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Compare Clozaril vs. Risperdal

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

Key takeaways

Clozapine (Clozaril) and risperidone (Risperdal) are both atypical antipsychotics, but they have some key differences. Clozapine is mainly used for schizophrenia that hasn't responded to other treatments and for reducing suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. It requires regular blood tests due to the risk of dangerously low white blood cell counts, which can lead to serious infections. On the other hand, risperidone is used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. It is available in multiple forms, including tablets, dissolvable tablets, and oral solution, and is generally taken once or twice daily. While both medications can cause weight gain and drowsiness, clozapine has a higher risk of severe side effects like seizures and heart problems, and it requires enrollment in a special monitoring program. Risperidone, however, has a higher risk of causing movement problems and sexual side effects. Both medications should not be used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of death.

  • Clozapine (Clozaril)
    Risperidone (Risperdal)
  • Clozapine (Clozaril)
    Risperidone (Risperdal)

  • Summary of Clozaril vs. Risperdal

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Clozapine (Clozaril) is used to treat schizophrenia. It's an atypical antipsychotic, but it's not a first-choice medication for schizophrenia because it can cause many bothersome side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness. It can also cause your white blood cell (WBC) count to drop dangerously low and raise your risk for serious infections. As a result, clozapine (Clozaril) is prescribed under a special program called Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS). In order to pick up your medication at the pharmacy, your provider will ask you to get blood work regularly (weekly to monthly) to make sure your WBC count is at a healthy level.

    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 Clozaril vs. Risperdal

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia that hasn't responded to other treatments
    •Suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
    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 Clozaril vs. Risperdal

    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat schizophrenia when other medications haven't worked well
    •Taken by mouth
    •Comes as both a regular tablet (that you swallow by mouth) and as a dissolvable tablet that you place on the tongue
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to get blood work done every time you get a prescription filled (weekly to monthly)
    •Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
    •Can cause high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Not a good option for people with a history of seizures
    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 Clozaril vs. Risperdal

    Common Side Effects for
    •Increased salivation (Up to 48%)
    •Drowsiness (up to 46%)
    •Dizziness (up to 27%)
    •Fast heart rate (up to 25%)
    •Constipation (up to 25%)
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 20%)
    •Nausea/vomiting (17%)
    •High or low blood pressure (up to 13%)
    •Fever (up to 13%)
    •Headache (10%)
    •Heartburn (up to 14%)
    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 Clozaril vs. Risperdal

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of serious infection (from low white blood cells)
    •Low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, and fainting
    •Seizures
    •Heart problems
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Severe constipation
    •Serious allergic reactions or inflammation problems
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Driving impairment
    •Liver problems
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Not for people with phenylketonuria (dissolvable tablets only)
    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 Clozaril vs. Risperdal

    Learn more about Clozapine
    Learn more about Risperidone

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