Latuda vs. Risperdal for Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Latuda (lurasidone) and Risperdal (risperidone) are both atypical antipsychotics, but they have some key differences. Latuda is used to treat schizophrenia in people aged 13 and older and bipolar depression in people aged 10 and older. Risperdal, on the other hand, is used for schizophrenia in people aged 13 and older, bipolar I disorder in 10 years old or older, and irritability associated with autism in children aged 5 to 16. Latuda is typically taken once a day, while Risperdal can be taken once or twice daily. Latuda is less likely to cause weight gain compared to Risperdal, which has a higher risk of weight gain and other metabolic changes. Risperdal is available in multiple forms, including tablets, dissolvable tablets, and an oral solution, whereas Latuda is only available as a tablet. Both medications can cause sleepiness and movement problems, but Risperdal has a higher risk of sexual side effects.

Latuda

(lurasidone)

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Risperidone

(Risperdal)

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Summary for Latuda

Prescription only

Latuda, also known by its generic name lurasidone, is a type of atypical antipsychotic. It's used to treat schizophrenia in adults and teens. It can also help with depression from bipolar disorder in people 10 years and older. Latuda (lurasidone) comes as a tablet that you swallow whole once a day with food (at least 350 calories). The most common side effect is sleepiness. This medication isn't likely to cause weight gain. Latuda (lurasidone) is available as brand-name and generic versions.

Indications for Latuda

Schizophrenia in people 13 years and older
Depression from bipolar 1 disorder in people 10 years and older
Depression from bipolar 1 disorder in adults - as add-on therapy to lithium or divalproex (Depakote)

Pros and Cons for Latuda

Pros

Only need to take once a day
Okay for both adults and children of certain ages to take
Less likely to affect your weight than other antipsychotics

Cons

Can take several weeks before you notice the full effects of the medication
Can make you feel sleepy
Can cause movement problems

Common Side Effects for Latuda

Sleepiness
Nausea
Movement problems (e.g., tremors, slow movement, stiff muscles)
Can't stay still (restlessness)

Warnings for Latuda

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
Trouble controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
Changes in blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and weight
Low blood pressure and risk of falls
Trouble concentrating and extreme sleepiness
High prolactin levels
Lower white blood cell count (leading to possible risk of infection)
Seizures
Risk of manic episode
Higher risk of side effects in people with Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia

Summary for Risperdal

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 for Risperdal

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 for Risperdal

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 for Risperdal

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 for Risperdal

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