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Compare Haldol vs. Risperdal

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

Key takeaways

Haloperidol (Haldol) and risperidone (Risperdal) are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes. Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic, while risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic. Haloperidol is mainly used to treat schizophrenia and is available as oral forms, as well as a long-acting injection given monthly or a short-acting injection for acute agitation. Risperidone is also available in oral and injectable forms, and is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. Both medications can cause movement-related side effects, such as rigid muscles and tremors, as well as weight gain and sleepiness. Both medications can be used in children. Both medications have serious risks, including a higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and the potential for neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Haloperidol injection
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Haloperidol injection
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Summary of Haldol vs. Risperdal
Summary for Typical antipsychotic
Prescription only
Haloperidol injection is an antipsychotic medication that's used to treat schizophrenia. It's a long-acting injection that's given into the muscles monthly by a healthcare provider. It's also available as a shorter-acting injection that's typically given in a hospital setting to people who are experiencing agitation related to schizophrenia. The most common side effects of haloperidol injection are movement-related side effects, such as rigid muscles, tremors, and trouble speaking.
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 Haldol vs. Risperdal
Indications for

•Schizophrenia

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 Haldol vs. Risperdal
Pros and Const for Typical antipsychotic
Pros

•Typically given monthly

•Low risk for weight gain, compared to some other antipsychotics

•Available as a lower-cost, generic medication

Cons

•Needs to be injected

•Higher risk of movement-related side effects compared to atypical antipsychotics

•Can't be used in children

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 Haldol vs. Risperdal
Common Side Effects for

•Stiff or rigid muscles, tremors, trouble speaking, and other parkinsonism symptoms (31%)

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 Haldol vs. Risperdal
Common Side Effects for

•Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis

•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

•Difficulty controlling body movements

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

•Higher risk of falls

•Pneumonia

•Low white blood cell counts

•Harm to unborn babies

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
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Compare Haldol vs. Risperdal

Key takeaways

Summary of Haldol vs. Risperdal

Indications of Haldol vs. Risperdal

Pros and Cons of Haldol vs. Risperdal

Common Side Effects of Haldol vs. Risperdal

Warnings of Haldol vs. Risperdal

Prices with our coupons for Haldol vs. Risperdal

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