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Compare Risperdal vs. Seroquel

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

Key takeaways

Risperidone (Risperdal) and quetiapine (Seroquel) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Risperidone is also used for irritability associated with autism, while quetiapine can be used as an add-on treatment for depression in its extended-release form. Risperidone is typically taken once or twice daily, whereas quetiapine's immediate-release form needs to be taken two to three times a day, and the extended-release form is taken once daily. Risperidone is available as a pill, dissolvable tablet, and liquid, while quetiapine comes in immediate-release and extended-release tablets. Both medications can cause weight gain and raise blood sugar levels, but quetiapine is more likely to raise blood cholesterol levels. Risperidone can cause movement problems and sleepiness, while quetiapine can cause sleepiness, dry mouth, and constipation. Both medications should not be used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis due to a higher risk of death.

Risperidone (Risperdal)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Summary of Risperdal vs. Seroquel
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
Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic that's used to improve mood, thoughts, and behaviors for people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The extended-release form of quetiapine (Seroquel) can also be used to treat depression when combined with another antidepressant. While quetiapine (Seroquel) works well, it has many risks and side effects, so it's not the best choice for everyone. Make sure your provider knows about all of your medical conditions and medications you're taking before starting quetiapine (Seroquel) to make sure it's as safe for you as possible.
Indications of Risperdal vs. Seroquel
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 and children age 13 years and older

•Bipolar disorder in adults and children age 10 years and older

•Add-on to antidepressants for depression (extended-release only)
Pros and Cons of Risperdal vs. Seroquel
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

•Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting quetiapine (Seroquel)

•Taken by mouth

•Extended-release quetiapine (Seroquel) can help treat depression (adults only)

•Available as a lower-cost generic

•Available in both short-acting and long-acting forms

Cons

•Can cause weight gain and can raise your blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels

•Must be avoided in older adults who have dementia-related psychosis

•Can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in people who are age 24 or younger

•Need to take immediate-release tablets 2 to 3 times a day
Common Side Effects of Risperdal vs. Seroquel
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
Immediate-release tablets

•Headache (21%)

•Agitation (20%)

•Sleepiness (18%)

•Dizziness (11%)

•Dry mouth (9%)

•Constipation (8%)

•Pain (7%)

Extended-release tablets

•Sleepiness (25-52%)

•Dry mouth (12-37%)

•Dizziness (10-13%)

•Constipation (6-10%)

•Difficulty controlling muscle movements (7-8%)

•Weight gain (7%)
Warnings of Risperdal vs. Seroquel
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 people with dementia-related psychosis

•Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

•Weight gain and high levels of blood sugar and cholesterol

•Difficulty controlling body movements

•Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls

•Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)

•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

•Seizures

•Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)

•High prolactin levels

•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
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Compare Risperdal vs. Seroquel

Key takeaways

Summary of Risperdal vs. Seroquel

Indications of Risperdal vs. Seroquel

Pros and Cons of Risperdal vs. Seroquel

Common Side Effects of Risperdal vs. Seroquel

Warnings of Risperdal vs. Seroquel

Prices with our coupons for Risperdal vs. Seroquel

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