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Compare Thiothixene vs. Abilify

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

Key takeaways

Thiothixene (Navane) and aripiprazole (Abilify) are both used to treat schizophrenia, but they belong to different classes of antipsychotics. Thiothixene is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic, while aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic. Thiothixene primarily works by lowering dopamine levels in the brain, whereas aripiprazole affects both dopamine and serotonin activity. Thiothixene is generally taken multiple times a day, while aripiprazole is usually taken once daily. Aripiprazole is also approved for additional conditions like bipolar I disorder, depression (as an add-on treatment), Tourette syndrome, and irritability associated with autism, making it more versatile. Thiothixene is more likely to cause uncontrolled muscle movements, while aripiprazole has a lower risk of weight gain compared to other antipsychotics. Both medications can cause drowsiness and have serious side effects, including neuroleptic malignant syndrome and low white blood cell counts.

  • Thiothixene
    Aripiprazole (Abilify)
  • Thiothixene
    Aripiprazole (Abilify)

  • Summary of Thiothixene vs. Abilify

    Summary for First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Thiothixene is used to treat schizophrenia in people ages 12 years and older. It belongs to a drug class known as typical antipsychotics. This medication comes as a oral capsule and it's typically taken 2-3 times a day. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include drowsiness, restlessness, and uncontrolled body movement. Thiothixene is only available as a generic medication. Brand name Navane has been discontinued.

    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 Thiothixene vs. Abilify

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia in people ages 12 years and older
    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 Thiothixene vs. Abilify

    Pros and Const for First-generation (typical) antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can be taken by children as young as 12 years old
    •Dose can be adjusted based on your response
    Cons
    •Might need to take up to 3 times a day
    •Can cause low white blood cell counts so might need to have regular blood tests done
    •More likely to cause movement-related problems than atypical antipsychotics
    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 Thiothixene vs. Abilify

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Restlessness
    •Uncontrollable body movement
    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 Thiothixene vs. Abilify

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Abnormal and prolonged muscle contractions (dystonia)
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Seizures
    •Drowsiness and sleepiness
    •Low white blood cell count
    •Vision changes
    •High prolactin levels
    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 Thiothixene vs. Abilify

    Learn more about Thiothixene
    Learn more about Aripiprazole

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