Compare Risperdal vs. Clozaril

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

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Risperdal (risperidone)

Prescription only

Clozaril (clozapine)

Prescription only
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
Helps control your thoughts and actions.

Clozaril (clozapine) treats schizophrenia when other drugs haven't worked, but you'll have to get regular blood work done because it can have very serious side effects.

Upsides
  • 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.
  • Studies show that Clozaril (clozapine) effectively treats schizophrenia when other medications have failed. Clozaril (clozapine) also reduces risk of suicidal behavior.
  • Has the lowest risk of causing movement problems when compared to other antipsychotic medicines.
  • Clozaril (clozapine) is available as a normal tablet and as a mint-flavored tablet that dissolves on the tongue without water.
  • Safer than other similar medicines during pregnancy.
  • Available as a generic, which is cheaper.
Downsides
  • 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.
  • You need to get blood work done every time you get a prescription filled for Clozaril (clozapine). Once it is ready at the pharmacy, you need to pick it up within 7 days.
  • You can only get Clozaril (clozapine) at certain pharmacies that are registered to provide it.
  • You need to limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking Clozaril (clozapine).
  • Clozaril (clozapine) can cause high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain.
  • May not be optimal for someone with a history of seizures.
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Used for
  • Schizophrenia
  • Suicidal behavior in schizophrenia
  • Psychosis in Parkinson's disease
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
  • Injection
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
Price
No pricing information available
Lowest price
$787.34
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Reviews
45 reviews so far
42%
saidit'sworth it
47%
saiditworked well
49%
saidit'sa big hassle

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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
31possible side effects
  • Drowsiness/sedation
    39%
  • Salivation
    31%
  • Fast heartbeat
    25%
  • Dizziness/vertigo
    19%
  • Constipation
    14%
  • Low blood pressure
    9%
  • Headache
    7%
  • Tremor
    6%
  • Fainting
    6%
  • Sweating
    6%
  • Dry mouth
    6%
  • Nausea
    5%
  • Vision problems
    5%
  • Fever
    5%
  • Disturbed sleep/nightmares
    4%
  • Restlessness
    4%
  • Loss of muscle movement
    4%
  • Agitation
    4%
  • High blood pressure
    4%
  • Stomach discomfort/heartburn
    4%
  • Weight gain
    4%
  • Seizures (convulsions)
    3%
  • Rigidity
    3%
  • Confusion
    3%
  • Nausea/vomiting
    3%
  • Low white blood cells
    3%
  • Fatigue
    2%
  • Trouble sleeping
    2%
  • Diarrhea
    2%
  • Problems urinating
    2%
  • Rash
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • 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
  • Low white blood cells
  • Low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, and fainting
    • Dehydration
    • Taking blood pressure medications
    • Heart failure
  • Seizures
    • Seizure disorder
    • Alcohol abuse
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
  • Increased risk of death in elderly with dementia
    • Over 65 with dementia
  • High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Risperdal (risperidone)
Learn more about Clozaril (clozapine)