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Compare Haldol vs. Thorazine

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

Key takeaways

Haloperidol (Haldol) and chlorpromazine (Thorazine) are both typical antipsychotics, but they have some key differences. Haloperidol is primarily used to treat schizophrenia and is available as an oral tablet, oral liquid, and a long-acting monthly injection or a short-acting injection for acute agitation. In contrast, chlorpromazine has a broader range of uses, including treating schizophrenia, nausea, vomiting, pre-surgery anxiety, and severe behavioral issues in children. Chlorpromazine is usually taken orally but can also be given as an injection. Haloperidol is less likely to cause weight gain compared to chlorpromazine, which can lead to weight gain and increased appetite. Both medications can cause movement-related side effects. Additionally, both haloperidol and chlorpromazine can cause drowsiness. Both medications carry a higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and should not be used to treat dementia-related psychosis.

  • Haloperidol injection
    Chlorpromazine
  • Haloperidol injection
    Chlorpromazine

  • Summary of Haldol vs. Thorazine

    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

    Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication that has many different uses. It's usually given as an oral medication, but in severe cases it can be given as an injection by your provider.

  • Indications of Haldol vs. Thorazine

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    Indications for
    •Management of psychotic disorders
    •Schizophrenia
    •Nausea and vomiting
    •Restlessness and anxiety before surgery
    •Acute intermittent porphyria
    •Tetanus
    •Manic episodes of bipolar disorder
    •Hiccups that won't go away
    •Severe behavioral issues in children 1 to 12 years old (e.g., aggressive behavior, frustration, explosive or hyperexcitable behavior)

  • Pros and Cons of Haldol vs. Thorazine

    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
    •Available as a tablet and injection
    •Dose can be easily adjusted based on how you respond to the medication
    •Can be used in young children 6 months and older
    •Available in 5 different strengths
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Higher risk of death when used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Generally not recommended for use in pregnancy
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Can cause weight gain and tiredness

  • Common Side Effects of Haldol vs. Thorazine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stiff or rigid muscles, tremors, trouble speaking, and other parkinsonism symptoms (31%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Uncontrollable muscle movements (e.g., neck spasms, difficulty swallowing and breathing, sticking your tongue out)
    •Dry mouth
    •Stuffy nose
    •Nausea
    •Constipation
    •Bladder problems

  • Warnings of Haldol vs. Thorazine

    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 people age 65 and older with dementia
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Changes in blood cell counts
    •High prolactin levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Haldol vs. Thorazine

    Learn more about Haloperidol injection
    Learn more about Chlorpromazine

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