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.
