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Compare Geodon vs. Prolixin

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

Key takeaways

Ziprasidone (Geodon) and fluphenazine are both antipsychotic medications. Ziprasidone is an atypical antipsychotic, while fluphenazine is a typical antipsychotic. Both medications are used for schizophrenia, but ziprasidone is also FDA-approved for bipolar I disorder, whereas fluphenazine is used for psychotic disorders. Ziprasidone is taken orally twice a day with food and is available as an injection for agitation in schizophrenia, while fluphenazine comes in various forms, including tablets, liquid, and both short- and long-acting injections. Both medications come as a generic, but only ziprasidone also comes in a branded version. Common side effects of ziprasidone include sleepiness and nausea, while fluphenazine can cause sleepiness and movement problems. Both medications can cause serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome, but ziprasidone has a lower risk of weight gain compared to fluphenazine. Additionally, ziprasidone can interact with medications that affect heart rhythm, while fluphenazine should not be used with large doses of hypnotics or in cases of severe depression.

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

  • Summary of Geodon vs. Prolixin

    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. Prolixin

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

  • Pros and Cons of Geodon vs. Prolixin

    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. Prolixin

    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. Prolixin

    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. Prolixin

    Learn more about Ziprasidone
    Learn more about Fluphenazine

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