Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Zyprexa vs. Fluphenazine

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

Key takeaways

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) and fluphenazine are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses and side effects. Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and certain types of depression when combined with fluoxetine (Prozac). It can be taken orally or as an injection and is typically taken once daily. Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and weight gain. Fluphenazine, on the other hand, is a typical antipsychotic used to treat psychotic disorders. It is available in both short-acting and long-acting forms, with the short-acting version taken multiple times a day and the long-acting version given as an injection every 2 to 4 weeks, usually given in a hospital or clinic setting. Fluphenazine's side effects include drowsiness, movement problems, and dry mouth. Unlike olanzapine, fluphenazine is less likely to cause weight gain but has a higher risk of causing permanent movement problems with long-term use. Both medications are not recommended for older adults with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of death.

  • Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
    Fluphenazine
  • Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
    Fluphenazine

  • Summary of Zyprexa vs. Fluphenazine

    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.

    Summary for Typical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Fluphenazine is a typical antipsychotic and is used to treat conditions that cause psychosis. It's available as short-acting fluphenazine hydrochloride (tablets, liquid, injection) that's typically taken by mouth or injected 3 to 4 times a day. It also comes as long-acting fluphenazine decanoate (injection) that's usually given every 4 to 6 weeks. Side effects of this medication include drowsiness and movement problems. Brand name Prolixin is no longer available.

  • Indications of Zyprexa vs. Fluphenazine

    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
    Indications for
    •Psychotic disorders

  • Pros and Cons of Zyprexa vs. Fluphenazine

    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
    Pros and Const for Typical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Comes as a tablet, liquid, or injection (both short- and long-acting)
    •Dose can be easily adjusted based on individual needs
    Cons
    •Long-term use can raise the risk of permanent movement problems
    •Not safe for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Might not be a safe option if you've had a bad reaction to similar medications (e.g., chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril))

  • Common Side Effects of Zyprexa vs. Fluphenazine

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dystonia (uncontrollable muscle contractions): neck spasms, difficulty swallowing and breathing, sticking your tongue out
    •Involuntary movements (especially of the face or mouth)
    •Changes in blood pressure
    •Weight changes
    •Fluid retention (holding onto fluid)
    •Nausea
    •Constipation
    •Loss of appetite
    •Dry mouth
    •Headache
    •Salivation, drooling
    •More sweating
    •Frequent urination

  • Warnings of Zyprexa vs. Fluphenazine

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Low white blood cell counts
    •High prolactin levels
    •Harm to unborn babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Zyprexa vs. Fluphenazine

    Learn more about Olanzapine
    Learn more about Fluphenazine

Compare other Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia drugs

Abilify vs ZyprexaGeodon vs ZyprexaGranisetron vs ZyprexaHaldol vs ZyprexaLamictal vs ZyprexaLatuda vs ZyprexaLoxapine vs ZyprexaNeurontin vs ZyprexaRisperdal vs ZyprexaSancuso vs ZyprexaSeroquel vs ZyprexaSustol vs ZyprexaThiothixene vs ZyprexaTrifluoperazine vs ZyprexaVraylar vs ZyprexaZyprexa vs AristadaZyprexa vs ChlorpromazineZyprexa vs ClozarilZyprexa vs EmendZyprexa vs EskalithZyprexa vs FluphenazineZyprexa vs Fluphenazine DecanoateZyprexa vs LithiumZyprexa vs ReglanZyprexa vs RexultiHaldol vs RexultiInvega vs RexultiLatuda vs RexultiRexulti vs WellbutrinRisperdal vs Rexulti
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.