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Compare Seroquel vs. Fluphenazine

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

Key takeaways

Quetiapine (Seroquel) and fluphenazine are both used to treat mental health conditions, but they have some key differences. Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic that helps with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. It works by balancing dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Fluphenazine, on the other hand, is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic used to treat conditions that cause psychosis and works by blocking dopamine activity. Quetiapine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, while fluphenazine comes in short-acting and long-acting injections, as well as oral forms. Quetiapine is generally taken 2-3 times a day, while fluphenazine's dosing can vary from multiple times a day to once every 4-6 weeks for the long-acting injection. Both medications can cause weight gain and sleepiness, but both are more common with quetiapine. On the other hand, fluphenazine is more likely to cause movement disorders and high prolactin levels. Neither medications is recommended for older adults with dementia-related psychosis due to increased risk of death.

  • Quetiapine (Seroquel)
    Fluphenazine
  • Quetiapine (Seroquel)
    Fluphenazine

  • Summary of Seroquel vs. Fluphenazine

    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 Typical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Fluphenazine is a typical antipsychotic and is used to treat conditions that cause psychosis. It's available as short-acting fluphenazine hydrochloride (tablets, liquid, injection) that's typically taken by mouth or injected 3 to 4 times a day. It also comes as long-acting fluphenazine decanoate (injection) that's usually given every 4 to 6 weeks. Side effects of this medication include drowsiness and movement problems. Brand name Prolixin is no longer available.

  • Indications of Seroquel vs. Fluphenazine

    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
    •Psychotic disorders

  • Pros and Cons of Seroquel vs. Fluphenazine

    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 Typical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Comes as a tablet, liquid, or injection (both short- and long-acting)
    •Dose can be easily adjusted based on individual needs
    Cons
    •Long-term use can raise the risk of permanent movement problems
    •Not safe for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Might not be a safe option if you've had a bad reaction to similar medications (e.g., chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril))

  • Common Side Effects of Seroquel vs. Fluphenazine

    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
    •Dystonia (uncontrollable muscle contractions): neck spasms, difficulty swallowing and breathing, sticking your tongue out
    •Involuntary movements (especially of the face or mouth)
    •Changes in blood pressure
    •Weight changes
    •Fluid retention (holding onto fluid)
    •Nausea
    •Constipation
    •Loss of appetite
    •Dry mouth
    •Headache
    •Salivation, drooling
    •More sweating
    •Frequent urination

  • Warnings of Seroquel vs. Fluphenazine

    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 older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Low white blood cell counts
    •High prolactin levels
    •Harm to unborn babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Seroquel vs. Fluphenazine

    Learn more about Quetiapine
    Learn more about Fluphenazine

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