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.
