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Compare Geodon vs. Fluphenazine

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

Key takeaways

Ziprasidone (Geodon) and fluphenazine (Prolixin - brand no longer available) are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes and have some key differences. Ziprasidone is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia, while fluphenazine is a typical antipsychotic used for psychotic disorders. Ziprasidone works by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain and is taken twice daily with food. Fluphenazine, on the other hand, primarily blocks dopamine activity and can be taken multiple times a day or as a long-acting injection every 4 to 6 weeks. Common side effects of ziprasidone include sleepiness and nausea, while fluphenazine often causes drowsiness and movement problems. Both medications can cause serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome and tardive dyskinesia, but fluphenazine has a higher risk of permanent movement issues with long-term use. Additionally, ziprasidone is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antipsychotics, whereas fluphenazine can lead to weight changes and fluid retention.

  • Ziprasidone (Geodon)
    Fluphenazine
  • Ziprasidone (Geodon)
    Fluphenazine

  • Summary of Geodon vs. Fluphenazine

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Ziprasidone (Geodon) is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia in adults. It works by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and serotonin. Ziprasidone (Geodon) is taken by mouth, typically twice daily. It's also available as an injection that's given into the muscles by a healthcare provider to treat agitation in schizophrenia. Some common side effects of ziprasidone (Geodon) include uncontrolled body movements, sleepiness, and nausea.

    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.

  • Indications of Geodon vs. Fluphenazine

    Indications for
    •Bipolar I disorder
    •Schizophrenia
    Indications for
    •Psychotic disorders

  • Pros and Cons of Geodon vs. Fluphenazine

    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Less likely to weight gain than other similar medications
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Taken twice daily
    •Might take several weeks before you feel the full benefits of this medication
    •Must be taken with food
    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))

  • Common Side Effects of Geodon vs. Fluphenazine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Uncontrolled body movements (14%)
    •Sleepiness (14%)
    •Nausea (10%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •Indigestion (8%)
    •Restlessness (8%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Respiratory tract infection (8%)

    Note: Side effects listed were reported by people who took ziprasidone for schizophrenia in a clinical study

    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

  • Warnings of Geodon vs. Fluphenazine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Weight gain, higher blood sugar, and higher cholesterol levels
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
    •Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Seizures
    •Serious skin reaction
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •High prolactin levels
    •Heart rhythm problems
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Geodon vs. Fluphenazine

    Learn more about Ziprasidone
    Learn more about Fluphenazine

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