Compare Risperdal vs. Saphris

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

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Risperdal (risperidone)

Prescription only

Saphris (asenapine)

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
Treats bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

While Saphris (asenapine) has fewer side effects compared with other medicines that treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, it can be more expensive.

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.
  • Saphris (asenapine) can be used to treat bipolar disorder in children age 10 or older, and schizophrenia in children age 12 or older.
  • You don't need water to take Saphris (asenapine); the pill dissolves in your mouth right away.
  • Compared to other medicines, the side effects of Saphris (asenapine) are milder.
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.
  • Saphris (asenapine) is only available as a brand name.
  • Compared to other medicines, Saphris (asenapine) can cause changes in your hormones and make you sleepy.
  • You have to take Saphris (asenapine) twice a day, which can be hard to remember.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
  • Injection
  • Dissolving pill
Price
Lowest price
$635.70
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Lowest price
$604.75
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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
10possible side effects
  • Sleepiness
    22%
  • Trouble sleeping
    10%
  • Difficulty controlling movements
    6%
  • Numbness in the mouth
    5%
  • Fatigue
    4%
  • Dizziness
    4%
  • Indigestion
    3%
  • Swelling in the arms and legs
    3%
  • Weight gain
    3%
  • High blood pressure
    3%
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
  • Higher risk of death
    • People age 65 or older with dementia and psychosis
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    • Taking antipsychotic medications
  • Difficulty controlling movements
  • Weight gain and diabetes
  • Changes in blood pressure and fainting
    • High blood pressure
    • History of heart disease
  • Higher risk of infection
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Risperdal (risperidone)
Learn more about Saphris (asenapine)