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Compare Risperdal vs. Aristada

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

Key takeaways

Risperidone (Risperdal) and Aristada (aripiprazole lauroxil) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia, but they have some key differences. Risperidone is available in oral forms, including tablets, dissolvable tablets, and liquid, and can also treat bipolar disorder and irritability associated with autism. In contrast, Aristada is a long-acting injection given every 1 to 2 months and is only used for schizophrenia. Risperidone can be used in both adults and children, while Aristada is only for adults. Risperidone is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas Aristada is only available as a brand medication and can be expensive. Common side effects of risperidone include sleepiness and weight gain, while Aristada can cause restlessness and injection site pain. Both medications can cause serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome and tardive dyskinesia, but Aristada also has a risk of impulsive behaviors.

  • Risperidone (Risperdal)
    Aristada (aripiprazole lauroxil)
  • Risperidone (Risperdal)
    Aristada (aripiprazole lauroxil)

  • Summary of Risperdal vs. Aristada

    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.

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Aristada (aripiprazole lauroxil) is used to improve mood, thoughts, and behaviors in adults who have schizophrenia. It's a long-acting medication that's injected into your muscle every 1 to 2 months by your healthcare provider. It's only used in people who can tolerate Abilify (aripiprazole) oral tablets.

  • Indications of Risperdal vs. Aristada

    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
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia

  • Pros and Cons of Risperdal vs. Aristada

    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
    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Can be given up to once every 2 months
    •Good option for people who have a hard time taking medications by mouth
    •Has fewer side effects compared to some other antipsychotic medications
    •Patient assistance programs are available to help lower the cost
    Cons
    •Can cause high blood sugar and weight gain
    •Must be injected in the muscle at your healthcare provider's office
    •Can cause soreness or pain at the injection site
    •Not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Can be expensive because it's only available as a brand medication

  • Common Side Effects of Risperdal vs. Aristada

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Restlessness (11%)
    •Unusual and uncontrollable muscle movements or muscle spasms (5-7%)

  • Warnings of Risperdal vs. Aristada

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Impulsive behavior
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Risperdal vs. Aristada

    Learn more about Risperidone
    Learn more about Aristada

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