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Compare Trifluoperazine vs. Geodon

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

Key takeaways

Trifluoperazine and ziprasidone (Geodon) are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. Trifluoperazine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic mainly used for schizophrenia and anxiety, while ziprasidone is an atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. Trifluoperazine works by making the brain less sensitive to dopamine, whereas ziprasidone balances both dopamine and serotonin levels. Trifluoperazine is usually taken twice daily and is not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of tardive dyskinesia, a condition causing uncontrollable movements. On the other hand, ziprasidone must be taken with food twice daily and can cause heart rhythm problems, which requires careful monitoring. Ziprasidone has a lower risk of weight gain and sleepiness compared to trifluoperazine. Both medications can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome and increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

  • Trifluoperazine
    Ziprasidone (Geodon)
  • Trifluoperazine
    Ziprasidone (Geodon)

  • Summary of Trifluoperazine vs. Geodon

    Summary for First generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Trifluoperazine is mainly used to manage schizophrenia. It's available as a lower-cost generic medication but it isn't meant for long-term use because it can cause you to have trouble controlling your movements.

    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 Trifluoperazine vs. Geodon

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    •Anxiety
    Indications for
    •Bipolar I disorder
    •Schizophrenia

  • Pros and Cons of Trifluoperazine vs. Geodon

    Pros and Const for First generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Can be used for schizophrenia or anxiety
    •Can be used in children age 6 and older
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available in 4 different strengths
    Cons
    •High doses and long-term use can make you lose control of your movements.
    •Can cause agitation, jitteriness, and trouble sleeping
    •Not safe for use in severe liver disease
    •Usually taken twice 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 Trifluoperazine vs. Geodon

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Dizziness
    •Skin reactions
    •Rash
    •Dry mouth
    •Trouble falling asleep
    •Missing one or more menstrual periods
    •Lack of energy
    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 Trifluoperazine vs. Geodon

    Common Side Effects for
    •Death in people age 65 and older with dementia
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Changes in blood cell counts
    •Liver damage
    •Low blood pressure and falls
    •Vision changes
    •High prolactin levels
    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 Trifluoperazine vs. Geodon

    Learn more about Trifluoperazine
    Learn more about Ziprasidone

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