Trifluoperazine vs. Risperdal for Schizophrenia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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

Get free coupons

Risperidone

(Risperdal)

Get free coupons

Summary for Trifluoperazine

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.

Indications for Trifluoperazine

Schizophrenia
Anxiety

Pros and Cons for Trifluoperazine

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

Common Side Effects for Trifluoperazine

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Skin reactions
Rash
Dry mouth
Trouble falling asleep
Missing one or more menstrual periods
Lack of energy

Warnings for Trifluoperazine

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

Summary for Risperdal

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 for Risperdal

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 for Risperdal

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 for Risperdal

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 for Risperdal

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