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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)

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Olanzapine

(Zyprexa)

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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 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 Seroquel vs. Zyprexa

Price Card Drug Icon
Quetiapine30 tablets / 25mg
$9.00$9.00
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Price Card Drug Icon
Olanzapine30 tablets / 5mg
$12.26$81.17
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