Compare trifluoperazine vs. Clozaril

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

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Stelazine (trifluoperazine)

Prescription only

Clozaril (clozapine)

Prescription only
Treats anxiety and schizophrenia.

Stelazine (trifluoperazine) can be used to treat schizophrenia, but you might have trouble controlling your movements.

Helps control your thoughts and actions.

Clozaril (clozapine) treats schizophrenia when other drugs haven't worked, but you'll have to get regular blood work done because it can have very serious side effects.

Upsides
  • Stelazine (trifluoperazine) is one of the recommended medicines for schizophrenia.
  • It’s approved in children age 6 and older.
  • Available in generic.
  • Compared to other similar medicines, you're less likely to feel dehydrated or have problems with your heart with Stelazine (trifluoperazine).
  • Studies show that Clozaril (clozapine) effectively treats schizophrenia when other medications have failed. Clozaril (clozapine) also reduces risk of suicidal behavior.
  • Has the lowest risk of causing movement problems when compared to other antipsychotic medicines.
  • Clozaril (clozapine) is available as a normal tablet and as a mint-flavored tablet that dissolves on the tongue without water.
  • Safer than other similar medicines during pregnancy.
  • Available as a generic, which is cheaper.
Downsides
  • If you take Stelazine (trifluoperazine) for more than 12 weeks or are taking high doses of Stelazine (trifluoperazine), you’re at a higher risk for being unable to control your movements.
  • Stelazine (trifluoperazine) can cause agitation and trouble sleeping. These symptoms can sometimes disappear, or there are other treatments you can take to help.
  • You need to get blood work done every time you get a prescription filled for Clozaril (clozapine). Once it is ready at the pharmacy, you need to pick it up within 7 days.
  • You can only get Clozaril (clozapine) at certain pharmacies that are registered to provide it.
  • You need to limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking Clozaril (clozapine).
  • Clozaril (clozapine) can cause high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain.
  • May not be optimal for someone with a history of seizures.
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Used for
  • Schizophrenia
  • Suicidal behavior in schizophrenia
  • Psychosis in Parkinson's disease
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$27.70
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Lowest price
$771.54
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Reviews
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Side effects
The Stelazine (trifluoperazine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
31possible side effects
  • Drowsiness/sedation
    39%
  • Salivation
    31%
  • Fast heartbeat
    25%
  • Dizziness/vertigo
    19%
  • Constipation
    14%
  • Low blood pressure
    9%
  • Headache
    7%
  • Tremor
    6%
  • Fainting
    6%
  • Sweating
    6%
  • Dry mouth
    6%
  • Nausea
    5%
  • Vision problems
    5%
  • Fever
    5%
  • Disturbed sleep/nightmares
    4%
  • Restlessness
    4%
  • Loss of muscle movement
    4%
  • Agitation
    4%
  • High blood pressure
    4%
  • Stomach discomfort/heartburn
    4%
  • Weight gain
    4%
  • Seizures (convulsions)
    3%
  • Rigidity
    3%
  • Confusion
    3%
  • Nausea/vomiting
    3%
  • Low white blood cells
    3%
  • Fatigue
    2%
  • Trouble sleeping
    2%
  • Diarrhea
    2%
  • Problems urinating
    2%
  • Rash
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Higher risk of death in people age 65 and older with dementia
    • People age 65 and older with dementia and psychosis
  • Difficulty controlling movements
    • Women age 65 and older
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    • Taking antipsychotic medications
  • Changes in blood cell counts
    • History of low white or red blood cell counts
  • Liver damage
  • Low blood pressure and higher risk of falls
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Low white blood cells
  • Low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, and fainting
    • Dehydration
    • Taking blood pressure medications
    • Heart failure
  • Seizures
    • Seizure disorder
    • Alcohol abuse
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
  • Increased risk of death in elderly with dementia
    • Over 65 with dementia
  • High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Stelazine (trifluoperazine)
Learn more about Clozaril (clozapine)