Key takeaways
Ziprasidone (Geodon) and chlorpromazine (Thorazine) are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses and side effects. Ziprasidone is an atypical antipsychotic used primarily to treat bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia. Chlorpromazine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic with a broader range of uses, including managing psychotic disorders, nausea, and severe behavioral issues in children. Ziprasidone is typically taken twice daily with food and is available as both an oral medication and an injection, whereas chlorpromazine can be taken two to four times a day and is also available in injectable forms. Common side effects of ziprasidone include sleepiness and nausea, while chlorpromazine often causes drowsiness and dry mouth. Both medications carry a risk of serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome and tardive dyskinesia, but chlorpromazine is more likely to cause sedation and weight gain. Additionally, ziprasidone has a lower risk of weight gain compared to other antipsychotics. Both medications should be used cautiously in older adults with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of death.
