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Compare Trifluoperazine vs. Risperdal

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

Key takeaways

Trifluoperazine and risperidone (Risperdal) are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes. Trifluoperazine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic, while risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic. Trifluoperazine is mainly used to treat schizophrenia and anxiety, but it is not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of tardive dyskinesia, a condition that causes uncontrollable movements. On the other hand, risperidone is used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism, and it can be taken long-term if it continues to be effective and does not cause serious side effects. Both medications can cause weight gain, sleepiness, and changes in blood pressure. Additionally, neither medication should not be used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of death. Both medications are available as low-cost generics, however, risperidone is available in multiple forms, including tablets, dissolvable tablets, and oral solutions, whereas trifluoperazine is only available in tablet form.

  • Trifluoperazine
    Risperidone (Risperdal)
  • Trifluoperazine
    Risperidone (Risperdal)

  • Summary of Trifluoperazine vs. Risperdal

    Summary for First generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Trifluoperazine is mainly used to manage schizophrenia. It's available as a lower-cost generic medication but it isn't meant for long-term use because it can cause you to have trouble controlling your movements.

    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.

  • Indications of Trifluoperazine vs. Risperdal

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    •Anxiety
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Trifluoperazine vs. Risperdal

    Pros and Const for First generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Can be used for schizophrenia or anxiety
    •Can be used in children age 6 and older
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available in 4 different strengths
    Cons
    •High doses and long-term use can make you lose control of your movements.
    •Can cause agitation, jitteriness, and trouble sleeping
    •Not safe for use in severe liver disease
    •Usually taken twice a day
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Trifluoperazine vs. Risperdal

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Dizziness
    •Skin reactions
    •Rash
    •Dry mouth
    •Trouble falling asleep
    •Missing one or more menstrual periods
    •Lack of energy
    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%)

  • Warnings of Trifluoperazine vs. Risperdal

    Common Side Effects for
    •Death in people age 65 and older with dementia
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Changes in blood cell counts
    •Liver damage
    •Low blood pressure and falls
    •Vision changes
    •High prolactin levels
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Trifluoperazine vs. Risperdal

    Learn more about Trifluoperazine
    Learn more about Risperidone

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