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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

 

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Trifluoperazine

 

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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 Trifluoperazine

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 for Trifluoperazine

  • Schizophrenia
  • Anxiety

Pros and Cons for Trifluoperazine

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 for Trifluoperazine

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Skin reactions
  • Rash
  • Dry mouth
  • Trouble falling asleep
  • Missing one or more menstrual periods
  • Lack of energy

Warnings for Trifluoperazine

  • 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

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Haloperidol Lactate1 vial / 1ml of 5mg/ml
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Trifluoperazine30 tablets / 1mg
$17.27$29.03
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