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Compare Loxapine vs. Seroquel

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

Key takeaways

Loxapine (generic, formerly sold as Loxitane) and quetiapine (Seroquel) are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes. Loxapine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic, while quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic. Loxapine is primarily used to treat schizophrenia and is known for causing more movement-related side effects, such as shakiness and stiffness. Quetiapine, on the other hand, is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and as an add-on for depression in its extended-release form. Quetiapine is less likely to cause movement problems but can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol. Both medications are available in generic forms and are taken orally. Loxapine is typically taken once or twice daily, while quetiapine's dosing can vary from twice to three times daily for immediate-release forms and once daily for extended-release forms. Both medications have serious side effects, including the risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome and low white blood cell counts, but quetiapine also carries a risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in younger individuals.

Loxapine
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Loxapine
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Summary of Loxapine vs. Seroquel
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
Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic that's used to improve mood, thoughts, and behaviors for people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The extended-release form of quetiapine (Seroquel) can also be used to treat depression when combined with another antidepressant. While quetiapine (Seroquel) works well, it has many risks and side effects, so it's not the best choice for everyone. Make sure your provider knows about all of your medical conditions and medications you're taking before starting quetiapine (Seroquel) to make sure it's as safe for you as possible.
Indications of Loxapine vs. Seroquel
Indications for

•Schizophrenia

Indications for

•Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older

•Bipolar disorder in adults and children age 10 years and older

•Add-on to antidepressants for depression (extended-release only)
Pros and Cons of Loxapine vs. Seroquel
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

•Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting quetiapine (Seroquel)

•Taken by mouth

•Extended-release quetiapine (Seroquel) can help treat depression (adults only)

•Available as a lower-cost generic

•Available in both short-acting and long-acting forms

Cons

•Can cause weight gain and can raise your blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels

•Must be avoided in older adults who have dementia-related psychosis

•Can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in people who are age 24 or younger

•Need to take immediate-release tablets 2 to 3 times a day
Common Side Effects of Loxapine vs. Seroquel
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
Immediate-release tablets

•Headache (21%)

•Agitation (20%)

•Sleepiness (18%)

•Dizziness (11%)

•Dry mouth (9%)

•Constipation (8%)

•Pain (7%)

Extended-release tablets

•Sleepiness (25-52%)

•Dry mouth (12-37%)

•Dizziness (10-13%)

•Constipation (6-10%)

•Difficulty controlling muscle movements (7-8%)

•Weight gain (7%)
Warnings of Loxapine vs. Seroquel
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 people with dementia-related psychosis

•Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

•Weight gain and high levels of blood sugar and cholesterol

•Difficulty controlling body movements

•Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls

•Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)

•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

•Seizures

•Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)

•High prolactin levels

•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
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Compare Loxapine vs. Seroquel

Key takeaways

Summary of Loxapine vs. Seroquel

Indications of Loxapine vs. Seroquel

Pros and Cons of Loxapine vs. Seroquel

Common Side Effects of Loxapine vs. Seroquel

Warnings of Loxapine vs. Seroquel

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