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Compare Perphenazine vs. Risperdal

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

Key takeaways

Perphenazine and risperidone (Risperdal) are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes. Perphenazine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic, while risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic. Perphenazine is used to treat schizophrenia and severe nausea and vomiting, whereas risperidone is used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. Perphenazine needs to be taken multiple times a day, while risperidone is typically taken once or twice daily. Risperidone is available in various forms, including tablets, dissolvable tablets, and an oral solution, whereas perphenazine is only available in tablet form. Both medications can cause drowsiness, weight gain, and sexual problems, but drowsiness is more common in perphenazine. Additionally, risperidone can be used in children, while perphenazine is not approved for pediatric use. Both medications are available as low-cost generics.

  • Perphenazine
    Risperidone (Risperdal)
  • Perphenazine
    Risperidone (Risperdal)

  • Summary of Perphenazine vs. Risperdal

    Summary for First generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Perphenazine is a typical antipsychotic. It's used to treat schizophrenia, as well as severe nausea and vomiting in adults. Perphenazine comes as tablets that are taken by mouth, typically up to 3 to 4 times per day, depending on the condition. Side effects of this medication include sleepiness, insomnia, and changes in body weight (both weight gain and loss); drinking alcohol can worsen certain side effects. Brand name Trilafon has been discontinued; perphenazine is only available as a generic medication.

    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 Perphenazine vs. Risperdal

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    •Severe nausea and vomiting
    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 Perphenazine vs. Risperdal

    Pros and Const for First generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Less likely to cause weight gain than some other antipsychotic medications
    •An option for severe nausea and vomiting
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Can cause sexual side effects
    •More likely to cause movement-related side effects than atypical antipsychotics
    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 Perphenazine vs. Risperdal

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (28%)
    •Trouble sleeping (25%)
    •Sexual side effects (25%)
    •Dry mouth (22%)
    •Constipation (22%)
    •Trouble urinating (22%)
    •Abnormal body movements (17%)
    •Weight gain (12%)
    •Changes in menstrual bleeding (11%)
    •Dizziness when standing (11%)
    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 Perphenazine vs. Risperdal

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Lower 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

  • Prices with our coupons for Perphenazine vs. Risperdal

    Learn more about Perphenazine
    Learn more about Risperidone

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