Compare Risperdal vs. Saphris
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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
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.
Used for
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar I disorder (manic)
- Irritability associated with autistic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Tourette's Syndrome
- Behavioral symptoms associated with dementia
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Depression
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
- Injection
- Dissolving pill
Price
No pricing information available
Lowest price
$1198.60
Find instant savings near youWant 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
45 reviews so far
42%
saidit'sworth it
47%
saiditworked well
49%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Risperdal (risperidone)?
Leave a reviewNot enough review data.Leave a review
Side effects
23possible side effects
- Sedation63%
- Increased appetite44%
- Fatigue31%
- Vomiting20%
- Common cold19%
- Constipation17%
- Cough17%
- Fever16%
- Involuntary urination16%
- Drooling12%
- Headache12%
- Hay fever12%
- Dry mouth10%
- Nasal congestion10%
- Nausea8%
- Upper respiratory tract infection8%
- Weight gain8%
- Tremor8%
- Dizziness8%
- Movement disorder8%
- Rash8%
- Increased saliva7%
- Thirst7%
10possible side effects
- Sleepiness22%
- Trouble sleeping10%
- Difficulty controlling movements6%
- Numbness in the mouth5%
- Fatigue4%
- Dizziness4%
- Indigestion3%
- Swelling in the arms and legs3%
- Weight gain3%
- High blood pressure3%
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
- 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