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Compare Seroquel vs. Chlorpromazine

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

Key takeaways

Quetiapine (Seroquel) and chlorpromazine are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes. Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic, while chlorpromazine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic. Quetiapine is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, whereas chlorpromazine has a broader range of uses, including managing schizophrenia, nausea and vomiting, and even hiccups that won't go away. Quetiapine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release tablets, while chlorpromazine is available as tablets or as an injection. Quetiapine is less likely to cause uncontrolled body movements, whereas chlorpromazine is more likely to cause sleepiness. Both medications can cause weight gain and should be used cautiously in older adults with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of death. Additionally, both medications are available as low-cost generics.

  • Quetiapine (Seroquel)
    Chlorpromazine
  • Quetiapine (Seroquel)
    Chlorpromazine

  • Summary of Seroquel vs. Chlorpromazine

    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.

    Summary for First Generation (Typical) Antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication that has many different uses. It's usually given as an oral medication, but in severe cases it can be given as an injection by your provider.

  • Indications of Seroquel vs. Chlorpromazine

    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)
    Indications for
    •Management of psychotic disorders
    •Schizophrenia
    •Nausea and vomiting
    •Restlessness and anxiety before surgery
    •Acute intermittent porphyria
    •Tetanus
    •Manic episodes of bipolar disorder
    •Hiccups that won't go away
    •Severe behavioral issues in children 1 to 12 years old (e.g., aggressive behavior, frustration, explosive or hyperexcitable behavior)

  • Pros and Cons of Seroquel vs. Chlorpromazine

    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
    Pros and Const for First Generation (Typical) Antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Available as a tablet and injection
    •Dose can be easily adjusted based on how you respond to the medication
    •Can be used in young children 6 months and older
    •Available in 5 different strengths
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Higher risk of death when used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Generally not recommended for use in pregnancy
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Can cause weight gain and tiredness

  • Common Side Effects of Seroquel vs. Chlorpromazine

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Uncontrollable muscle movements (e.g., neck spasms, difficulty swallowing and breathing, sticking your tongue out)
    •Dry mouth
    •Stuffy nose
    •Nausea
    •Constipation
    •Bladder problems

  • Warnings of Seroquel vs. Chlorpromazine

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in people age 65 and older with dementia
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Changes in blood cell counts
    •High prolactin levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Seroquel vs. Chlorpromazine

    Learn more about Quetiapine
    Learn more about Chlorpromazine

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