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Compare Haldol vs. Seroquel

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

Key takeaways

Haloperidol (Haldol) and quetiapine (Seroquel) are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses and side effects. Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic used mainly for treating schizophrenia and is available as an oral tablet, oral liquid, and an injection, either long-acting or short-acting. It works by blocking dopamine activity in the brain, which can lead to movement-related side effects like rigid muscles and tremors. Quetiapine, on the other hand, is an atypical antipsychotic that treats schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and can be used as an add-on for depression. It is taken orally and works by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels. Quetiapine is more likely to cause weight gain and increase blood sugar and cholesterol levels, while haloperidol has a lower risk of weight gain but a higher risk of movement-related side effects. Both medications should be used cautiously in older adults with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of death.

Haloperidol injection
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Haloperidol injection
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Summary of Haldol vs. Seroquel
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
Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic that's used to improve mood, thoughts, and behaviors for people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The extended-release form of quetiapine (Seroquel) can also be used to treat depression when combined with another antidepressant. While quetiapine (Seroquel) works well, it has many risks and side effects, so it's not the best choice for everyone. Make sure your provider knows about all of your medical conditions and medications you're taking before starting quetiapine (Seroquel) to make sure it's as safe for you as possible.
Indications of Haldol vs. Seroquel
Indications for

•Schizophrenia

Indications for

•Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older

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

•Add-on to antidepressants for depression (extended-release only)
Pros and Cons of Haldol vs. Seroquel
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

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

•Taken by mouth

•Extended-release quetiapine (Seroquel) can help treat depression (adults only)

•Available as a lower-cost generic

•Available in both short-acting and long-acting forms

Cons

•Can cause weight gain and can raise your blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels

•Must be avoided in older adults who have dementia-related psychosis

•Can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in people who are age 24 or younger

•Need to take immediate-release tablets 2 to 3 times a day
Common Side Effects of Haldol vs. Seroquel
Common Side Effects for

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

Common Side Effects for
Immediate-release tablets

•Headache (21%)

•Agitation (20%)

•Sleepiness (18%)

•Dizziness (11%)

•Dry mouth (9%)

•Constipation (8%)

•Pain (7%)

Extended-release tablets

•Sleepiness (25-52%)

•Dry mouth (12-37%)

•Dizziness (10-13%)

•Constipation (6-10%)

•Difficulty controlling muscle movements (7-8%)

•Weight gain (7%)
Warnings of Haldol vs. Seroquel
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

•Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

•Weight gain and high levels of blood sugar and cholesterol

•Difficulty controlling body movements

•Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls

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

•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

•Seizures

•Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)

•High prolactin levels

•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
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Compare Haldol vs. Seroquel

Key takeaways

Summary of Haldol vs. Seroquel

Indications of Haldol vs. Seroquel

Pros and Cons of Haldol vs. Seroquel

Common Side Effects of Haldol vs. Seroquel

Warnings of Haldol vs. Seroquel

Prices with our coupons for Haldol vs. Seroquel

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