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Compare Fluphenazine vs. Loxapine

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

Key takeaways

Fluphenazine (generic name) and Loxapine (generic name) are both typical antipsychotics, but they have some key differences. Fluphenazine is used to treat psychotic disorders and is available in both short-acting and long-acting forms, which can be taken orally or via injection. In contrast, Loxapine is used specifically for schizophrenia and is only available as an oral medication. Fluphenazine works by blocking dopamine activity in the brain, while Loxapine's exact mechanism is unclear but is thought to regulate both dopamine and serotonin levels. Fluphenazine can be taken multiple times a day or as a long-acting injection every 4 to 6 weeks, whereas Loxapine is typically taken once or twice daily. Both medications can cause movement-related side effects, but Loxapine is noted to cause more of these compared to atypical antipsychotics. Additionally, both medications are available as lower-cost generics since their brand names, Prolixin for Fluphenazine and Loxitane for Loxapine, are no longer available.

  • Fluphenazine
    Loxapine
  • Fluphenazine
    Loxapine

  • Summary of Fluphenazine vs. Loxapine

    Summary for Typical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Fluphenazine is a typical antipsychotic and is used to treat conditions that cause psychosis. It's available as short-acting fluphenazine hydrochloride (tablets, liquid, injection) that's typically taken by mouth or injected 3 to 4 times a day. It also comes as long-acting fluphenazine decanoate (injection) that's usually given every 4 to 6 weeks. Side effects of this medication include drowsiness and movement problems. Brand name Prolixin is no longer available.

    Summary for First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Loxapine is a typical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia. Loxapine is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. It can cause more movement-related side effects compared with atypical antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole (Abilify). It used to be sold under the brand name Loxitane, which is no longer available. Oral loxapine is now only available as generic capsules.

  • Indications of Fluphenazine vs. Loxapine

    Indications for
    •Psychotic disorders
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia

  • Pros and Cons of Fluphenazine vs. Loxapine

    Pros and Const for Typical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Comes as a tablet, liquid, or injection (both short- and long-acting)
    •Dose can be easily adjusted based on individual needs
    Cons
    •Long-term use can raise the risk of permanent movement problems
    •Not safe for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Might not be a safe option if you've had a bad reaction to similar medications (e.g., chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril))
    Pros and Const for First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Pros
    •A good option if other schizophrenia medications haven't worked or have caused bothersome side effects
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on your response
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •More likely to cause trouble controlling movements compared to other treatment options
    •Can raise your heart rate and lower your blood pressure
    •Risk of developing abnormal muscle movements that might not go away after you stop taking loxapine

  • Common Side Effects of Fluphenazine vs. Loxapine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dystonia (uncontrollable muscle contractions): neck spasms, difficulty swallowing and breathing, sticking your tongue out
    •Involuntary movements (especially of the face or mouth)
    •Changes in blood pressure
    •Weight changes
    •Fluid retention (holding onto fluid)
    •Nausea
    •Constipation
    •Loss of appetite
    •Dry mouth
    •Headache
    •Salivation, drooling
    •More sweating
    •Frequent urination
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Extrapyramidal symptoms (movement problems, such as shakiness, stiffness, excess saliva, and loss of facial expression)
    •Restless muscles (akathisia)

  • Warnings of Fluphenazine vs. Loxapine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Low white blood cell counts
    •High prolactin levels
    •Harm to unborn babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults
    •Uncontrollable body movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Falls
    •Low white blood cell count
    •Seizures
    •Vision changes
    •High prolactin levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Fluphenazine vs. Loxapine

    Learn more about Fluphenazine
    Learn more about Loxapine

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