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Compare Haldol vs. Trifluoperazine

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

Key takeaways

Haloperidol (Haldol) and trifluoperazine (Stelazine) 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 or short-acting. In contrast, trifluoperazine is taken orally and usually twice a day. Trifluoperazine can also be used to treat anxiety, but it should not be taken for more than 12 weeks due to the risk of tardive dyskinesia, a condition that causes trouble controlling movements. Both medications carry risks for older adults with dementia-related psychosis, and may cause movement related side effects. Haloperidol can also cause low blood cell counts, while trifluoperazine may cause liver damage.

  • Haloperidol injection
    Trifluoperazine
  • Haloperidol injection
    Trifluoperazine

  • Summary of Haldol vs. Trifluoperazine

    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

    Trifluoperazine is mainly used to manage schizophrenia. It's available as a lower-cost generic medication but it isn't meant for long-term use because it can cause you to have trouble controlling your movements.

  • Indications of Haldol vs. Trifluoperazine

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    •Anxiety

  • Pros and Cons of Haldol vs. Trifluoperazine

    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
    •Can be used for schizophrenia or anxiety
    •Can be used in children age 6 and older
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available in 4 different strengths
    Cons
    •High doses and long-term use can make you lose control of your movements.
    •Can cause agitation, jitteriness, and trouble sleeping
    •Not safe for use in severe liver disease
    •Usually taken twice a day

  • Common Side Effects of Haldol vs. Trifluoperazine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stiff or rigid muscles, tremors, trouble speaking, and other parkinsonism symptoms (31%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Dizziness
    •Skin reactions
    •Rash
    •Dry mouth
    •Trouble falling asleep
    •Missing one or more menstrual periods
    •Lack of energy

  • Warnings of Haldol vs. Trifluoperazine

    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
    •Death in people age 65 and older with dementia
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Changes in blood cell counts
    •Liver damage
    •Low blood pressure and falls
    •Vision changes
    •High prolactin levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Haldol vs. Trifluoperazine

    Learn more about Haloperidol injection
    Learn more about Trifluoperazine

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