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Compare Zyprexa vs. Lithium

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

Key takeaways

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) and lithium (Lithobid) are both used to treat bipolar disorder, but they have some key differences. Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic that can also treat schizophrenia and certain types of depression when combined with fluoxetine (Prozac). It works by balancing chemicals like dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Lithium, on the other hand, is a mood stabilizer that helps manage manic episodes and long-term maintenance of bipolar disorder. It’s not fully understood how lithium works, but it’s thought to affect brain chemicals that regulate mood. Olanzapine is typically taken once daily and is available in both oral and injectable forms, while lithium is taken 2 to 3 times a day and comes in various oral forms, including tablets and liquid. Olanzapine can cause weight gain and sleepiness, whereas lithium can lead to side effects like shakiness, thirst, and the need for regular blood tests to monitor for toxicity. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

  • Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
    Lithium
  • Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
    Lithium

  • Summary of Zyprexa vs. Lithium

    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.

    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 Zyprexa vs. Lithium

    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
    Indications for
    •Treatment of manic episodes of bipolar disorder
    •Long-term maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Zyprexa vs. Lithium

    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
    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 Zyprexa vs. Lithium

    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%)
    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 Zyprexa vs. Lithium

    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
    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 Zyprexa vs. Lithium

    Learn more about Olanzapine
    Learn more about Lithium

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