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Abilify vs. Zyprexa

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.

• Schizophrenia
• Tourette syndrome in children
• Bipolar I disorder
• Depression (add-on treatment)
• Irritability associated with autistic disorder in children

• 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.

• 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

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.

• Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older
• Bipolar I disorder in adults and children age 13 years and older

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

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

• 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