Compare Trifluoperazine vs. Abilify

Trifluoperazine and aripiprazole (Abilify) are both antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses and side effects. Trifluoperazine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic also used to treat anxiety, while aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic used for a broader range of conditions, including bipolar I disorder, depression, and Tourette syndrome. Trifluoperazine works by making the brain less sensitive to dopamine changes, whereas aripiprazole balances both dopamine and serotonin activity. Trifluoperazine is typically taken twice a day and is not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of tardive dyskinesia, a condition causing uncontrollable movements. In contrast, aripiprazole is usually taken once a day and has a lower risk of weight gain, though it can still cause movement problems the longer you take it. It also has other side effects like high blood sugar. Both medications are available in generic forms, but aripiprazole offers more dosage options, including liquid and dissolvable tablets, making it easier for those who have trouble swallowing pills.