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Compare Clozaril vs. Haldol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Clozapine (Clozaril) and haloperidol (Haldol) are both used to treat schizophrenia, but they have some key differences. Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic taken orally and is often reserved for cases where other treatments have failed due to its risk of severe side effects, such as low white blood cell count and seizures. It requires regular blood tests and is part of a special monitoring program. Haloperidol, on the other hand, is a typical antipsychotic given as an injection, either monthly for long-term treatment or as a quick-acting shot for acute agitation. Haloperidol has a higher risk of movement-related side effects but is less likely to cause weight gain compared to clozapine. While clozapine can cause drowsiness and weight gain, haloperidol is less likely to make you sleepy and has a lower risk of weight gain. Both medications carry a risk of serious heart problems and should not be used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

  • Clozapine (Clozaril)
    Haloperidol injection
  • Clozapine (Clozaril)
    Haloperidol injection

  • Summary of Clozaril vs. Haldol

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Clozapine (Clozaril) is used to treat schizophrenia. It's an atypical antipsychotic, but it's not a first-choice medication for schizophrenia because it can cause many bothersome side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness. It can also cause your white blood cell (WBC) count to drop dangerously low and raise your risk for serious infections. As a result, clozapine (Clozaril) is prescribed under a special program called Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS). In order to pick up your medication at the pharmacy, your provider will ask you to get blood work regularly (weekly to monthly) to make sure your WBC count is at a healthy level.

    Summary for Typical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Haloperidol injection is an antipsychotic medication that's used to treat schizophrenia. It's a long-acting injection that's given into the muscles monthly by a healthcare provider. It's also available as a shorter-acting injection that's typically given in a hospital setting to people who are experiencing agitation related to schizophrenia. The most common side effects of haloperidol injection are movement-related side effects, such as rigid muscles, tremors, and trouble speaking.

  • Indications of Clozaril vs. Haldol

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia that hasn't responded to other treatments
    •Suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia

  • Pros and Cons of Clozaril vs. Haldol

    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Works well to treat schizophrenia when other medications haven't worked well
    •Taken by mouth
    •Comes as both a regular tablet (that you swallow by mouth) and as a dissolvable tablet that you place on the tongue
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to get blood work done every time you get a prescription filled (weekly to monthly)
    •Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
    •Can cause high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Not a good option for people with a history of seizures
    Pros and Const for Typical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Typically given monthly
    •Low risk for weight gain, compared to some other antipsychotics
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Needs to be injected
    •Higher risk of movement-related side effects compared to atypical antipsychotics
    •Can't be used in children

  • Common Side Effects of Clozaril vs. Haldol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Increased salivation (Up to 48%)
    •Drowsiness (up to 46%)
    •Dizziness (up to 27%)
    •Fast heart rate (up to 25%)
    •Constipation (up to 25%)
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 20%)
    •Nausea/vomiting (17%)
    •High or low blood pressure (up to 13%)
    •Fever (up to 13%)
    •Headache (10%)
    •Heartburn (up to 14%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stiff or rigid muscles, tremors, trouble speaking, and other parkinsonism symptoms (31%)

  • Warnings of Clozaril vs. Haldol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of serious infection (from low white blood cells)
    •Low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, and fainting
    •Seizures
    •Heart problems
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Severe constipation
    •Serious allergic reactions or inflammation problems
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Driving impairment
    •Liver problems
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Not for people with phenylketonuria (dissolvable tablets only)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Pneumonia
    •Low white blood cell counts
    •Harm to unborn babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Clozaril vs. Haldol

    Learn more about Clozapine
    Learn more about Haloperidol injection

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