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Compare Vraylar vs. Lithium

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

Key takeaways

Vraylar (cariprazine) and lithium are both used to treat bipolar disorder, but they have some key differences. Vraylar is an atypical antipsychotic that also treats schizophrenia and can be an add-on for major depressive disorder (MDD). It is taken once a day and is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects include uncontrolled muscle movements, headache, and restlessness. Lithium, on the other hand, is a mood stabilizer used specifically for bipolar disorder and manic episodes. It is available in both generic and brand-name forms (Lithobid) and is typically taken 2 to 3 times a day. Lithium requires regular blood tests to monitor levels and prevent toxicity, with common side effects like shakiness, thirst, and nausea. While Vraylar has a lower risk of weight gain compared to other antipsychotics, lithium does not commonly cause weight gain but can lead to serious side effects if not monitored properly.

  • Vraylar (cariprazine)
    Lithium
  • Vraylar (cariprazine)
    Lithium

  • Summary of Vraylar vs. Lithium

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Vraylar (cariprazine) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in adults. It can also be used as an add-on medication to help with major depressive disorder (MDD). Vraylar (cariprazine) is taken by mouth once a day. Some common side effects of this medication include uncontrolled muscle movements, headache, and restlessness. Unlike some other antipsychotic medications, Vraylar (cariprazine) causes minimal weight gain. Vraylar (cariprazine) is brand name only and not available as a generic medication.

    Summary for Antimanic
    Prescription only

    Lithium carbonate (or lithium) is a medication used to treat bipolar disorder and manic episodes. It's taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times a day. Lithium is available as instant-release pills and oral liquid as well as an extended-release tablet (brand name Lithobid). All lithium products are available as lower-cost generics. Lithium works well for treating bipolar disorder, but it can also cause side effects, such as shakiness, thirst, and nausea. To prevent lithium toxicity, your provider will check your blood lithium levels to make sure you're on a safe dose of the medication.

  • Indications of Vraylar vs. Lithium

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    •Manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder
    •Bipolar depression of bipolar I disorder
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD), as an add-on medication
    Indications for
    •Treatment of manic episodes of bipolar disorder
    •Long-term maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Vraylar vs. Lithium

    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Works in your body for a longer period of time than other similar medications
    Cons
    •You might have to see your healthcare provider several times until you find a dose that works best for you.
    •Higher risk for uncontrolled muscle movements than some similar medications
    •Might take several weeks before you experience the full effects of this medication
    Pros and Const for Antimanic
    Pros
    •Works well for bipolar disorder
    •Starts to work in about 1 to 3 weeks
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available as oral pills and oral liquid for those having trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can have a lot of side effects, including lithium toxicity if lithium levels are too high
    •Requires routine blood tests to check the medication levels and how the medication is affecting your body
    •Not the best option for people with severe kidney problems
    •Interacts with a lot of medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, and ACE-inhibitors

  • Common Side Effects of Vraylar vs. Lithium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Uncontrolled muscle movements (up to 20%)
    •Headache (up to 18%)
    •Restlessness (up to 14%)
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 13%)
    •Constipation (up to 10%)
    •Nausea (up to 8%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 7%)
    •Toothache (up to 6%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Hand trembling
    •Excessive urination
    •More thirst
    •Nausea
    •General discomfort when you start treatment

    Children (7 to 17 years of age):

    •Nausea or vomiting (57%)
    •Urinating more often (38%)
    •Tremor (32%)
    •Feeling more thirsty (28%)
    •Tiredness (26%)
    •Higher thyroid hormone levels (25%)
    •Dizziness (23%)

  • Warnings of Vraylar vs. Lithium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Difficulty controlling movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Trouble controlling body temperature
    •Difficulty swallowing
    •Seizures
    Common Side Effects for
    •Lithium toxicity
    •Kidney problems
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Thyroid problems
    •Heart problems (Brugada syndrome)
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •High blood calcium levels and high parathyroid hormone levels
    •Brain-related side effects

  • Prices with our coupons for Vraylar vs. Lithium

    Learn more about Vraylar
    Learn more about Lithium

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