Compare chlorpromazine vs. Risperdal

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Thorazine (chlorpromazine)

Prescription only

Risperdal (risperidone)

Prescription only
Stabilizes your mood.

Thorazine (chlorpromazine) has more side effects than other medicines like it. It is most useful during psychotic episodes because it slows you down quickly.

Helps control your thoughts and mood.

Risperdal (risperidone) is an effective medication in treating schizophrenia, mania, and irritability associated with autism; however, amongst other newer medications in its class, it's more likely to cause side effects, such weight gain and hormone problems.

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3.4/ 5 average rating with 45 reviewsforRisperdal
Upsides
  • Acts fast to slow you down during a psychotic episode.
  • Can also be used for nausea or migraines.
  • Safe for use in children as young as 6 months.
  • Comes in a sugar-coated pill for easy administration.
  • Risperdal (risperidone) is effective at relieving psychotic symptoms, manic episodes, irritability, and aggressive behavior. It also lowers relapse rates in people with schizophrenia and people with irritability associated with autism.
  • Less likely to cause heart problems compared to other antipsychotics.
  • Compared to other antipsychotics, Risperdal (risperidone) causes less sedation and weight gain.
  • A generic version available for pill, dissolving tablet, and liquid formulations.
Downsides
  • Has more side effects than other medicines like it.
  • Can affect how your other medicines work.
  • Makes you more sensitive to the sun.
  • Can make you dizzy or lightheaded, especially when injected.
  • Cannot be stopped right away.
  • Mild to moderate risk of Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) - movement disorders that cause stiffness, tremor, restlessness, and slow, repetitive, or involuntary movements.
  • People taking Risperdal (risperidone) might have weight gain and problems with cholesterol or blood sugar.
  • Compared to other antipsychotics, this medication has a higher risk of hormone problems that can cause nipples to leak and male breasts to grow abnormally large.
  • You might need routine blood tests to check how the medicine is affecting your body.
  • Risperdal (risperidone) takes 4 to 6 weeks for its full effects on thoughts and mood.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Injection
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
  • Injection
Price
Lowest price
$26.20
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Reviews
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45 reviews so far
42%
saidit'sworth it
47%
saiditworked well
49%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
The Thorazine (chlorpromazine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
23possible side effects
  • Sedation
    63%
  • Increased appetite
    44%
  • Fatigue
    31%
  • Vomiting
    20%
  • Common cold
    19%
  • Constipation
    17%
  • Cough
    17%
  • Fever
    16%
  • Involuntary urination
    16%
  • Drooling
    12%
  • Headache
    12%
  • Hay fever
    12%
  • Dry mouth
    10%
  • Nasal congestion
    10%
  • Nausea
    8%
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
    8%
  • Weight gain
    8%
  • Tremor
    8%
  • Dizziness
    8%
  • Movement disorder
    8%
  • Rash
    8%
  • Increased saliva
    7%
  • Thirst
    7%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Increased risk of death
    • People over 65 with dementia and psychosis
  • Difficulty controlling movements
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    • Taking antipsychotic medications
  • Breathing problems
    • Asthma
    • COPD
    • Acute respiratory infections
  • Heat stroke and dehydration
    • Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
    • Urinary retention
    • Decreased movement in the intestines
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Increased risk of death
    • Elderly patients with dementia
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
    • Drug interactions
  • Shaking and restlessness
    • High doses of Risperdal (risperidone)
  • Higher blood sugar and cholesterol and weight gain
    • People with diabetes
    • People with high cholesterol
  • Driving impairment
    • Alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Thorazine (chlorpromazine)
Learn more about Risperdal (risperidone)