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.
