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Compare Vraylar vs. Risperidone

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

Key takeaways

Cariprazine (Vraylar) and risperidone (Risperdal) are both atypical antipsychotic medications used to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, they have some differences. Cariprazine is also used as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), while risperidone can also be used for irritability associated with autism in children. Cariprazine is taken once daily as an oral capsule, whereas risperidone can be taken as a tablet, dissolvable tablet, or oral solution, typically once or twice daily. Cariprazine is only available as a brand-name medication, while risperidone is available in generic form, making it more affordable. Common side effects of both medications include uncontrolled muscle movements and restlessness. Risperidone can also cause extreme sleepiness and dizziness. Both can interact with other medications, so it's important to be sure your pharmacist and prescriber have a complete list of your medications.

  • Vraylar (cariprazine)
    Risperidone (Risperdal)
  • Vraylar (cariprazine)
    Risperidone (Risperdal)

  • Summary of Vraylar vs. Risperidone

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Vraylar (cariprazine) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in adults. It can also be used as an add-on medication to help with major depressive disorder (MDD). Vraylar (cariprazine) is taken by mouth once a day. Some common side effects of this medication include uncontrolled muscle movements, headache, and restlessness. Unlike some other antipsychotic medications, Vraylar (cariprazine) causes minimal weight gain. Vraylar (cariprazine) is brand name only and not available as a generic medication.

    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 Vraylar vs. Risperidone

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    •Manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder
    •Bipolar depression of bipolar I disorder
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD), as an add-on medication
    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 Vraylar vs. Risperidone

    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Works in your body for a longer period of time than other similar medications
    Cons
    •You might have to see your healthcare provider several times until you find a dose that works best for you.
    •Higher risk for uncontrolled muscle movements than some similar medications
    •Might take several weeks before you experience the full effects of this medication
    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 Vraylar vs. Risperidone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Uncontrolled muscle movements (up to 20%)
    •Headache (up to 18%)
    •Restlessness (up to 14%)
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 13%)
    •Constipation (up to 10%)
    •Nausea (up to 8%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 7%)
    •Toothache (up to 6%)
    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 Vraylar vs. Risperidone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Difficulty controlling movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Trouble controlling body temperature
    •Difficulty swallowing
    •Seizures
    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 Vraylar vs. Risperidone

    Learn more about Vraylar
    Learn more about Risperidone

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