Skip to main content

Compare
Seroquel vs. Aristada

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

Key takeaways

Quetiapine (Seroquel) and Aristada (aripiprazole lauroxil) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia, but they have some key differences. Quetiapine can also treat bipolar disorder and depression. Quetiapine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release oral tablets, while Aristada is a long-acting injection given by a healthcare professional. Aristada is administered every 1 to 2 months, making it a good option for those who have trouble taking daily medications, while quetiapine needs to be taken 2 to 3 times a day. Both medications can cause high blood sugar and weight gain, but Aristada has fewer side effects overall. Quetiapine is available as a lower-cost generic, but Aristada is only available as a brand medication, which can make it more expensive.

Quetiapine

(Seroquel)

Get free coupons

Aristada

(aripiprazole lauroxil)

Get free coupons

Summary for Seroquel

Prescription only

Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic. It's used to treat mental health problems like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This medication comes as an immediate-release tablet (Seroquel) that's taken by mouth usually twice a day. There's also an extended-release tablet (Seroquel XR) that's taken once a day. The specific dosage depends on how well it's helping your mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Side effects can include sleepiness, headache, and possible weight gain. There are brand-name and generic versions of this medication.

Indications for Seroquel

Pros and Cons for Seroquel

Pros

  • Taken by mouth
  • Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting the medication
  • Available in both short-acting and long-acting tablets

Cons

  • Might cause weight gain
  • Can raise your blood sugar and cholesterol levels
  • Not recommended for older adults who have dementia-related psychosis

Common Side Effects for Seroquel

Immediate-release tablets:

  • Headache (21%)
  • Agitation (20%)
  • Sleepiness (18%)
  • Dizziness (11%)
  • Dry mouth (9%)
  • Constipation (8%)
  • Pain (7%)
  • Fast heart rate (6%)
  • Vomiting (6%)

Extended-release tablets:

Warnings for Seroquel

  • Higher risk of death and stroke in older people with dementia-related psychosis
  • Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
  • Trouble controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Risk of falls
  • Risk of infection (due to low white blood cell counts)
  • Possible changes in heart rhythm
  • Seizures
  • Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)
  • High prolactin levels
  • Feeling very sleepy and having trouble concentrating

Summary for Aristada

Prescription only

Aristada (aripiprazole lauroxil) is used to improve mood, thoughts, and behaviors in adults who have schizophrenia. It's a long-acting medication that's injected into your muscle every 1 to 2 months by your healthcare provider. It's only used in people who can tolerate Abilify (aripiprazole) oral tablets.

Indications for Aristada

  • Schizophrenia

Pros and Cons for Aristada

Pros

  • Can be given up to once every 2 months
  • Good option for people who have a hard time taking medications by mouth
  • Has fewer side effects compared to some other antipsychotic medications
  • Patient assistance programs are available to help lower the cost

Cons

  • Can cause high blood sugar and weight gain
  • Must be injected in the muscle at your healthcare provider's office
  • Can cause soreness or pain at the injection site
  • Not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Can be expensive because it's only available as a brand medication

Common Side Effects for Aristada

  • Restlessness (11%)
  • Unusual and uncontrollable muscle movements or muscle spasms (5-7%)

Warnings for Aristada

  • Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
  • Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
  • High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
  • Impulsive behavior
  • Higher risk of falls
  • Higher risk of infections
  • Seizures

Prices with our coupons for Seroquel vs. Aristada

Price Card Drug Icon
Quetiapine30 tablets / 25mg
$9.00$9.00
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Aristada1 syringe / 3.2ml of 882mg
--
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.