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Comparison of Risperidone and Aripiprazole
This is a comparative analysis of two marketed antipsychotics with different mechanisms: risperidone blocks dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, while aripiprazole acts as a dopamine D2 partial agonist.
This is a comparative analysis of two marketed antipsychotics with different mechanisms: risperidone blocks dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, while aripiprazole acts as a dopamine D2 partial agonist. Used for Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder (acute mania and maintenance), Major depressive disorder (adjunctive treatment with aripiprazole).
At a glance
| Generic name | Comparison of Risperidone and Aripiprazole |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center |
| Drug class | Second-generation antipsychotic (atypical antipsychotic) |
| Target | Dopamine D2 receptor (risperidone: antagonist; aripiprazole: partial agonist); serotonin 5-HT2A receptor (risperidone) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Risperidone is a typical second-generation antipsychotic that antagonizes dopamine D2 receptors in the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways to reduce psychotic symptoms, while also blocking 5-HT2A receptors. Aripiprazole differs by functioning as a partial agonist at D2 receptors, providing dopaminergic stabilization rather than pure antagonism. Both agents are used to treat psychotic and mood disorders, but their distinct mechanisms result in different efficacy and side effect profiles.
Approved indications
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder (acute mania and maintenance)
- Major depressive disorder (adjunctive treatment with aripiprazole)
- Irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder (aripiprazole)
Common side effects
- Weight gain
- Metabolic syndrome / dyslipidemia
- Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
- Prolactin elevation
- Sedation
- Akathisia
- Orthostatic hypotension
Key clinical trials
- Pragmatic Trial Comparing Weight Gain in Children With Autism Taking Risperidone Versus Aripiprazole (PHASE4)
- A Study to Compare Disease Progression and Modification Following Treatment With Paliperidone Palmitate Long-Acting Injection or Oral Antipsychotics in Participant's With Recent-onset Schizophrenia or Schizophreniform (PHASE3)
- Sequential Multiple-Assignment Randomized Trials to Compare Antipsychotic Treatments(SMART-CAT) (PHASE3)
- A Study of LY2140023 in Schizophrenia Patients With Prominent Negative Symptoms (PHASE2)
- Antipsychotic Induced Structural and Functional Brain Changes (PHASE4)
- Neurocognitive Effectiveness in Treatment of First-episode Non-affective Psychosis: 3-years Follow-up (PHASE4)
- YouScript IMPACT Registry
- Comparison of Aripiprazole and Risperidone for the Treatment of People With First-Episode Psychosis (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
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