Is risperdal and risperidone the same thing?

Yes. Risperdal is the brand name for the medication whose generic name is risperidone. They are the same drug; “Risperdal” is the marketed brand, and “risperidone” is the nonproprietary (generic) name.

Notes:
- Risperidone comes in several forms (tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, oral solution, and a long-acting injectable).
- In many places, generic risperidone is available and considered equivalent to the brand-name version. If switching between brand and generic, doses are typically the same, but check with a healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have concerns about substitutions or specific formulations.