Risperdal Decanoate Vs. Haldol for Treatment of Bipolar

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 10 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder each year. Risperdal Consta and Haldol Decanoate are two injectable medications designed for treating psychotic disorders and bipolar disorder.

Administration

• Risperdal Consta and Haldol Decanoate are both typically taken by intramuscular injection once every two weeks. Both may cause soreness at the site of injection.

History

• Haldol is an older typical antipsychotic that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1967. Risperdal is a newer atypical antipsychotic that was approved by the FDA in 1994.

Cost

• Haldol is an older drug that is considerably cheaper than Risperdal. While the cost varies between pharmacies, a price quote obtained from a local Walgreens in Indiana was over $400 for a moderate 2 week dosage of Risperdal Consta and under $200 for a comparable dosage of Haldol.

Side Effects

• Individuals who take Haldol Decanoate for bipolar disorder have a much greater risk of developing extrapyramidal symptoms than individuals taking Risperdal Consta. Extrapyramidal side effects include involuntary movements, inability to initiate movements, inability to remain motionless, muscle spasms and irregular movements and may be irreversible after taking antipsychotic medications for a prolonged period.

Lactation

• Risperdal Consta has a much greater risk of causing lactation in both males and females than Haldol decanoate. The reason for this is unknown but it is likely due to the way that Risperdal effects dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain.