Are you a healthcare professional? Join GoodRx for HCPs

Compare Vraylar vs. Zyprexa

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

Key takeaways

Cariprazine (Vraylar) and olanzapine (Zyprexa) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Cariprazine is also used as an add-on for major depressive disorder (MDD), while olanzapine can be combined with fluoxetine (Prozac) for treatment-resistant depression. Cariprazine is taken orally once a day and is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas olanzapine is available in both oral and injectable forms and has a generic version. Cariprazine is less likely to cause weight gain compared to olanzapine, which is known for causing significant weight gain. Common side effects of cariprazine include uncontrolled muscle movements and restlessness. Common olanzapine side effects include sleepiness and dizziness. Both medications can lead to serious conditions like neuroleptic malignant syndrome and high blood sugar.

Vraylar (cariprazine)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Vraylar (cariprazine)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Summary of Vraylar vs. Zyprexa
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 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 Vraylar vs. Zyprexa
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

•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 Vraylar vs. Zyprexa
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 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 Vraylar vs. Zyprexa
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

•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 Vraylar vs. Zyprexa
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

•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 Vraylar vs. Zyprexa
Learn more about Vraylar
Learn more about Olanzapine

Browse medications

View All

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

Compare Vraylar vs. Zyprexa

Key takeaways

Summary of Vraylar vs. Zyprexa

Indications of Vraylar vs. Zyprexa

Pros and Cons of Vraylar vs. Zyprexa

Common Side Effects of Vraylar vs. Zyprexa

Warnings of Vraylar vs. Zyprexa

Prices with our coupons for Vraylar vs. Zyprexa

Compare other Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia drugs

Browse medications

Good news for your inbox