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Compare Zyprexa vs. Rexulti

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

Key takeaways

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) and brexpiprazole (Rexulti) are both atypical antipsychotics, but they have some key differences. Olanzapine is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and it can also be combined with fluoxetine (Prozac) to treat certain types of depression. Brexpiprazole, on the other hand, is approved for schizophrenia, as an add-on treatment for depression, and for dementia-related agitation from Alzheimer's disease. Olanzapine is available in both oral and injectable forms, while brexpiprazole is only available in an oral form. Olanzapine is more likely to cause weight gain, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar compared to brexpiprazole. Brexpiprazole is less likely to cause these side effects but can be more expensive since it's only available as a brand-name medication. Both medications can cause sleepiness and dizziness, but olanzapine is more commonly associated with sleep problems.

  • Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
    Brexpiprazole (Rexulti)
  • Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
    Brexpiprazole (Rexulti)

  • Summary of Zyprexa vs. Rexulti

    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 Atypical Antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) is an atypical antipsychotic medication approved to treat depression (add-on medication) and schizophrenia. Brand name Rexulti can also treat dementia-related agitation from Alzheimer's disease. Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some of its more common side effects of brexpiprazole (Rexulti) include restlessness, moderate weight gain, and headaches. It's available as a generic medication.

  • Indications of Zyprexa vs. Rexulti

    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
    •Schizophrenia
    •Add-on treatment for depression
    •Dementia-related agitation from Alzheimer's disease

  • Pros and Cons of Zyprexa vs. Rexulti

    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 Atypical Antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Only need to take the medication once a day
    •Less likely to cause weight gain, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar compared with other similar medications
    •Less likely to cause movement side effects compared to some other antipsychotics
    Cons
    •Can be expensive because it's only available as a brand-name medication
    •Not recommended for use in pregnancy
    •Your healthcare provider might need to adjust your dose several times before you find one that works best for you

  • Common Side Effects of Zyprexa vs. Rexulti

    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
    •Fidgeting (9%)
    •Weight gain (7%)
    •Headache (7%)
    •Sleepiness (5%)
    •Tremor (4%)
    •Common cold (4%)
    •Larger appetite (3%)
    •Fatigue (3%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Restlessness (3%)
    •Anxiety (3%)
    •Heartburn (3%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Constipation (2%)

  • Warnings of Zyprexa vs. Rexulti

    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
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Impulsive behavior
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Zyprexa vs. Rexulti

    Learn more about Olanzapine
    Learn more about Brexpiprazole

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