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Compare Haldol vs. Geodon

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

Key takeaways

Haldol (haloperidol) and Geodon (ziprasidone) are both antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia, but they have some key differences. Haldol is a typical antipsychotic that works by blocking dopamine activity in the brain and is available in oral forms, as well as an injection, typically given monthly. In contrast, Geodon is an atypical antipsychotic that balances dopamine and serotonin levels and is available as an oral capsule taken by mouth twice daily with food. There's also an injectable form of Geodon to treat agitation caused by schizophrenia. Both medications can cause movement-related side effects, such as rigid muscles and tremors, as well as sleepiness and nausea. Both medications can cause serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome and heart rhythm problems, but Geodon also carries a risk of weight gain and high blood sugar. Haldol is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antipsychotics.

  • Haloperidol injection
    Ziprasidone (Geodon)
  • Haloperidol injection
    Ziprasidone (Geodon)

  • Summary of Haldol vs. Geodon

    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 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.

  • Indications of Haldol vs. Geodon

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    Indications for
    •Bipolar I disorder
    •Schizophrenia

  • Pros and Cons of Haldol vs. Geodon

    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 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

  • Common Side Effects of Haldol vs. Geodon

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

  • Warnings of Haldol vs. Geodon

    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 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

  • Prices with our coupons for Haldol vs. Geodon

    Learn more about Haloperidol injection
    Learn more about Ziprasidone

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