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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)

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Olanzapine

(Zyprexa)

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Summary for Vraylar

Prescription only

Vraylar (cariprazine) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in teens and adults. It can also be added to other medications to help treat depression in adults. You take a dose by mouth once a day. Common side effects include uncontrolled body movements and restlessness. Compared to some other antipsychotic medications, Vraylar (cariprazine) usually causes little to no weight gain.

Indications for Vraylar

Pros and Cons for Vraylar

Pros

Cons

  • Might take several weeks to fully work
  • Risk of uncontrolled body movements
  • Can cause restlessness or feeling like you can't sit still
  • Not safe during pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Vraylar

  • Uncontrolled muscle movements (up to 19%)
  • Trouble sleeping (up to 13%)
  • Headache (up to 11%)
  • Drowsiness (up to 8%)
  • Constipation (up to 7%)
  • Nausea (up to 7%)
  • Restlessness (up to 6%)

*Note: Side effects listed were reported by people in studies who took Vraylar (cariprazine) for schizophrenia.

Warnings for Vraylar

  • Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
  • Suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • Difficulty controlling movements (tardive dyskinesia)
  • High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
  • Low white blood cell count
  • Higher risk of falls and fainting
  • Seizures
  • Trouble controlling body temperature
  • Difficulty swallowing

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 Vraylar vs. Zyprexa

Price Card Drug Icon
Vraylar30 capsules / 1.5mg
$1,479.84$1,898.84
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Olanzapine30 tablets / 5mg
$12.46$182.43
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