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.
