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Compare Risperdal vs. Xanax

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

Key takeaways

Risperidone (Risperdal) and alprazolam (Xanax) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. It works by balancing chemicals in the brain like dopamine and serotonin. Alprazolam, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine used for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. It acts quickly to relax your mood by affecting certain brain chemicals involved in anxiety. Risperidone is typically taken once or twice daily, while alprazolam is usually taken three times a day. Risperidone can cause weight gain and movement problems, whereas alprazolam can lead to drowsiness and memory issues. Additionally, alprazolam has a risk of dependence and is a controlled substance, while risperidone is not. Both medications should not be mixed with alcohol due to the risk of serious side effects.

Risperidone (Risperdal)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Summary of Risperdal vs. Xanax
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 Benzodiazepine
Prescription only
Alprazolam (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine. It's approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic attacks in adults. It's taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day or as directed by your healthcare team. To avoid the risk of dependence, alprazolam (Xanax) is meant for short-term treatment only. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include drowsiness and memory problems. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking alprazolam (Xanax) because this can lead to serious interactions.
Indications of Risperdal vs. Xanax
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

•Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

•Panic disorder
Pros and Cons of Risperdal vs. Xanax
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 Benzodiazepine
Pros

•Taken by mouth

•Can start to work in 30 minutes

•Available as quick-dissolving tablets or liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills

Cons

•Can cause memory problems, drowsiness, and confusion

•Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms

•Not preferred during pregnancy
Common Side Effects of Risperdal vs. Xanax
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
Generalized anxiety disorder:

•Drowsiness (41%)

•Lightheadedness (21%)

•Dry mouth (15%)

Panic disorder:

•Drowsiness (77%)

•Fatigue (49%)

•Poor coordination (40%)

•Memory issues (33%)

•Irritability (33%)

•Appetite changes (28-33%)

•Thinking problems (29%)

•Constipation (26%)

Side effects listed are for the immediate-release forms. Side effects for extended-release form might differ.
Warnings of Risperdal vs. Xanax
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

•Sedation and difficulty breathing

•Potential for misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal

•Effect on driving and concentration

•Harm to babies

•Interactions with other medications

•Use with caution in people with depression
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Compare Risperdal vs. Xanax

Key takeaways

Summary of Risperdal vs. Xanax

Indications of Risperdal vs. Xanax

Pros and Cons of Risperdal vs. Xanax

Common Side Effects of Risperdal vs. Xanax

Warnings of Risperdal vs. Xanax

Prices with our coupons for Risperdal vs. Xanax

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