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Compare Loxapine vs. Risperdal

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

Key takeaways

Loxapine (generic, formerly sold as Loxitane) and Risperidone (Risperdal) are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes. Loxapine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic, while Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic. Loxapine is primarily used to treat schizophrenia and is available only in generic form. It can cause more movement-related side effects, such as shakiness and stiffness, compared to Risperidone. Risperidone, on the other hand, is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. It is available in various forms, including tablets, dissolvable tablets, and oral solutions. Risperidone is more likely to cause weight gain and changes in sleep patterns. Both medications can cause drowsiness and should not be mixed with alcohol. However, Risperidone has a broader range of uses and forms, making it more versatile for different conditions and age groups.

Loxapine
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Loxapine
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Summary of Loxapine vs. Risperdal
Summary for First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
Prescription only
Loxapine is a typical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia. Loxapine is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. It can cause more movement-related side effects compared with atypical antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole (Abilify). It used to be sold under the brand name Loxitane, which is no longer available. Oral loxapine is now only available as generic capsules.
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 Loxapine 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 Loxapine vs. Risperdal
Pros and Const for First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
Pros

•A good option if other schizophrenia medications haven't worked or have caused bothersome side effects

•Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on your response

•Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Cons

•More likely to cause trouble controlling movements compared to other treatment options

•Can raise your heart rate and lower your blood pressure

•Risk of developing abnormal muscle movements that might not go away after you stop taking loxapine

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 Loxapine vs. Risperdal
Common Side Effects for

•Drowsiness

•Extrapyramidal symptoms (movement problems, such as shakiness, stiffness, excess saliva, and loss of facial expression)

•Restless muscles (akathisia)

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 Loxapine vs. Risperdal
Common Side Effects for

•Higher risk of death in older adults

•Uncontrollable body movements (tardive dyskinesia)

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

•Falls

•Low white blood cell count

•Seizures

•Vision changes

•High prolactin levels

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 Loxapine vs. Risperdal

Key takeaways

Summary of Loxapine vs. Risperdal

Indications of Loxapine vs. Risperdal

Pros and Cons of Loxapine vs. Risperdal

Common Side Effects of Loxapine vs. Risperdal

Warnings of Loxapine vs. Risperdal

Prices with our coupons for Loxapine vs. Risperdal

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