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Compare Lithium vs. Abilify

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

Key takeaways

Lithium (Lithobid) and aripiprazole (Abilify) are both used to treat bipolar disorder, but they belong to different medication classes and work in different ways. Lithium is a mood stabilizer that helps manage manic episodes and long-term maintenance of bipolar disorder. It is available in generic form and can be taken as pills or liquid, usually 2 to 3 times a day. Aripiprazole, on the other hand, is an atypical antipsychotic that balances chemicals in the brain to control thoughts, mood, and behaviors. It is also available in generic form and is typically taken once a day. While lithium requires regular blood tests to monitor for toxicity and kidney health, aripiprazole can cause side effects like movement problems and high blood sugar. Both medications can cause drowsiness, but aripiprazole is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antipsychotics. Additionally, aripiprazole is used to treat other conditions like schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome, whereas lithium is specifically for bipolar disorder.

  • Lithium
    Aripiprazole (Abilify)
  • Lithium
    Aripiprazole (Abilify)

  • Summary of Lithium vs. Abilify

    Summary for Antimanic
    Prescription only

    Lithium carbonate (or lithium) is a medication used to treat bipolar disorder and manic episodes. It's taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times a day. Lithium is available as instant-release pills and oral liquid as well as an extended-release tablet (brand name Lithobid). All lithium products are available as lower-cost generics. Lithium works well for treating bipolar disorder, but it can also cause side effects, such as shakiness, thirst, and nausea. To prevent lithium toxicity, your provider will check your blood lithium levels to make sure you're on a safe dose of the medication.

    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 Lithium vs. Abilify

    Indications for
    •Treatment of manic episodes of bipolar disorder
    •Long-term maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder
    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 Lithium vs. Abilify

    Pros and Const for Antimanic
    Pros
    •Works well for bipolar disorder
    •Starts to work in about 1 to 3 weeks
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available as oral pills and oral liquid for those having trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can have a lot of side effects, including lithium toxicity if lithium levels are too high
    •Requires routine blood tests to check the medication levels and how the medication is affecting your body
    •Not the best option for people with severe kidney problems
    •Interacts with a lot of medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, and ACE-inhibitors
    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 Lithium vs. Abilify

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Hand trembling
    •Excessive urination
    •More thirst
    •Nausea
    •General discomfort when you start treatment

    Children (7 to 17 years of age):

    •Nausea or vomiting (57%)
    •Urinating more often (38%)
    •Tremor (32%)
    •Feeling more thirsty (28%)
    •Tiredness (26%)
    •Higher thyroid hormone levels (25%)
    •Dizziness (23%)
    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 Lithium vs. Abilify

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lithium toxicity
    •Kidney problems
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Thyroid problems
    •Heart problems (Brugada syndrome)
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •High blood calcium levels and high parathyroid hormone levels
    •Brain-related side effects
    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 Lithium vs. Abilify

    Learn more about Lithium
    Learn more about Aripiprazole

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