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Compare Trifluoperazine vs. Zyprexa

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

Key takeaways

Trifluoperazine and olanzapine (Zyprexa) 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 to treat schizophrenia and anxiety, while olanzapine is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and certain types of depression when combined with fluoxetine (Prozac). Trifluoperazine is typically taken twice daily and is not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of tardive dyskinesia, a condition causing uncontrollable movements. In contrast, olanzapine is usually taken once daily and can be used long-term, but it has a higher risk of causing weight gain, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol. Both medications can cause drowsiness and dizziness, but olanzapine is more likely to affect your sleep and appetite. Additionally, olanzapine is available in both oral and injectable forms, whereas trifluoperazine is only available in oral form.

  • Trifluoperazine
    Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
  • Trifluoperazine
    Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

  • Summary of Trifluoperazine vs. Zyprexa

    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

    Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is an atypical antipsychotic used treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It can also treat depression, in combination with fluoxetine (Prozac), when other treatments haven't worked well. This medication is thought to work by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is taken by mouth, typically once daily, by adults and children. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is also available as an injection that's usually given in a hospital or clinic setting. Some of the more common side effects of olanzapine (Zyprexa) include sleep problems, dizziness, and weight gain.

  • Indications of Trifluoperazine vs. Zyprexa

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    •Anxiety
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older
    •Bipolar I disorder in adults and children age 13 years and older

    When taken with fluoxetine (Prozac):

    •Bipolar depression in adults and children age 10 years and older
    •Depression that hasn't responded well to other treatments

  • Pros and Cons of Trifluoperazine vs. Zyprexa

    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
    •Taken once daily
    •Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting olanzapine (Zyprexa)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause anticholinergic side effects, such as constipation and dry mouth
    •Can affect your sleep
    •More likely to cause weight gain, high blood cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels compared to some other atypical antipsychotics

  • Common Side Effects of Trifluoperazine vs. Zyprexa

    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
    •Sleepiness (29%)
    •Trouble sleeping (12%)
    •Accidental injury (12%)
    •Dizziness (11%)
    •Weakness (10%)
    •Dry mouth (9%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •Upset stomach (7%)
    •Runny nose (7%)

  • Warnings of Trifluoperazine vs. Zyprexa

    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
    •Severe allergic skin reactions
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Weight gain, higher blood sugar, and higher cholesterol levels
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
    •Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Seizures
    •High prolactin levels
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Anticholinergic side effects

  • Prices with our coupons for Trifluoperazine vs. Zyprexa

    Learn more about Trifluoperazine
    Learn more about Olanzapine

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