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Compare Haldol vs. Loxapine

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

Key takeaways

Haloperidol (Haldol) and loxapine (Loxitane) are both typical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia, but they have some key differences. Haloperidol is available in oral forms, as well as an injection, either long-acting or short-acting, while loxapine is taken orally as capsules. Haloperidol works by blocking dopamine activity in the brain, whereas loxapine's exact mechanism is unclear but is thought to regulate both dopamine and serotonin levels. Haloperidol long-acting injection is typically given monthly by a healthcare provider, while loxapine is taken once or twice daily. Haloperidol has a lower risk of weight gain compared to some other antipsychotics, but it has a higher risk of movement-related side effects. Loxapine can cause drowsiness and has a risk of causing uncontrollable muscle movements that might not go away after stopping the medication. Both medications should not be used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis due to a higher risk of death.

  • Haloperidol injection
    Loxapine
  • Haloperidol injection
    Loxapine

  • Summary of Haldol vs. Loxapine

    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 First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Loxapine is a typical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia. Loxapine is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. It can cause more movement-related side effects compared with atypical antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole (Abilify). It used to be sold under the brand name Loxitane, which is no longer available. Oral loxapine is now only available as generic capsules.

  • Indications of Haldol vs. Loxapine

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia

  • Pros and Cons of Haldol vs. Loxapine

    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 First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Pros
    •A good option if other schizophrenia medications haven't worked or have caused bothersome side effects
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on your response
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •More likely to cause trouble controlling movements compared to other treatment options
    •Can raise your heart rate and lower your blood pressure
    •Risk of developing abnormal muscle movements that might not go away after you stop taking loxapine

  • Common Side Effects of Haldol vs. Loxapine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stiff or rigid muscles, tremors, trouble speaking, and other parkinsonism symptoms (31%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Extrapyramidal symptoms (movement problems, such as shakiness, stiffness, excess saliva, and loss of facial expression)
    •Restless muscles (akathisia)

  • Warnings of Haldol vs. Loxapine

    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
    •Uncontrollable body movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Falls
    •Low white blood cell count
    •Seizures
    •Vision changes
    •High prolactin levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Haldol vs. Loxapine

    Learn more about Haloperidol injection
    Learn more about Loxapine

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