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Compare Trifluoperazine vs. Seroquel

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

Key takeaways

Trifluoperazine and quetiapine (Seroquel) are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses and side effects. Trifluoperazine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic mainly used for schizophrenia and short-term treatment of anxiety, while quetiapine is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Trifluoperazine works by making the brain less sensitive to dopamine, whereas quetiapine balances dopamine and serotonin levels. Trifluoperazine is not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of tardive dyskinesia, a condition causing uncontrollable movements, while quetiapine can be used longer but has higher risk of weight gain and high cholesterol levels. Quetiapine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, offering more flexibility in dosing, whereas trifluoperazine is typically taken twice daily. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

Trifluoperazine
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Trifluoperazine
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Summary of Trifluoperazine vs. Seroquel
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
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.
Indications of Trifluoperazine vs. Seroquel
Indications for

•Schizophrenia

•Anxiety

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)
Pros and Cons of Trifluoperazine vs. Seroquel
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

•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
Common Side Effects of Trifluoperazine vs. Seroquel
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
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%)
Warnings of Trifluoperazine vs. Seroquel
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 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
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Compare Trifluoperazine vs. Seroquel

Key takeaways

Summary of Trifluoperazine vs. Seroquel

Indications of Trifluoperazine vs. Seroquel

Pros and Cons of Trifluoperazine vs. Seroquel

Common Side Effects of Trifluoperazine vs. Seroquel

Warnings of Trifluoperazine vs. Seroquel

Prices with our coupons for Trifluoperazine vs. Seroquel

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