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Geodon vs. Abilify

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

Key takeaways

Ziprasidone (Geodon) and aripiprazole (Abilify) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. Ziprasidone is taken twice daily with food, while aripiprazole is taken once daily and can be taken with or without food. Aripiprazole is available in more forms, including a liquid and dissolvable tablet, making it easier for those who have trouble swallowing pills. Both medications can cause weight gain, but the risk is lower with aripiprazole. Common side effects of ziprasidone include sleepiness and nausea, whereas aripiprazole often causes headaches and trouble sleeping. Additionally, aripiprazole is approved to treat more conditions, such as depression and irritability associated with autism in children. Both medications have serious risks, including movement problems and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, but aripiprazole also carries a risk of impulse-control problems.

Ziprasidone

(Geodon)

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Aripiprazole

(Abilify)

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Summary for Geodon

Prescription only

Ziprasidone (Geodon) is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia in adults. It works by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and serotonin. Ziprasidone (Geodon) is taken by mouth, typically twice daily. It's also available as an injection that's given into the muscles by a healthcare provider to treat agitation in schizophrenia. Some common side effects of ziprasidone (Geodon) include uncontrolled body movements, sleepiness, and nausea.

Indications for Geodon

Pros and Cons for Geodon

Pros

Cons

  • Taken twice daily
  • Might take several weeks before you feel the full benefits of this medication
  • Must be taken with food

Common Side Effects for Geodon

  • Uncontrolled body movements (14%)
  • Sleepiness (14%)
  • Nausea (10%)
  • Constipation (9%)
  • Indigestion (8%)
  • Restlessness (8%)
  • Dizziness (8%)
  • Respiratory tract infection (8%)

Note: Side effects listed were reported by people who took ziprasidone for schizophrenia in a clinical study

Warnings for Geodon

  • Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
  • Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
  • Weight gain, higher blood sugar, and higher cholesterol levels
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
  • Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
  • Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
  • Seizures
  • Serious skin reaction
  • Prolonged and painful erection
  • High prolactin levels
  • Heart rhythm problems

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

Prices with our coupons for Geodon vs. Abilify

Price Card Drug Icon
Ziprasidone30 capsules / 40mg
$18.06$75.28
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Price Card Drug Icon
Aripiprazole30 tablets / 5mg
$12.66$439.57
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