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Compare Seroquel vs. Geodon

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

Key takeaways

Quetiapine (Seroquel) and ziprasidone (Geodon) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but they have some key differences. Quetiapine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, while ziprasidone is available as an oral capsule and an injection. Quetiapine is generally taken 2 to 3 times a day, while ziprasidone is generally taken twice daily with food. Quetiapine can also be used as an add-on treatment for depression, whereas ziprasidone is not indicated for this use. Quetiapine is more likely to cause weight gain and raise blood sugar and cholesterol levels compared to ziprasidone, which has a lower risk of weight gain. However, ziprasidone is more likely to cause uncontrolled body movements. Both medications can cause serious side effects like suicidal thoughts, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis. Both medications are available as low-cost generics.

  • Quetiapine (Seroquel)
    Ziprasidone (Geodon)
  • Quetiapine (Seroquel)
    Ziprasidone (Geodon)

  • Summary of Seroquel vs. Geodon

    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 Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Ziprasidone (Geodon) is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia in adults. It works by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and serotonin. Ziprasidone (Geodon) is taken by mouth, typically twice daily. It's also available as an injection that's given into the muscles by a healthcare provider to treat agitation in schizophrenia. Some common side effects of ziprasidone (Geodon) include uncontrolled body movements, sleepiness, and nausea.

  • Indications of Seroquel vs. Geodon

    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
    •Bipolar I disorder
    •Schizophrenia

  • Pros and Cons of Seroquel vs. Geodon

    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 Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Less likely to weight gain than other similar medications
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Taken twice daily
    •Might take several weeks before you feel the full benefits of this medication
    •Must be taken with food

  • Common Side Effects of Seroquel vs. Geodon

    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
    •Uncontrolled body movements (14%)
    •Sleepiness (14%)
    •Nausea (10%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •Indigestion (8%)
    •Restlessness (8%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Respiratory tract infection (8%)

    Note: Side effects listed were reported by people who took ziprasidone for schizophrenia in a clinical study

  • Warnings of Seroquel vs. Geodon

    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 adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Weight gain, higher blood sugar, and higher cholesterol levels
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
    •Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Seizures
    •Serious skin reaction
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •High prolactin levels
    •Heart rhythm problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Seroquel vs. Geodon

    Learn more about Quetiapine
    Learn more about Ziprasidone

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