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Compare Geodon vs. Zyprexa

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

Key takeaways

Ziprasidone (Geodon) and olanzapine (Zyprexa) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. Ziprasidone is taken twice daily with food, while olanzapine is typically taken once daily, which might be more convenient for some people. Olanzapine can also be used to treat certain types of depression when combined with fluoxetine (Prozac). One key difference is that ziprasidone is less likely to cause weight gain compared to olanzapine, which has a higher risk of weight gain and related issues like high blood sugar and cholesterol. Both medications can cause sleepiness, but ziprasidone might also cause dizziness and uncontrolled body movements. Olanzapine, on the other hand, can lead to anticholinergic side effects like dry mouth and constipation. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

Ziprasidone (Geodon)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Ziprasidone (Geodon)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Summary of Geodon vs. Zyprexa
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 Atypical antipsychotic
Prescription only
Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is an atypical antipsychotic used treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It can also treat depression, in combination with fluoxetine (Prozac), when other treatments haven't worked well. This medication is thought to work by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is taken by mouth, typically once daily, by adults and children. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is also available as an injection that's usually given in a hospital or clinic setting. Some of the more common side effects of olanzapine (Zyprexa) include sleep problems, dizziness, and weight gain.
Indications of Geodon vs. Zyprexa
Indications for

•Bipolar I disorder

•Schizophrenia

Indications for

•Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older

•Bipolar I disorder in adults and children age 13 years and older

When taken with fluoxetine (Prozac):

•Bipolar depression in adults and children age 10 years and older

•Depression that hasn't responded well to other treatments
Pros and Cons of Geodon vs. Zyprexa
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 Atypical antipsychotic
Pros

•Taken by mouth

•Taken once daily

•Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting olanzapine (Zyprexa)

•Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

•Can cause anticholinergic side effects, such as constipation and dry mouth

•Can affect your sleep

•More likely to cause weight gain, high blood cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels compared to some other atypical antipsychotics
Common Side Effects of Geodon vs. Zyprexa
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

•Sleepiness (29%)

•Trouble sleeping (12%)

•Accidental injury (12%)

•Dizziness (11%)

•Weakness (10%)

•Dry mouth (9%)

•Constipation (9%)

•Upset stomach (7%)

•Runny nose (7%)
Warnings of Geodon vs. Zyprexa
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

•Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Severe allergic skin reactions

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

•Weight gain, higher blood sugar, and higher cholesterol levels

•Difficulty controlling body movements

•Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls

•Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)

•Seizures

•High prolactin levels

•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness

•Anticholinergic side effects
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Compare Geodon vs. Zyprexa

Key takeaways

Summary of Geodon vs. Zyprexa

Indications of Geodon vs. Zyprexa

Pros and Cons of Geodon vs. Zyprexa

Common Side Effects of Geodon vs. Zyprexa

Warnings of Geodon vs. Zyprexa

Prices with our coupons for Geodon vs. Zyprexa

Compare other Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia drugs

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