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Compare Risperdal vs. Saphris

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

Key takeaways

Risperidone (Risperdal) and asenapine (Saphris) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but they have some key differences. Risperidone is available in generic form and can be taken as a pill, dissolvable tablet, or liquid, while asenapine is only available as a dissolvable tablet that you place under your tongue. Risperidone is typically taken once or twice daily, whereas asenapine needs to be taken twice daily. Risperidone can be used for irritability associated with autism in children, but asenapine is not approved for this use. Asenapine tends to be more expensive and is not suitable for people with severe liver problems. Both medications can cause weight gain and sleepiness, but risperidone has a higher risk of movement problems and changes in sleep patterns. Additionally, both medications can interact with many different medications.

  • Risperidone (Risperdal)
    Asenapine (Saphris)
  • Risperidone (Risperdal)
    Asenapine (Saphris)

  • Summary of Risperdal vs. Saphris

    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

    Asenapine (Saphris) is an atypical antipsychotic. It's used to treat schizophrenia in adults and bipolar I disorder in people ages 10 years and older. It comes as sublingual (under the tongue) tablets in both a brand-name and generic versions. The usual dosage is to dissolve a tablet under the tongue twice a day. Some potential side effects of this medication include sleepiness, trouble sleeping, and movement problems.

  • Indications of Risperdal vs. Saphris

    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 in adults
    •Bipolar I disorder in adults and children ages 10 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Risperdal vs. Saphris

    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
    •Dissolved under the tongue; good option for people who have a hard time swallowing tablets
    •Possible option for children who have bipolar I disorder
    •Less likely to cause weight gain than some other antipsychotic medications, like olanzapine (Zyprexa)
    Cons
    •Can cause drowsiness or trouble sleeping
    •Taken twice a day
    •Can't be taken by people who have severe liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Risperdal vs. Saphris

    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
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 16%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 15%)
    •Movement problems (up to 12%)
    •Restlessness (not being able to sit still, up to 11%)
    •Dizziness (up to 7%)
    •Constipation (up to 7%)
    •Vomiting (up to 7%)
    •Mouth numbness (up to 7%)

    *Note: Side effects listed above were reported by adults with schizophrenia. Similar side effects are seen in adults and children with bipolar disorder.

  • Warnings of Risperdal vs. Saphris

    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
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Low blood pressure and changes in heartbeat
    •Low white blood cell count
    •Seizures
    •High prolactin levels
    •Phenylketonuria

  • Prices with our coupons for Risperdal vs. Saphris

    Learn more about Risperidone
    Learn more about Asenapine

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