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Compare Loxapine vs. Trifluoperazine

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

Key takeaways

Loxapine (Loxitane) and trifluoperazine (Stelazine) are both typical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia. They both affect dopamine levels in the brain to help manage symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. However, trifluoperazine is also FDA-approved for treating anxiety, while loxapine is not. Loxapine is typically taken once or twice daily, with usual doses ranging from 20 mg to 100 mg. Trifluoperazine is taken twice daily, with doses for schizophrenia starting at 2 mg to 5 mg, and for anxiety at 1 mg to 2 mg, with a maximum of 6 mg per day. Both medications can cause movement-related side effects, but trifluoperazine is not recommended for long-term use due to a high risk of movement problems. Both medications can cause drowsiness and dizziness and should be used cautiously in older adults, especially those with dementia-related psychosis, due to an increased risk of death.

  • Loxapine
    Trifluoperazine
  • Loxapine
    Trifluoperazine

  • Summary of Loxapine vs. Trifluoperazine

    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

    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 Loxapine vs. Trifluoperazine

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    •Anxiety

  • Pros and Cons of Loxapine vs. Trifluoperazine

    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
    •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 Loxapine vs. Trifluoperazine

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

  • Warnings of Loxapine vs. Trifluoperazine

    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
    •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 Loxapine vs. Trifluoperazine

    Learn more about Loxapine
    Learn more about Trifluoperazine

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