{"id":629768,"date":"2024-09-11T17:18:14","date_gmt":"2024-09-11T21:18:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629768"},"modified":"2025-09-12T12:23:50","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T16:23:50","slug":"latuda-vs-risperidone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/latuda-vs-risperidone\/","title":{"rendered":"Latuda vs. risperidone: Differences, similarities & side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Latuda<\/span><\/a> (lurasidone) and <\/span>risperidone<\/span><\/a> are two medications often prescribed for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Both belong to a class of drugs known as <\/span>atypical antipsychotics<\/span><\/a>. Also called <\/span>second-generation antipsychotic medications<\/span><\/a>, Latuda and risperidone block dopamine receptors and also affect serotonin levels to help manage symptoms such as mood swings, hallucinations, and other psychological disturbances. Second-generation antipsychotics tend to cause fewer side effects and broader therapeutic effects than first-generation antipsychotics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although they are similarly prescribed medications, Latuda and risperidone have differences in dosages, age restrictions, and potential side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Latuda vs. risperidone: Key differences<\/span><\/h2>\n

Latuda is a brand-name drug containing the active ingredient lurasidone. The <\/span>generic version of Latuda<\/span><\/a> is widely available. Latuda is typically taken as <\/span>one tablet once daily<\/span><\/a>, with oral tablets coming in strengths of 20 milligrams (mg), 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg. The dosage varies depending on the individual and condition being treated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Risperidone is a generic drug sold under the brand name <\/span>Risperdal<\/span><\/a>. Unlike Latuda, risperidone may be taken as one tablet once daily or <\/span>half a tablet twice daily<\/span><\/a>. Regular oral tablets come in strengths of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg. Risperidone is also available as an oral solution and an orally disintegrating tablet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Latuda vs. risperidone key differences<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nLatuda<\/b><\/td>\nRisperidone<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nAtypical antipsychotic\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAtypical antipsychotic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic version available<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic version available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic or brand name?<\/b><\/td>\nBrand name: Latuda<\/span><\/p>\n

Generic name: Lurasidone<\/span><\/td>\n

Brand name: Risperdal, Risperdal Consta, Risperdal M-tabs<\/span><\/p>\n

Generic name: Risperidone<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral tablet<\/span><\/td>\nOral tablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Orally disintegrating tablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral solution<\/span><\/p>\n

Injectable suspension<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nSchizophrenia in adults:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

40 to 160 mg per day<\/span><\/p>\n

Schizophrenia in adolescents (13\u201317 years old):<\/span><\/p>\n

40\u201380 mg per day<\/span><\/p>\n

Bipolar depression in adults: 20\u2013120 mg per day<\/span><\/p>\n

Bipolar depression in children and adolescents (10\u201317 years old): 20\u201380 mg per day<\/span><\/td>\n

Schizophrenia in adults:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4 to 8 mg per day<\/span><\/p>\n

Schizophrenia in adolescents (13\u201317 years old):<\/span><\/p>\n

3 mg per day<\/span><\/p>\n

Bipolar mania in adults: 1\u20136 mg per day<\/span><\/p>\n

Bipolar mania in children and adolescents (10\u201317 years old): 1\u20132.5 mg per day<\/span><\/p>\n

Autistic disorder:<\/span><\/p>\n

0.5 mg per day in those who weigh less than 44 lbs (20 kg) and 1 mg in those who weigh more than 44 lbs (20 kg)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults, adolescents, and children 10 years and older, depending on the condition being treated<\/span><\/td>\nAdults, adolescents, and children 5 years and older, depending on the condition being treated<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Latuda vs. risperidone: Conditions treated<\/span><\/h2>\n

Latuda and risperidone are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of <\/span>schizophrenia<\/span><\/a> in adults and adolescents 13 years and older. These medications may help treat symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Latuda is also used for <\/span>treating bipolar depression<\/span><\/a> in adults and children ages 10 and older. It can be used alone or as an add-on therapy with lithium or valproate. Risperidone, on the other hand, is approved to treat mania associated with bipolar disorder. In addition, risperidone can treat symptoms of irritability in children and adolescents 5 years and older.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Latuda vs. risperidone conditions treated<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nLatuda<\/b><\/td>\nRisperidone<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Schizophrenia<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bipolar depression<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bipolar mania<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Irritability caused by autistic disorder<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Is risperidone better than Latuda?<\/span><\/h2>\n

An open-label <\/span>extension study<\/span><\/a> looked at the effects of switching from risperidone to lurasidone in patients with schizophrenia. Both groups showed similar improvements in their symptoms, as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). In addition, patients switching to lurasidone showed improved metabolic health, such as a significant drop in prolactin levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>meta-analysis<\/span><\/a> of more than 10 clinical trials compared the effectiveness and side effects of lurasidone and risperidone for treating schizophrenia in teenagers. Lurasidone led to significantly less weight gain, with patients gaining around 2.5 lbs (1.16 kg) less than those on risperidone. In addition, the study found that lurasidone had a lower risk of a person stopping treatment than those on other drugs like aripiprazole and paliperidone ER.<\/span><\/p>\n

The better choice between these treatment options will depend on a person\u2019s overall condition. A healthcare provider can determine the most appropriate medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Latuda vs. risperidone: Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n

