Compare Geodon vs. Risperdal

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Geodon (ziprasidone)

Prescription only

Risperdal (risperidone)

Prescription only
Helps control your thoughts and mood.

Geodon (ziprasidone) treats bipolar disorder and schizophrenia with fewer side effects than similar medications, but has a risk of abnormal heart rhythm.

●●●●●
3.4/ 5 average rating with 23 reviewsforGeodon
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.

●●●●●
3.4/ 5 average rating with 45 reviewsforRisperdal
Upsides
  • Geodon (ziprasidone) effectively stabilizes mood in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
  • Compared to other antipsychotics, this drug has a lower risk of weight gain, high blood sugars, and high cholesterol.
  • Geodon (ziprasidone) capsule is available as a generic.
  • Available as a daily pill for long-term treatment.
  • 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
  • It may take several weeks before you feel the full effects of Geodon (ziprasidone).
  • Might not be a good option if you have a history of heart problems.
  • You will need to get blood tests before you start taking Geodon (ziprasidone) to make sure you're healthy enough to take it.
  • People who are also taking diuretics will need regular blood tests while on Geodon (ziprasidone).
  • 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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
  • Injection
Price
Lowest price
$15.82
Find instant savings near you
No pricing information available
Want to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
23 reviews so far
43%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
30%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Geodon (ziprasidone)?

Leave a review
45 reviews so far
42%
saidit'sworth it
47%
saiditworked well
49%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Risperdal (risperidone)?

Leave a review
Side effects
23possible side effects
  • Sleepiness
    31%
  • Movement problems
    31%
  • Headache
    18%
  • Dizziness
    16%
  • Nausea
    10%
  • Restlessness
    10%
  • Weakness
    6%
  • Abnormal vision
    6%
  • Diarrhea
    5%
  • Dry mouth
    5%
  • Vomiting
    5%
  • Anxiety
    5%
  • Accidental injury
    4%
  • Increased salivation
    4%
  • High blood pressure
    3%
  • Tongue swelling
    3%
  • Sore throat
    3%
  • Difficulty swallowing
    2%
  • Muscle pain
    2%
  • Loss of sensation
    2%
  • Speech disorder
    2%
  • Shortness of breath
    2%
  • Itchy, red skin
    2%
See more detailed side effects
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
    • Elderly patients with dementia
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
    • Taking other drugs that also cause heart rhythm changes
    • Low potassium
    • Low magnesium
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
  • Abnormal and involuntary muscle movements
    • Taking Geodon (ziprasidone) in higher doses or for a long time
    • Elderly women
  • Dizziness and falls
    • Dehydration
    • Taking blood pressure medications
    • History of heart disease
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 Geodon (ziprasidone)
Learn more about Risperdal (risperidone)