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Compare Haldol vs. Fanapt

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

Key takeaways

Haldol (haloperidol) and Fanapt (iloperidone) are both used to treat schizophrenia, but they have some key differences. Haldol is a typical antipsychotic available as an injection and oral forms, while Fanapt is an atypical antipsychotic taken orally. Haldol works by blocking dopamine activity in the brain, which helps reduce hallucinations and delusions, whereas Fanapt stabilizes both dopamine and serotonin levels to improve mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Haldol is available as a lower-cost generic medication. Fanapt is also avaialble as a generic but it is only approved for schizophrenia. Haldol injections can be given as a monthly injection, while Fanapt needs to be taken twice a day. Possible side effects of both medications include movement-related issues, dizziness, dry mouth, and sleepiness. Both medications carry a risk of serious side effects, such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome and higher mortality in elderly people with dementia-related psychosis.

  • Haloperidol injection
    Iloperidone (Fanapt)
  • Haloperidol injection
    Iloperidone (Fanapt)

  • Summary of Haldol vs. Fanapt

    Summary for Typical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Haloperidol injection is an antipsychotic medication that's used to treat schizophrenia. It's a long-acting injection that's given into the muscles monthly by a healthcare provider. It's also available as a shorter-acting injection that's typically given in a hospital setting to people who are experiencing agitation related to schizophrenia. The most common side effects of haloperidol injection are movement-related side effects, such as rigid muscles, tremors, and trouble speaking.

    Summary for Second Generation (Atypical) Antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Iloperidone (Fanapt) is an atypical antipsychotic. Brand name Fanapt is FDA-approved for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in adults. Generic iloperidone is currently only approved for schizophrenia. Iloperidone (Fanapt) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth twice per day. Don't drink alcohol while taking iloperidone (Fanapt) because doing so can worsen some common side effects, like sleepiness and dizziness. Some people have reported weight gain while taking this medication.

  • Indications of Haldol vs. Fanapt

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia in adults
    •Manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults (brand name Fanapt only)

  • Pros and Cons of Haldol vs. Fanapt

    Pros and Const for Typical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Typically given monthly
    •Low risk for weight gain, compared to some other antipsychotics
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Needs to be injected
    •Higher risk of movement-related side effects compared to atypical antipsychotics
    •Can't be used in children
    Pros and Const for Second Generation (Atypical) Antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Comes in many different strengths to make it easier to customize your dose
    •A starter pack is available for when you first start to help you figure out your dose.
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Taken twice a day
    •Hasn't been studied in children
    •The dose needs to be slowly raised
    •Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding isn't well-understood

  • Common Side Effects of Haldol vs. Fanapt

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stiff or rigid muscles, tremors, trouble speaking, and other parkinsonism symptoms (31%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Schizophrenia

    •Dizziness (up to 20%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 15%)
    •Fast heart rate (up to 12%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 10%)
    •Nausea (up to 10%)

    Bipolar disorder

    •Fast heart rate (up to 23%)
    •Dizziness (up to 12%)

  • Warnings of Haldol vs. Fanapt

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Pneumonia
    •Low white blood cell counts
    •Harm to unborn babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •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
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS)

  • Prices with our coupons for Haldol vs. Fanapt

    Learn more about Haloperidol injection
    Learn more about Iloperidone

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