Latuda is a brand-name drug. Therefore, it tends to be on the higher end in cost. Insurance may require <\/span>prior authorization<\/span><\/a> or step therapy, meaning trying cheaper generic drugs like risperidone first. Risperidone is generally covered by most insurance plans and Medicare. Latuda is also available in a generic form, which may be widely available and covered by insurance plans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Without insurance, the average retail price of Latuda is $1,863 for a 30-day supply of 40 mg tablets. In contrast, risperidone averages $130 for a 30-day supply of 1 mg tablets. Prices fluctuate and can vary significantly based on location and pharmacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Patients could save on prescription drugs by using SingleCare coupons, which offer discounts on medications like <\/span>Latuda<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>risperidone<\/span><\/a>. Using these coupons may make a difference in reducing out-of-pocket costs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Latuda vs. risperidone cost & coverage<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nLatuda<\/b><\/td>\nRisperidone<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n40 mg (30 tablets)<\/span><\/td>\n1 mg (30 tablets)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost*<\/b><\/td>\n$22 (for generic lurasidone)<\/span><\/td>\n$4<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
*Cost at the time of publication varies by pharmacy.<\/span><\/h5>\n

Save on schizophrenia medication<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Latuda vs. risperidone side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

Common side effects of these antipsychotic drugs include drowsiness, insomnia, nausea, and weight gain. Latuda and risperidone may also cause movement disorders like being unable to sit still (akathisia) and involuntary repetitive movements (<\/span>tardive dyskinesia<\/span><\/a>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Risperidone is more commonly associated with weight gain, insomnia, and anxiety than Latuda. On the other hand, Latuda may more frequently cause nausea and restlessness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Serious side effects can also occur with both drugs. For example, both drugs may carry a risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition with symptoms such as muscle rigidity, fever, and altered mental status. These medications may also increase the risk of low blood pressure and seizures.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Latuda vs. risperidone side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nLatuda<\/b><\/td>\nRisperidone<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side effect<\/b><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/td>\nFrequency<\/b><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/td>\nFrequency<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n10%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n9%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Increased saliva production<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n2%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n2%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Indigestion<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n6%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n8%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Constipation<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n8%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drowsiness<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n17%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n10%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Restlessness or feeling unable to stay still\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n13%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n10%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Movement problems<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n14%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n10%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runny or stuffy nose<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n4%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n4%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight gain<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n7%<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n8%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insomnia<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n10%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n32%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dizziness<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n4%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n2%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Anxiety<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n16%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Blurred vision<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n1%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dry mouth<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n2%<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n10%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
Frequency is not based on data from a head-to-head trial. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your healthcare provider to learn more.<\/span><\/i><\/h5>\n
Source: DailyMed (<\/span>Latuda<\/span><\/a>), DailyMed (<\/span>Risperdal<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/h5>\n

Latuda and risperidone drug interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Latuda and risperidone share similar drug interactions. Both Latuda and risperidone affect the central nervous system (CNS). Combining them with other CNS depressants, such as benzodiazepines, opioids, or alcohol, may amplify drowsiness or dizziness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Latuda and risperidone may lower blood pressure. If they\u2019re used with <\/span>other medications that lower blood pressure<\/span><\/a>, the combined effect can be significant, requiring careful monitoring. Latuda and risperidone may reduce the effectiveness of medications like levodopa and dopamine agonists, which are used to treat Parkinson’s disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

Certain antifungals and antibiotics, such as ketoconazole and clarithromycin, can increase Latuda or risperidone levels in the body. Other drugs can lower Latuda and risperidone levels, making them less effective. Therefore, combining these medications with Latuda or risperidone may need to be avoided or done with caution.<\/span><\/p>\n

Certain <\/span>antidepressants<\/span><\/a> like fluoxetine and paroxetine can increase risperidone levels. Dose adjustments may be necessary if these drugs are used together.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Latuda vs. risperidone drug interactions<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug<\/b><\/td>\nDrug class<\/b><\/td>\nLatuda<\/b><\/td>\nRisperidone<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Xanax (alprazolam)<\/span><\/p>\n

Valium (diazepam)<\/span><\/p>\n

Restoril (temazepam)<\/span><\/td>\n

Benzodiazepines<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vicodin (hydrocodone\/acetaminophen)<\/span><\/p>\n

Percocet (oxycodone\/acetaminophen)<\/span><\/td>\n

Opioids<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prinivil, Zestril (lisinopril)<\/span><\/p>\n

Norvasc (amlodipine)<\/span><\/p>\n

Cozaar (losartan)<\/span><\/p>\n

Lopressor, Toprol-XL (metoprolol)<\/span><\/p>\n

Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide)<\/span><\/td>\n

Antihypertensives<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sinemet, Stalevo (levodopa)<\/span><\/p>\n

Mirapex (pramipexole)<\/span><\/p>\n

Requip (ropinirole)<\/span><\/td>\n

Levodopa and dopamine agonists<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nizoral (ketoconazole)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sporanox (itraconazole)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Diflucan (fluconazole)<\/span><\/td>\n

Antifungal<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ery-Tab (erythromycin)<\/span><\/p>\n

Biaxin (clarithromycin)<\/span><\/p>\n

Rifadin (rifampin)<\/span><\/td>\n

Antibiotic<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Norvir (ritonavir)<\/span><\/p>\n

Reyataz (atazanavir)<\/span><\/td>\n

Antiretroviral<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tegretol (carbamazepine)<\/span><\/p>\n

Dilantin (phenytoin)<\/span><\/td>\n

Anticonvulsant<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prozac (fluoxetine)<\/span><\/p>\n

Paxil (paroxetine)<\/span><\/td>\n

Antidepressant<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Luminal (phenobarbital)<\/span><\/td>\nBarbiturate<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
St. John\u2019s wort<\/span><\/td>\nHerbal<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions.<\/span><\/i><\/h5>\n

Latuda and risperidone drug warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n

Latuda and risperidone both have serious warnings, especially for older adults with dementia-related psychosis. These drugs are not approved for these patients due to an increased risk of death.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other warnings for these medications include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n