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Abilify vs. Zyprexa

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

Key takeaways

Aripiprazole (Abilify) and Olanzapine (Zyprexa) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Aripiprazole is available in various forms, including tablets, solutions, and orally disintegrating tablets, and can be used in children as young as 6 years old for certain conditions. Olanzapine is also available in multiple forms, including tablets and injections, and is used in children 13 years and older. One key difference is that aripiprazole is less likely to cause weight gain compared to olanzapine, which is known for causing significant weight gain and higher blood sugar levels. Both medications can cause movement problems and restlessness, but olanzapine can also cause anticholinergic side effects like trouble urinating. Both medications can cause serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome and have warnings about use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

Aripiprazole

(Abilify)

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Olanzapine

(Zyprexa)

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Summary for Abilify

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.

Indications for Abilify

Pros and Cons for Abilify

Pros

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

Common Side Effects for Abilify

  • 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.

Warnings for Abilify

  • 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

Summary for Zyprexa

Prescription only

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is an atypical antipsychotic used treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It can also treat depression, in combination with fluoxetine (Prozac), when other treatments haven't worked well. This medication is thought to work by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is taken by mouth, typically once daily, by adults and children. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is also available as an injection that's usually given in a hospital or clinic setting. Some of the more common side effects of olanzapine (Zyprexa) include sleep problems, dizziness, and weight gain.

Indications for Zyprexa

When taken with fluoxetine (Prozac):

  • Bipolar depression in adults and children age 10 years and older
  • Depression that hasn't responded well to other treatments

Pros and Cons for Zyprexa

Pros

  • Taken by mouth
  • Taken once daily
  • Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting olanzapine (Zyprexa)
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Can cause anticholinergic side effects, such as constipation and dry mouth
  • Can affect your sleep
  • More likely to cause weight gain, high blood cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels compared to some other atypical antipsychotics

Common Side Effects for Zyprexa

  • Sleepiness (29%)
  • Trouble sleeping (12%)
  • Accidental injury (12%)
  • Dizziness (11%)
  • Weakness (10%)
  • Dry mouth (9%)
  • Constipation (9%)
  • Upset stomach (7%)
  • Runny nose (7%)

Warnings for Zyprexa

  • Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
  • Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Severe allergic skin reactions
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • Weight gain, higher blood sugar, and higher cholesterol levels
  • Difficulty controlling body movements
  • Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
  • Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
  • Seizures
  • High prolactin levels
  • Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
  • Anticholinergic side effects

Prices with our coupons for Abilify vs. Zyprexa

Price Card Drug Icon
Aripiprazole30 tablets / 5mg
$13.44$47.47
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Price Card Drug Icon
Olanzapine30 tablets / 5mg
$12.46$182.43
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