Compare Geodon vs. Risperdal

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

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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.

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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.

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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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
  • Injection
Price
Lowest price
$13.91
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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)