Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Abilify vs. Xanax

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

Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Alprazolam (Xanax)

Summary of Abilify vs. Xanax

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 Benzodiazepine
Prescription only

Alprazolam (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine. It's approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic attacks in adults. It's taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day or as directed by your healthcare team. To avoid the risk of dependence, alprazolam (Xanax) is meant for short-term treatment only. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include drowsiness and memory problems. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking alprazolam (Xanax) because this can lead to serious interactions.

Indications of Abilify vs. Xanax

Indications for
•Schizophrenia
•Tourette syndrome in children
•Bipolar I disorder
•Depression (add-on treatment)
•Irritability associated with autistic disorder in children
Indications for
•Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
•Panic disorder

Pros and Cons of Abilify vs. Xanax

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 Benzodiazepine
Pros
•Taken by mouth
•Can start to work in 30 minutes
•Available as quick-dissolving tablets or liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
Cons
•Can cause memory problems, drowsiness, and confusion
•Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms
•Not preferred during pregnancy

Common Side Effects of Abilify vs. Xanax

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

Generalized anxiety disorder:

•Drowsiness (41%)
•Lightheadedness (21%)
•Dry mouth (15%)

Panic disorder:

•Drowsiness (77%)
•Fatigue (49%)
•Poor coordination (40%)
•Memory issues (33%)
•Irritability (33%)
•Appetite changes (28-33%)
•Thinking problems (29%)
•Constipation (26%)

Side effects listed are for the immediate-release forms. Side effects for extended-release form might differ.

Warnings of Abilify vs. Xanax

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
•Sedation and difficulty breathing
•Potential for misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal
•Effect on driving and concentration
•Harm to babies
•Interactions with other medications
•Use with caution in people with depression

Prices with our coupons for Abilify vs. Xanax

Learn more about Aripiprazole
Learn more about Alprazolam

Compare other Depression and Anxiety drugs

Abilify vs InvegaAbilify vs LexaproAbilify vs SeroquelAbilify vs VraylarAbilify vs Wellbutrin
View More

Browse medications

View All

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