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Latuda vs. Zyprexa

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

Key takeaways

Latuda (lurasidone) and Zyprexa (olanzapine) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but they have some key differences. Latuda is available only as an oral tablet, while Zyprexa comes in both oral and injectable forms. Latuda is less likely to cause weight gain compared to Zyprexa, which is known for its higher risk of weight gain and related issues like high blood sugar and cholesterol. Latuda is typically taken once daily with food, whereas Zyprexa can be taken with or without food. They are often taken in the evening due to their sleepiness side effects. Latuda is also associated with movement problems, while Zyprexa can cause anticholinergic side effects like dry mouth and constipation. Additionally, Zyprexa can be used in combination with fluoxetine (Prozac) for treatment-resistant depression, a use not indicated for Latuda.

Latuda

(lurasidone)

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Olanzapine

(Zyprexa)

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Summary for Latuda

Prescription only

Latuda, also known by its generic name lurasidone, is a type of atypical antipsychotic. It's used to treat schizophrenia in adults and teens. It can also help with depression from bipolar disorder in people 10 years and older. Latuda (lurasidone) comes as a tablet that you swallow whole once a day with food (at least 350 calories). The most common side effect is sleepiness. This medication isn't likely to cause weight gain. Latuda (lurasidone) is available as brand-name and generic versions.

Indications for Latuda

Pros and Cons for Latuda

Pros

Cons

  • Can take several weeks before you notice the full effects of the medication
  • Can make you feel sleepy
  • Can cause movement problems

Common Side Effects for Latuda

  • Sleepiness
  • Nausea
  • Movement problems (e.g., tremors, slow movement, stiff muscles)
  • Can't stay still (restlessness)

Warnings for Latuda

  • Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
  • Trouble controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
  • Changes in blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and weight
  • Low blood pressure and risk of falls
  • Trouble concentrating and extreme sleepiness
  • High prolactin levels
  • Lower white blood cell count (leading to possible risk of infection)
  • Seizures
  • Risk of manic episode
  • Higher risk of side effects in people with Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia

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 Latuda vs. Zyprexa

Price Card Drug Icon
Lurasidone30 tablets / 40mg
$20.78$1,532.03
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Olanzapine30 tablets / 5mg
$12.46$182.43
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