Compare chlorpromazine vs. Haldol

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

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Haldol (haloperidol)

Prescription only
Stabilizes your mood.

Thorazine (chlorpromazine) has more side effects than other medicines like it. It is most useful during psychotic episodes because it slows you down quickly.

Helps control your thoughts, calm agitation, and stabilize your mood.

Haldol (haloperidol) is less likely to cause weight gain and sedation, but more likely to cause movement disorders compared to other antipsychotics.

3.1/ 5 average rating with 50 reviewsforHaldol
Upsides
  • Acts fast to slow you down during a psychotic episode.
  • Can also be used for nausea or migraines.
  • Safe for use in children as young as 6 months.
  • Comes in a sugar-coated pill for easy administration.
  • Haldol (haloperidol) is available in a cheap, generic version.
  • A monthly extended-release injection allows for more convenient dosing than a daily pill.
Downsides
  • Has more side effects than other medicines like it.
  • Can affect how your other medicines work.
  • Makes you more sensitive to the sun.
  • Can make you dizzy or lightheaded, especially when injected.
  • Cannot be stopped right away.
  • Haldol (haloperidol) is an older medicine and has a lot more problematic side effects compared to newer antipsychotics.
  • You might need routine blood tests and regular check-ups to make sure the medicine is working for you.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Injection
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Injection
Price
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Reviews
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50 reviews so far
38%
saidit'sworth it
42%
saiditworked well
34%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
The Thorazine (chlorpromazine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Haldol (haloperidol) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Increased risk of death
    • People over 65 with dementia and psychosis
  • Difficulty controlling movements
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    • Taking antipsychotic medications
  • Breathing problems
    • Asthma
    • COPD
    • Acute respiratory infections
  • Heat stroke and dehydration
    • Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
    • Urinary retention
    • Decreased movement in the intestines
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Increased risk of death
    • Elderly patients with dementia
  • Blood disorders
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
    • Drug interactions
  • Shaking and restlessness
  • Driving impairment
    • Drinking alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
See more detailed risks and warnings