Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Loxapine vs. Thioridazine

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

Key takeaways

Loxapine (Loxitane) and thioridazine (Mellaril) are both typical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia. They work by affecting dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. However, they have some differences. Loxapine is typically taken once or twice daily, while thioridazine is taken multiple times a day. Both medications are only availalbe as a lower-cost generic. Thioridazine is not a first-choice option due to its risk of causing a serious heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation. Loxapine is also not used as often as newer antipsychotics because it more commonly causes movement-related side effects. Both medications can cause drowsiness and should not be combined with alcohol. Both medications have many interactions, so be sure your prescriber and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications.

  • Loxapine
    Thioridazine
  • Loxapine
    Thioridazine

  • Summary of Loxapine vs. Thioridazine

    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 First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Thioridazine, previously known under the brand name Mellaril, treats adults and children with schizophrenia. This first-generation antipsychotic, or also called typical antipsychotic, is typically used only when other antipsychotic medications haven't worked well. Thioridazine tablets are taken by mouth a few times throughout the day. The dosage depends on how well the medication is helping with your symptoms and whether you're having side effects like dry mouth, sleepiness, and nausea. Thioridazine can also cause a serious heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation, so it's not a first-choice option.

  • Indications of Loxapine vs. Thioridazine

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia when other antipsychotic medications haven't worked well or have caused bothersome side effects

  • Pros and Cons of Loxapine vs. Thioridazine

    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 First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Less risk for weight gain than with atypical antipsychotics
    •Less likely to have problems with muscle movements than other antipsychotic medications
    •Available in many different strengths
    Cons
    •Must take many times a day
    •Not a first-choice option because it has many potential side effects
    •Can't take with certain medications, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and propranolol (Inderal), because it raises the risk for dangerous changes in heart rhythm

  • Common Side Effects of Loxapine vs. Thioridazine

    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
    •Sleepiness
    •Dry mouth
    •Blurry vision
    •Constipation
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Loxapine vs. Thioridazine

    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
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Lower white blood cell count (leading to possible risk for infection)
    •Possible high prolactin levels
    •Harm to an unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Loxapine vs. Thioridazine

    Learn more about Loxapine
    Learn more about Thioridazine

Compare other Schizophrenia drugs

Fluphenazine vs LoxapineHaldol vs LoxapineLoxapine vs AbilifyLoxapine vs ClozarilLoxapine vs GeodonLoxapine vs RisperdalLoxapine vs SeroquelLoxapine vs ThioridazineLoxapine vs ThiothixeneLoxapine vs TrifluoperazineLoxapine vs ZyprexaClozaril vs HaldolFluphenazine vs Fluphenazine DecanoateFluphenazine vs PerphenazineFluphenazine vs ThioridazineFluphenazine vs ThiothixeneFluphenazine vs TrifluoperazineGeodon vs FluphenazineHaldol vs AbilifyHaldol vs AristadaHaldol vs AtivanHaldol vs ChlorpromazineHaldol vs FanaptHaldol vs Fluphenazine DecanoateHaldol vs GeodonHaldol vs InvegaHaldol vs NeurontinNeurontin vs FluphenazineSeroquel vs FluphenazineZyprexa vs Fluphenazine
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.