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Compare Abilify vs. Vraylar

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

Key takeaways

Aripiprazole (Abilify) and cariprazine (Vraylar) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. However, there are some key differences between them. Aripiprazole (Abilify) is available in both brand-name and generic forms, while cariprazine (Vraylar) is only available as a brand-name medication. Aripiprazole (Abilify) can be used by both adults and children for certain conditions, whereas cariprazine (Vraylar) is only approved for use in adults. Additionally, aripiprazole (Abilify) comes in various forms, including tablets, oral solutions, and injections, while cariprazine (Vraylar) is only available as an oral capsule. Both medications can cause side effects like uncontrolled muscle movements and sleep problems, but cariprazine (Vraylar) is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antipsychotic medications, including aripiprazole (Abilify).

drug combination

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  • Aripiprazole (Abilify)
    Vraylar (cariprazine)
  • Aripiprazole (Abilify)
    Vraylar (cariprazine)

  • Summary of Abilify vs. Vraylar

    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

    Vraylar (cariprazine) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in adults. It can also be used as an add-on medication to help with major depressive disorder (MDD). Vraylar (cariprazine) is taken by mouth once a day. Some common side effects of this medication include uncontrolled muscle movements, headache, and restlessness. Unlike some other antipsychotic medications, Vraylar (cariprazine) causes minimal weight gain. Vraylar (cariprazine) is brand name only and not available as a generic medication.

  • Indications of Abilify vs. Vraylar

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    •Tourette syndrome in children
    •Bipolar I disorder
    •Depression (add-on treatment)
    •Irritability associated with autistic disorder in children
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    •Manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder
    •Bipolar depression of bipolar I disorder
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD), as an add-on medication

  • Pros and Cons of Abilify vs. Vraylar

    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 once a day
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Works in your body for a longer period of time than other similar medications
    Cons
    •You might have to see your healthcare provider several times until you find a dose that works best for you.
    •Higher risk for uncontrolled muscle movements than some similar medications
    •Might take several weeks before you experience the full effects of this medication

  • Common Side Effects of Abilify vs. Vraylar

    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
    •Uncontrolled muscle movements (up to 20%)
    •Headache (up to 18%)
    •Restlessness (up to 14%)
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 13%)
    •Constipation (up to 10%)
    •Nausea (up to 8%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 7%)
    •Toothache (up to 6%)

  • Warnings of Abilify vs. Vraylar

    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 in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Difficulty controlling movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Trouble controlling body temperature
    •Difficulty swallowing
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Abilify vs. Vraylar

    Learn more about Aripiprazole
    Learn more about Vraylar

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