Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Chlorpromazine vs. Risperdal

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

Key takeaways

Chlorpromazine (generic name) and Risperdal (generic name: risperidone) are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes. Chlorpromazine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic, while Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic. Chlorpromazine is used for a wide range of conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe behavioral issues in children, and even persistent hiccups. In contrast, Risperdal is primarily used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. Chlorpromazine is available in both oral and injectable forms, whereas Risperdal is also available in oral and injectable forms. Chlorpromazine often needs to be taken multiple times a day, while Risperdal is typically taken once or twice daily. Both medications can cause weight gain and drowsiness, sexual problems and changes in sleep patterns. Additionally, both medications carry a risk of serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome and tardive dyskinesia, and they should not be used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis due to a higher risk of death.

  • Chlorpromazine
    Risperidone (Risperdal)
  • Chlorpromazine
    Risperidone (Risperdal)

  • Summary of Chlorpromazine vs. Risperdal

    Summary for First Generation (Typical) Antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication that has many different uses. It's usually given as an oral medication, but in severe cases it can be given as an injection by your provider.

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Risperidone (Risperdal) is an atypical antipsychotic that's used to improve mood, thoughts, and behaviors in people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism. It's taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. Common side effects of risperidone (Risperdal) include sleepiness, movement problems, and weight gain. Risperidone (Risperdal) can interact with some medications, such as certain antidepressants or blood pressure medications. Taking these medications together can make certain side effects worse.

  • Indications of Chlorpromazine vs. Risperdal

    Indications for
    •Management of psychotic disorders
    •Schizophrenia
    •Nausea and vomiting
    •Restlessness and anxiety before surgery
    •Acute intermittent porphyria
    •Tetanus
    •Manic episodes of bipolar disorder
    •Hiccups that won't go away
    •Severe behavioral issues in children 1 to 12 years old (e.g., aggressive behavior, frustration, explosive or hyperexcitable behavior)
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia - people ages 13 years and older
    •Manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder - people ages 10 years and older
    •Irritability associated with autism - children ages 5 to 17 years old

  • Pros and Cons of Chlorpromazine vs. Risperdal

    Pros and Const for First Generation (Typical) Antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Available as a tablet and injection
    •Dose can be easily adjusted based on how you respond to the medication
    •Can be used in young children 6 months and older
    •Available in 5 different strengths
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Higher risk of death when used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Generally not recommended for use in pregnancy
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Can cause weight gain and tiredness
    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as a pill, dissolving tablet, and liquid
    •Can be used in both adults and children
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Higher risk of sexual problems, compared to other atypical antipsychotics
    •Can cause weight gain
    •Can cause changes to sleep or movement problems
    •Shouldn't be mixed with alcohol

  • Common Side Effects of Chlorpromazine vs. Risperdal

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Uncontrollable muscle movements (e.g., neck spasms, difficulty swallowing and breathing, sticking your tongue out)
    •Dry mouth
    •Stuffy nose
    •Nausea
    •Constipation
    •Bladder problems
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Muscle stiffness, muscle tightening, difficulty with movement (25%)
    •Extreme sleepiness (11%)
    •Restlessness, trouble remaining still (9%)
    •Tremor (6%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    •Nausea (5%)
    •Repetitive movements, abnormal postures (5%)

    Children:

    •Extreme sleepiness (up to 56%)
    •Dizziness (up to 16%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (up to 16%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 16%)
    •Muscle stiffness, muscle tightening, difficulty with movement (up to 12%)
    •Heartburn (up to 10%)
    •Sore throat (up to 10%)

  • Warnings of Chlorpromazine vs. Risperdal

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in people age 65 and older with dementia
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Changes in blood cell counts
    •High prolactin levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Weight gain, higher blood sugar, and higher cholesterol levels
    •High prolactin levels
    •Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
    •Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Seizures
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Chlorpromazine vs. Risperdal

    Learn more about Chlorpromazine
    Learn more about Risperidone

Compare other Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia drugs

Chlorpromazine vs RisperdalGeodon vs ChlorpromazineHaldol vs ChlorpromazineNeurontin vs ChlorpromazineSeroquel vs ChlorpromazineZyprexa vs ChlorpromazineClozaril vs RisperdalGeodon vs AbilifyGeodon vs FanaptGeodon vs FluphenazineGeodon vs Fluphenazine DecanoateGeodon vs InvegaGeodon vs SaphrisGeodon vs ZyprexaHaldol vs GeodonHaldol vs RisperdalLatuda vs GeodonLatuda vs RisperdalLoxapine vs GeodonLoxapine vs RisperdalPerphenazine vs RisperdalRisperdal vs AbilifyRisperdal vs AristadaRisperdal vs RexultiRisperdal vs SaphrisRisperdal vs SeroquelRisperdal vs XanaxRisperdal vs ZyprexaThiothixene vs RisperdalTrifluoperazine vs Risperdal
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.