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Compare Fluphenazine vs. Thioridazine

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

Key takeaways

Fluphenazine (generic, formerly known as Prolixin) and Thioridazine (generic, formerly known as Mellaril) 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. Thioridazine, on the other hand, is specifically used for schizophrenia when other antipsychotic medications haven't worked or caused intolerable side effects. Thioridazine is only available in oral form and is not a first-choice treatment due to its risk of causing dangerous heart rhythm changes. While both medications can cause movement problems and drowsiness, Thioridazine is less likely to cause muscle movement issues compared to other antipsychotics. Oral forms of both medications need to be taken multiple times per day. Both medications can cause serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome and should not be used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Additionally, Thioridazine has more restrictions due to its potential to interact with other medications and cause life-threatening heart issues.

  • Fluphenazine
    Thioridazine
  • Fluphenazine
    Thioridazine

  • Summary of Fluphenazine vs. Thioridazine

    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

    Thioridazine, previously known under the brand name Mellaril, treats adults and children with schizophrenia. This first-generation antipsychotic, or also called typical antipsychotic, is typically used only when other antipsychotic medications haven't worked well. Thioridazine tablets are taken by mouth a few times throughout the day. The dosage depends on how well the medication is helping with your symptoms and whether you're having side effects like dry mouth, sleepiness, and nausea. Thioridazine can also cause a serious heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation, so it's not a first-choice option.

  • Indications of Fluphenazine vs. Thioridazine

    Indications for
    •Psychotic disorders
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia when other antipsychotic medications haven't worked well or have caused bothersome side effects

  • Pros and Cons of Fluphenazine vs. Thioridazine

    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
    •Less risk for weight gain than with atypical antipsychotics
    •Less likely to have problems with muscle movements than other antipsychotic medications
    •Available in many different strengths
    Cons
    •Must take many times a day
    •Not a first-choice option because it has many potential side effects
    •Can't take with certain medications, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and propranolol (Inderal), because it raises the risk for dangerous changes in heart rhythm

  • Common Side Effects of Fluphenazine vs. Thioridazine

    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
    •Sleepiness
    •Dry mouth
    •Blurry vision
    •Constipation
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Fluphenazine vs. Thioridazine

    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
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Lower white blood cell count (leading to possible risk for infection)
    •Possible high prolactin levels
    •Harm to an unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Fluphenazine vs. Thioridazine

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