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Compare Loxapine vs. Geodon

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

Key takeaways

Loxapine (generic name: loxapine) and Ziprasidone (generic name: ziprasidone, brand name: Geodon) are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes. Loxapine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic, while Ziprasidone is an atypical antipsychotic. Loxapine is used to treat schizophrenia and is available only in generic form, typically taken once or twice daily. In contrast, Ziprasidone treats both schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder and is available as both an oral medication and an injection. The oral Ziprasidone must be taken twice daily with food to ensure proper absorption. Loxapine can cause more movement-related side effects, such as uncontrollable muscle movements, compared to Ziprasidone. Ziprasidone, on the other hand, has a lower risk of weight gain compared to other antipsychotics but can cause heart rhythm problems and requires careful monitoring. Both medications can cause drowsiness and should not be mixed with alcohol.

  • Loxapine
    Ziprasidone (Geodon)
  • Loxapine
    Ziprasidone (Geodon)

  • Summary of Loxapine vs. Geodon

    Summary for First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Loxapine is a typical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia. Loxapine is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. It can cause more movement-related side effects compared with atypical antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole (Abilify). It used to be sold under the brand name Loxitane, which is no longer available. Oral loxapine is now only available as generic capsules.

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Ziprasidone (Geodon) is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia in adults. It works by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and serotonin. Ziprasidone (Geodon) is taken by mouth, typically twice daily. It's also available as an injection that's given into the muscles by a healthcare provider to treat agitation in schizophrenia. Some common side effects of ziprasidone (Geodon) include uncontrolled body movements, sleepiness, and nausea.

  • Indications of Loxapine vs. Geodon

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    Indications for
    •Bipolar I disorder
    •Schizophrenia

  • Pros and Cons of Loxapine vs. Geodon

    Pros and Const for First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Pros
    •A good option if other schizophrenia medications haven't worked or have caused bothersome side effects
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on your response
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •More likely to cause trouble controlling movements compared to other treatment options
    •Can raise your heart rate and lower your blood pressure
    •Risk of developing abnormal muscle movements that might not go away after you stop taking loxapine
    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Less likely to weight gain than other similar medications
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Taken twice daily
    •Might take several weeks before you feel the full benefits of this medication
    •Must be taken with food

  • Common Side Effects of Loxapine vs. Geodon

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Extrapyramidal symptoms (movement problems, such as shakiness, stiffness, excess saliva, and loss of facial expression)
    •Restless muscles (akathisia)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Uncontrolled body movements (14%)
    •Sleepiness (14%)
    •Nausea (10%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •Indigestion (8%)
    •Restlessness (8%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Respiratory tract infection (8%)

    Note: Side effects listed were reported by people who took ziprasidone for schizophrenia in a clinical study

  • Warnings of Loxapine vs. Geodon

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults
    •Uncontrollable body movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Falls
    •Low white blood cell count
    •Seizures
    •Vision changes
    •High prolactin levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Weight gain, higher blood sugar, and higher cholesterol levels
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
    •Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Seizures
    •Serious skin reaction
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •High prolactin levels
    •Heart rhythm problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Loxapine vs. Geodon

    Learn more about Loxapine
    Learn more about Ziprasidone

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