Haldol vs. Thiothixene for Schizophrenia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Haloperidol (Haldol) and thiothixene (Navane) 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, either long-acting (monthly) or short-acting (for hospital use), while thiothixene is taken orally. Both medications can cause movement-related side effects like rigid muscles and tremors. Thiothixene can be taken by people as young as 12, whereas haloperidol can be used in children as young as age 3 years. Both medications carry risks for older adults with dementia-related psychosis and can cause serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Haloperidol

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Thiothixene

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Summary for Haldol

Prescription only

Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic used to treat several behavioral and psychiatric conditions in adults and children. This medication is taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times per day. Side effects of haloperidol include sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.

Indications for Haldol

Psychotic and behavioral disorders
Tourette syndrome in adults and children
Hyperactivity in children

Pros and Cons for Haldol

Pros

Available as a tablet and a liquid
Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
Works well to treat several behavioral and psychiatric conditions
Can be used in children

Cons

Can have lots of problematic side effects compared to newer antipsychotics
Needs to be taken two to three times per day
Can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped
Might cause drowsiness, which can affect normal daily activities

Common Side Effects for Haldol

Drowsiness
Headache
Tremor
Muscle spasms
Abnormal muscle movement
Mood changes (anxiety, depression)
Trouble sleeping
Restlessness

Warnings for Haldol

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

Summary for Thiothixene

Prescription only

Thiothixene is used to treat schizophrenia in people ages 12 years and older. It belongs to a drug class known as typical antipsychotics. This medication comes as a oral capsule and it's typically taken 2-3 times a day. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include drowsiness, restlessness, and uncontrolled body movement. Thiothixene is only available as a generic medication. Brand name Navane has been discontinued.

Indications for Thiothixene

Schizophrenia in people ages 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Thiothixene

Pros

Taken by mouth
Can be taken by children as young as 12 years old
Dose can be adjusted based on your response

Cons

Might need to take up to 3 times a day
Can cause low white blood cell counts so might need to have regular blood tests done
More likely to cause movement-related problems than atypical antipsychotics