy medications.

- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine.

**The most importantDrug interactions for "Apexidone"**

 

1. **Parkinson's disease medications**These medications increase the level of the hormone "dopamine" in the body, which interferes with the effect of Apexidone and negatively affects the effectiveness of these medications.

The most prominent Parkinson's disease medications that interact with Apexidone are:

- Levodopa / Carbidopa

- Bromocriptine

- Pramipexole

- Ropinirole

2. **High blood pressure medications (hypertensives)**

Specifically medications that may cause dizziness or imbalance when standing up.

Among the blood pressure medications that should be avoided with Apexidone are: Propranolol and alpha-blockers (such as prazosin).

Medications that affect the level of Apexidone in the body:

1. Drugs that increase its toxicity: Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Verapamil.

2. Drugs that reduce its effectiveness: carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin.