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Risperdal vs. Zyprexa

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.

• 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

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%)

• 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

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is an atypical antipsychotic used treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It can also treat depression, in combination with fluoxetine (Prozac), when other treatments haven't worked well. This medication is thought to work by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is taken by mouth, typically once daily, by adults and children. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is also available as an injection that's usually given in a hospital or clinic setting. Some of the more common side effects of olanzapine (Zyprexa) include sleep problems, dizziness, and weight gain.

• Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older
• Bipolar I disorder in adults and children age 13 years and older

When taken with fluoxetine (Prozac):

• Bipolar depression in adults and children age 10 years and older
• Depression that hasn't responded well to other treatments

• Sleepiness (29%)
• Trouble sleeping (12%)
• Accidental injury (12%)
• Dizziness (11%)
• Weakness (10%)
• Dry mouth (9%)
• Constipation (9%)
• Upset stomach (7%)
• Runny nose (7%)

• Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
• Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior
• Severe allergic skin reactions
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Weight gain, higher blood sugar, and higher cholesterol levels
• Difficulty controlling body movements
• Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
• Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
• Seizures
• High prolactin levels
• Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
• Anticholinergic side effects