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Compare Fluphenazine vs. Trifluoperazine

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

Key takeaways

Fluphenazine (generic, formerly known as Prolixin) and trifluoperazine (generic, formerly known as Stelazine) are both typical antipsychotics, but they have some differences. Fluphenazine is mainly used to treat psychotic disorders and is available in both short-acting and long-acting forms, which can be taken orally or by injection. In contrast, trifluoperazine is used to manage schizophrenia and anxiety, and it is only available in oral form. Fluphenazine is typically taken multiple times a day, while trifluoperazine is usually taken twice daily. Both medications can cause movement problems, including tardive dyskinesia, a condition that causes uncontrollable movements. Additionally, fluphenazine is not safe for older adults with dementia-related psychosis, and trifluoperazine carries a similar risk for this population. Both medications can cause drowsiness and other side effects, but trifluoperazine can also lead to liver damage.

  • Fluphenazine
    Trifluoperazine
  • Fluphenazine
    Trifluoperazine

  • Summary of Fluphenazine vs. Trifluoperazine

    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

    Trifluoperazine is mainly used to manage schizophrenia. It's available as a lower-cost generic medication but it isn't meant for long-term use because it can cause you to have trouble controlling your movements.

  • Indications of Fluphenazine vs. Trifluoperazine

    Indications for
    •Psychotic disorders
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    •Anxiety

  • Pros and Cons of Fluphenazine vs. Trifluoperazine

    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
    •Can be used for schizophrenia or anxiety
    •Can be used in children age 6 and older
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available in 4 different strengths
    Cons
    •High doses and long-term use can make you lose control of your movements.
    •Can cause agitation, jitteriness, and trouble sleeping
    •Not safe for use in severe liver disease
    •Usually taken twice a day

  • Common Side Effects of Fluphenazine vs. Trifluoperazine

    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
    •Dizziness
    •Skin reactions
    •Rash
    •Dry mouth
    •Trouble falling asleep
    •Missing one or more menstrual periods
    •Lack of energy

  • Warnings of Fluphenazine vs. Trifluoperazine

    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
    •Death in people age 65 and older with dementia
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Changes in blood cell counts
    •Liver damage
    •Low blood pressure and falls
    •Vision changes
    •High prolactin levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Fluphenazine vs. Trifluoperazine

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