Key takeaways
Ziprasidone (Geodon) and paliperidone (Invega) are both atypical antipsychotics, but they have some key differences. Ziprasidone is used to treat bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia, while paliperidone is used for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Ziprasidone is taken twice daily with food, whereas paliperidone is an extended-release tablet taken once daily, with or without food. Ziprasidone is available in both oral and injectable forms, while paliperidone is available as an oral tablet and in long-acting injectable forms. Common side effects of ziprasidone include sleepiness and nausea, while paliperidone often causes drowsiness and abnormal muscle movements. Both medications can cause weight gain, but ziprasidone is less likely to do so compared to other antipsychotics. Additionally, paliperidone can lead to higher prolactin levels, which may cause sexual dysfunction and other hormonal issues.
