Key takeaways
Ziprasidone (Geodon) and iloperidone (Fanapt) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia, but they have some key differences. Ziprasidone is also approved for treating bipolar I disorder, while iloperidone is not. Ziprasidone is available in both generic and brand forms, making it more affordable, whereas iloperidone is only available as a brand name (Fanapt), which can be more expensive. Ziprasidone must be taken with food twice daily, while iloperidone also requires twice-daily dosing but does not specify the need to be taken with food. Both medications can cause sleepiness and weight gain, but ziprasidone is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antipsychotics. Additionally, ziprasidone is available as an injection for treating agitation in schizophrenia, which iloperidone does not offer. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects, including neuroleptic malignant syndrome and tardive dyskinesia, but they also have unique risks, such as heart rhythm problems with ziprasidone and difficulty controlling body temperature with iloperidone.
