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.
