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Compare Thiothixene vs. Clozaril

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

Key takeaways

Thiothixene (Navane) and clozapine (Clozaril) are both used to treat schizophrenia, but they have some key differences. Thiothixene is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic, while clozapine is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic. Thiothixene works by lowering dopamine levels in the brain and is known to cause more uncontrolled muscle movements compared to other antipsychotics. On the other hand, clozapine affects both dopamine and serotonin activity and is not a first-choice medication due to its many side effects, including a dangerously low white blood cell count. Clozapine requires regular blood tests under a special program called REMS to monitor white blood cell levels, while thiothixene does not have such a requirement. Additionally, clozapine can cause weight gain, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol, whereas thiothixene is less likely to cause dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. Both medications can cause drowsiness and should not be stopped abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider.

Thiothixene
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Thiothixene
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Summary of Thiothixene vs. Clozaril
Summary for First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
Prescription only
Thiothixene is used to treat schizophrenia in people ages 12 years and older. It belongs to a drug class known as typical antipsychotics. This medication comes as a oral capsule and it's typically taken 2-3 times a day. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include drowsiness, restlessness, and uncontrolled body movement. Thiothixene is only available as a generic medication. Brand name Navane has been discontinued.
Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
Prescription only
Clozapine (Clozaril) is used to treat schizophrenia. It's an atypical antipsychotic, but it's not a first-choice medication for schizophrenia because it can cause many bothersome side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness. It can also cause your white blood cell (WBC) count to drop dangerously low and raise your risk for serious infections. As a result, clozapine (Clozaril) is prescribed under a special program called Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS). In order to pick up your medication at the pharmacy, your provider will ask you to get blood work regularly (weekly to monthly) to make sure your WBC count is at a healthy level.
Indications of Thiothixene vs. Clozaril
Indications for

•Schizophrenia in people ages 12 years and older

Indications for

•Schizophrenia that hasn't responded to other treatments

•Suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
Pros and Cons of Thiothixene vs. Clozaril
Pros and Const for First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
Pros

•Taken by mouth

•Can be taken by children as young as 12 years old

•Dose can be adjusted based on your response

Cons

•Might need to take up to 3 times a day

•Can cause low white blood cell counts so might need to have regular blood tests done

•More likely to cause movement-related problems than atypical antipsychotics

Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
Pros

•Works well to treat schizophrenia when other medications haven't worked well

•Taken by mouth

•Comes as both a regular tablet (that you swallow by mouth) and as a dissolvable tablet that you place on the tongue

•Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

•Need to get blood work done every time you get a prescription filled (weekly to monthly)

•Can cause dizziness and drowsiness

•Can cause high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain

•Not a good option for people with a history of seizures
Common Side Effects of Thiothixene vs. Clozaril
Common Side Effects for

•Drowsiness

•Trouble sleeping

•Restlessness

•Uncontrollable body movement

Common Side Effects for

•Increased salivation (Up to 48%)

•Drowsiness (up to 46%)

•Dizziness (up to 27%)

•Fast heart rate (up to 25%)

•Constipation (up to 25%)

•Trouble sleeping (up to 20%)

•Nausea/vomiting (17%)

•High or low blood pressure (up to 13%)

•Fever (up to 13%)

•Headache (10%)

•Heartburn (up to 14%)
Warnings of Thiothixene vs. Clozaril
Common Side Effects for

•Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis

•Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)

•Abnormal and prolonged muscle contractions (dystonia)

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

•Seizures

•Drowsiness and sleepiness

•Low white blood cell count

•Vision changes

•High prolactin levels

Common Side Effects for

•Risk of serious infection (from low white blood cells)

•Low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, and fainting

•Seizures

•Heart problems

•Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis

•High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain

•Severe constipation

•Serious allergic reactions or inflammation problems

•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

•Driving impairment

•Liver problems

•Difficulty controlling body movements

•Not for people with phenylketonuria (dissolvable tablets only)
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Compare Thiothixene vs. Clozaril

Key takeaways

Summary of Thiothixene vs. Clozaril

Indications of Thiothixene vs. Clozaril

Pros and Cons of Thiothixene vs. Clozaril

Common Side Effects of Thiothixene vs. Clozaril

Warnings of Thiothixene vs. Clozaril

Prices with our coupons for Thiothixene vs. Clozaril

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