Risperdal and Requipare are two medications that have caused confusion in both people dispensing the medication and those receiving the medications. Both generic and brand names, risperidone (Risperdal) and ropinirole (Requip), have sounded similarly enough that the wrong medication has been dispensed to over 200 people. In several of these cases, people had to be hospitalized. The carton label and packaging are also similar, adding to the confusion. Pharmacists may have also misinterpreted the handwriting of the physicians who prescribed the medication since the names are spelled similarly. The drug strengths, dosages and times of day requirements for taking the drug are also similar. However, the two drugs are very different, as follows:
* Risperidone (Risperdal) is an antipsychotic drug that is prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autistic disorder.
* Ropinirole (Requip) is a dopamine type of drug that is prescribed for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and Restless Legs Syndrome.