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Compare Haldol vs. Abilify

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

Key takeaways

Haldol (haloperidol) and Abilify (aripiprazole) are both antipsychotic medications, but they belong to different classes. Haldol is a typical antipsychotic, while Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic. Haldol is primarily used to treat schizophrenia and is available as a long-acting injection given monthly or as a short-acting injection for acute agitation. In contrast, Abilify treats a wider range of conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, depression (as an add-on treatment), Tourette syndrome, and irritability associated with autism. Abilify is available in various forms, such as tablets, oral solutions, orally disintegrating tablets, and injectable forms, and can be used in children as young as 6 years old for certain conditions. Both medications can cause movement-related side effects, weight gain, and high blood sugar, but Abilify can also cause cholesterol issues. Both medications can cause serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome and have a higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Haldol also has a risk for serious withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it.

  • Haloperidol injection
    Aripiprazole (Abilify)
  • Haloperidol injection
    Aripiprazole (Abilify)

  • Summary of Haldol vs. Abilify

    Summary for Typical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Haloperidol injection is an antipsychotic medication that's used to treat schizophrenia. It's a long-acting injection that's given into the muscles monthly by a healthcare provider. It's also available as a shorter-acting injection that's typically given in a hospital setting to people who are experiencing agitation related to schizophrenia. The most common side effects of haloperidol injection are movement-related side effects, such as rigid muscles, tremors, and trouble speaking.

    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.

  • Indications of Haldol vs. Abilify

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

  • Pros and Cons of Haldol vs. Abilify

    Pros and Const for Typical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Typically given monthly
    •Low risk for weight gain, compared to some other antipsychotics
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Needs to be injected
    •Higher risk of movement-related side effects compared to atypical antipsychotics
    •Can't be used in children
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Haldol vs. Abilify

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stiff or rigid muscles, tremors, trouble speaking, and other parkinsonism symptoms (31%)
    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.

  • Warnings of Haldol vs. Abilify

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Pneumonia
    •Low white blood cell counts
    •Harm to unborn babies
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Haldol vs. Abilify

    Learn more about Haloperidol injection
    Learn more about Aripiprazole

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