Compare Risperdal vs. Rexulti
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Risperidone (Risperdal) and brexpiprazole (Rexulti) are both atypical antipsychotics, but they have some key differences. Risperidone is available in generic form and can be used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. In contrast, brexpiprazole (Rexulti) is available only as a brand-name medication and is approved for treating schizophrenia, as an add-on for depression, and for dementia-related agitation from Alzheimer's disease. Risperidone is typically taken once or twice daily, while brexpiprazole (Rexulti) is taken once daily. Common side effects of risperidone include sleepiness, movement problems, and weight gain, whereas brexpiprazole (Rexulti) may cause restlessness, dizziness, and headaches. Additionally, brexpiprazole (Rexulti) is less likely to cause weight gain, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar compared to risperidone. Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) can be more expensive and is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
- Risperidone (Risperdal)Brexpiprazole (Rexulti)
- Risperidone (Risperdal)Brexpiprazole (Rexulti)
Summary of Risperdal vs. Rexulti
Summary for Atypical antipsychoticPrescription onlyRisperidone (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 AntipsychoticPrescription onlyBrexpiprazole (Rexulti) is an atypical antipsychotic medication approved to treat depression (add-on medication) and schizophrenia. Brand name Rexulti can also treat dementia-related agitation from Alzheimer's disease. Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some of its more common side effects of brexpiprazole (Rexulti) include restlessness, moderate weight gain, and headaches. It's available as a generic medication.
Indications of Risperdal vs. Rexulti
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 oldIndications for•Add-on treatment for depression•Dementia-related agitation from Alzheimer's diseasePros and Cons of Risperdal vs. Rexulti
Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychoticPros•Taken by mouth•Available as a pill, dissolving tablet, and liquid•Can be used in both adults and children•Available as a lower-cost genericCons•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 alcoholPros and Const for Atypical AntipsychoticPros•Only need to take the medication once a day•Less likely to cause weight gain, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar compared with other similar medications•Less likely to cause movement side effects compared to some other antipsychoticsCons•Can be expensive because it's only available as a brand-name medication•Not recommended for use in pregnancy•Your healthcare provider might need to adjust your dose several times before you find one that works best for youCommon Side Effects of Risperdal vs. Rexulti
Common Side Effects forAdults:
•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•Fidgeting (9%)•Weight gain (7%)•Headache (7%)•Sleepiness (5%)•Tremor (4%)•Common cold (4%)•Larger appetite (3%)•Fatigue (3%)•Dizziness (3%)•Restlessness (3%)•Anxiety (3%)•Heartburn (3%)•Diarrhea (3%)•Constipation (2%)Warnings of Risperdal vs. Rexulti
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 onlyCommon Side Effects for•Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis•Suicidal thoughts and behavior•Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)•High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain•Impulsive behavior•Higher risk of infections•Higher risk of falls•SeizuresPrices with our coupons for Risperdal vs. Rexulti
Compare other Schizophrenia drugs
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.