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Compare Haldol vs. Thioridazine

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

Key takeaways

Haloperidol (Haldol) and thioridazine (Mellaril) are both typical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia, but they have some key differences. Haloperidol is available as an oral tablet, oral liquid, and injection, while thioridazine is taken orally multiple times a day. Haloperidol is often used as a first-choice treatment, whereas thioridazine is reserved for cases where other antipsychotics haven't worked or caused intolerable side effects. Both medications can cause dangerous heart rhythm changes (QTc prolongation). Both medications can cause serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome and should not be used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

  • Haloperidol injection
    Thioridazine
  • Haloperidol injection
    Thioridazine

  • Summary of Haldol vs. Thioridazine

    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

    Thioridazine, previously known under the brand name Mellaril, treats adults and children with schizophrenia. This first-generation antipsychotic, or also called typical antipsychotic, is typically used only when other antipsychotic medications haven't worked well. Thioridazine tablets are taken by mouth a few times throughout the day. The dosage depends on how well the medication is helping with your symptoms and whether you're having side effects like dry mouth, sleepiness, and nausea. Thioridazine can also cause a serious heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation, so it's not a first-choice option.

  • Indications of Haldol vs. Thioridazine

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia when other antipsychotic medications haven't worked well or have caused bothersome side effects

  • Pros and Cons of Haldol vs. Thioridazine

    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
    •Less risk for weight gain than with atypical antipsychotics
    •Less likely to have problems with muscle movements than other antipsychotic medications
    •Available in many different strengths
    Cons
    •Must take many times a day
    •Not a first-choice option because it has many potential side effects
    •Can't take with certain medications, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and propranolol (Inderal), because it raises the risk for dangerous changes in heart rhythm

  • Common Side Effects of Haldol vs. Thioridazine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stiff or rigid muscles, tremors, trouble speaking, and other parkinsonism symptoms (31%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dry mouth
    •Blurry vision
    •Constipation
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Haldol vs. Thioridazine

    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
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Lower white blood cell count (leading to possible risk for infection)
    •Possible high prolactin levels
    •Harm to an unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Haldol vs. Thioridazine

    Learn more about Haloperidol injection
    Learn more about Thioridazine

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