Key takeaways
Thiothixene (Navane) and olanzapine (Zyprexa) are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes and have distinct differences. Thiothixene is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia in people 12 years and older. It works by lowering dopamine levels in the brain and is known to cause more uncontrolled muscle movements compared to some other antipsychotics. On the other hand, olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in people 13 years and older, and it can also be used for certain types of depression when combined with fluoxetine (Prozac). Olanzapine affects both dopamine and serotonin levels and is more likely to cause weight gain and metabolic issues like high blood sugar and cholesterol. Thiothixene is typically taken multiple times a day, while olanzapine is usually taken once daily. Both medications can cause drowsiness and have serious side effects, but olanzapine is also available as an injection for acute agitation, which is not an option for thiothixene.
