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Compare Seroquel vs. Zyprexa

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

Key takeaways

Quetiapine (Seroquel) and olanzapine (Zyprexa) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Quetiapine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, while olanzapine can be taken as a tablet or an injection. Quetiapine is also used as an add-on treatment for depression, whereas olanzapine is combined with fluoxetine (Prozac) for treating bipolar depression and treatment-resistant depression. Both medications can cause sleepiness and dizziness, as well as more serious side effects including higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Quetiapine needs to be taken multiple times a day in its immediate-release form, while olanzapine is typically taken once daily. Both medications are available as a low-cost generic

  • Quetiapine (Seroquel)
    Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
  • Quetiapine (Seroquel)
    Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

  • Summary of Seroquel vs. Zyprexa

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic that's used to improve mood, thoughts, and behaviors for people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The extended-release form of quetiapine (Seroquel) can also be used to treat depression when combined with another antidepressant. While quetiapine (Seroquel) works well, it has many risks and side effects, so it's not the best choice for everyone. Make sure your provider knows about all of your medical conditions and medications you're taking before starting quetiapine (Seroquel) to make sure it's as safe for you as possible.

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    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 of Seroquel vs. Zyprexa

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older
    •Bipolar disorder in adults and children age 10 years and older
    •Add-on to antidepressants for depression (extended-release only)
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older
    •Bipolar I disorder in adults and children age 13 years and older

    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 of Seroquel vs. Zyprexa

    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting quetiapine (Seroquel)
    •Taken by mouth
    •Extended-release quetiapine (Seroquel) can help treat depression (adults only)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available in both short-acting and long-acting forms
    Cons
    •Can cause weight gain and can raise your blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels
    •Must be avoided in older adults who have dementia-related psychosis
    •Can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in people who are age 24 or younger
    •Need to take immediate-release tablets 2 to 3 times a day
    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    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 of Seroquel vs. Zyprexa

    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablets

    •Headache (21%)
    •Agitation (20%)
    •Sleepiness (18%)
    •Dizziness (11%)
    •Dry mouth (9%)
    •Constipation (8%)
    •Pain (7%)

    Extended-release tablets

    •Sleepiness (25-52%)
    •Dry mouth (12-37%)
    •Dizziness (10-13%)
    •Constipation (6-10%)
    •Difficulty controlling muscle movements (7-8%)
    •Weight gain (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (29%)
    •Trouble sleeping (12%)
    •Accidental injury (12%)
    •Dizziness (11%)
    •Weakness (10%)
    •Dry mouth (9%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •Upset stomach (7%)
    •Runny nose (7%)

  • Warnings of Seroquel vs. Zyprexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Weight gain and high levels of blood sugar and cholesterol
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
    •Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Seizures
    •Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)
    •High prolactin levels
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 Seroquel vs. Zyprexa

    Learn more about Quetiapine
    Learn more about Olanzapine

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