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Compare Abilify vs. Seroquel

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

Key takeaways

Aripiprazole (Abilify) and quetiapine (Seroquel) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Aripiprazole is available in various forms, including oral tablets, solutions, and orally disintegrating tablets, and can be used in children as young as 6 years old for certain conditions. Quetiapine, on the other hand, comes in immediate-release and extended-release tablets and is also used for depression when combined with another antidepressant. Aripiprazole is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antipsychotics, while quetiapine is more likely to raise blood triglyceride levels and cause weight gain. Both medications can cause serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome and difficulty controlling movements, and carry a risk of causing suicidal thoughts, especially in people under 24. Additionally, quetiapine can affect heart rhythm and is not recommended for older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Summary of Abilify vs. Seroquel
Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
Prescription only
Aripiprazole (Abilify) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat different mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. It works by balancing certain chemicals in the brain to help control thoughts, mood, and behaviors. It's available in many dosage forms, including an oral tablet, solution, and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that can be used in adults and children as young as 6 years old for certain conditions. Common side effects include headache, movement problems, and sleep problems.
Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
Prescription only
Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic. It's used to treat mental health problems like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This medication comes as an immediate-release tablet (Seroquel) that's taken by mouth usually twice a day. There's also an extended-release tablet (Seroquel XR) that's taken once a day. The specific dosage depends on how well it's helping your mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Side effects can include sleepiness, headache, and possible weight gain. There are brand-name and generic versions of this medication.
Indications of Abilify vs. Seroquel
Indications for

•Schizophrenia

•Tourette syndrome in children

•Bipolar I disorder

•Depression (add-on treatment)

•Irritability associated with autistic disorder in children

Indications for

•Schizophrenia in adults and children ages 13 years and older

•Bipolar disorder in adults and certain children ages 10 years and older

•Depression in adults, as an add-on to other antidepressants - extended-release only
Pros and Cons of Abilify vs. Seroquel
Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
Pros

•Only taken once a day

•Available in a liquid and dissolvable tablet for people who have trouble swallowing pills

•Less likely to cause weight gain than most other antipsychotics

•Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

•Can make you feel restless

•Risk of movement problems that can be permanent

•Can raise blood sugar and cholesterol

•Can take several weeks to see the full effects

Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
Pros

•Taken by mouth

•Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting the medication

•Available in both short-acting and long-acting tablets

Cons

•Might cause weight gain

•Can raise your blood sugar and cholesterol levels

•Not recommended for older adults who have dementia-related psychosis
Common Side Effects of Abilify vs. Seroquel
Common Side Effects for

•Headache (27%)

•Agitation (19%)

•Trouble sleeping (18%)

•Anxiety (17%)

•Nausea (15%)

•Vomiting (11%)

•Constipation (11%)

•Dizziness (10%)

•Trouble staying still (10%)

Note: Side effects were reported by adults who took aripiprazole in clinical studies for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Common Side Effects for
Immediate-release tablets:

•Headache (21%)

•Agitation (20%)

•Sleepiness (18%)

•Dizziness (11%)

•Dry mouth (9%)

•Constipation (8%)

•Pain (7%)

•Fast heart rate (6%)

•Vomiting (6%)

Extended-release tablets:

•Sleepiness (25%)

•Dry mouth (12%)

•Dizziness (10%)

•Trouble controlling muscle movements (8%)

•Low blood pressure when standing up (7%)

•Constipation (6%)
Warnings of Abilify vs. Seroquel
Common Side Effects for

•Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

•High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain

•Difficulty controlling movements

•Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls

•Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)

•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness

•Seizures

•Impulse-control problems

Common Side Effects for

•Higher risk of death and stroke in older people with dementia-related psychosis

•Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

•High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain

•Trouble controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)

•Changes in blood pressure

•Risk of falls

•Risk of infection (due to low white blood cell counts)

•Possible changes in heart rhythm

•Seizures

•Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)

•High prolactin levels

•Feeling very sleepy and having trouble concentrating
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Compare Abilify vs. Seroquel

Key takeaways

Summary of Abilify vs. Seroquel

Indications of Abilify vs. Seroquel

Pros and Cons of Abilify vs. Seroquel

Common Side Effects of Abilify vs. Seroquel

Warnings of Abilify vs. Seroquel

Prices with our coupons for Abilify vs. Seroquel

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