Latuda vs. Abilify: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ

Latuda (lurasidone) and Abilify (aripiprazole) are brand-name prescription drugs used to treat schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech or behavior. In addition to schizophrenia, Latuda and Abilify can also treat other mental health conditions.

Both Latuda and Abilify are classified as atypical antipsychotics, or second-generation antipsychotics. They work in similar ways to help reduce symptoms of schizophrenia. While the exact way in which they work is unknown, these antipsychotic medications interact with dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain.

What are the main differences between Latuda and Abilify?

The main difference between Latuda and Abilify is they contain different active ingredients. Latuda contains lurasidone and Abilify contains aripiprazole.

Latuda was FDA approved in 2010 to treat schizophrenia and bipolar depression. It is available as an oral tablet in strengths of 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg. Latuda reaches maximum levels in the body within one to three hours. Latuda is usually started at 20 or 40 mg per day depending on the condition being treated, and it should be taken with food for better absorption.

Abilify was FDA approved in 2002 to treat schizophrenia and other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, autistic disorder, and Tourette’s disorder. Abilify is available as an oral tablet in strengths of 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. It also comes as an orally disintegrating tablet, oral solution, and injection. Abilify oral tablets reach peak levels in the body within three to five hours after administration, and they can be taken with or without food.

Main differences between Latuda and Abilify
	Latuda	Abilify
Drug class	Antipsychotic	Antipsychotic
Brand/generic status	Brand and generic version available	Brand and generic version available
What is the generic name?	Lurasidone	Aripiprazole
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Oral tablet	Oral tablet Orally disintegrating tablet Oral solution Powder for suspension for intramuscular injection
What is the standard dosage?	Schizophrenia in adults: 40 to 160 mg per daySchizophrenia in adolescents (13 to 17 years old): 40 to 80 mg per day	Schizophrenia in adults: 10 to 15 mg per daySchizophrenia in adolescents (13 to 17 years old): 2 to 10 mg per day
How long is the typical treatment?	Varies: patients should be periodically reassessed	Varies: patients should be periodically reassessed
Who typically uses the medication?	Adults, adolescents, and children 10 years and older (depends on the condition being treated)	Adults, adolescents, and children 6 years and older (depends on the condition being treated)

Conditions treated by Latuda and Abilify

Latuda is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children who are aged 13 years and older. It is also approved to treat depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults and children who are aged 10 years and older.

Abilify is also used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children who are aged 13 years and older. However, unlike Latuda, it is approved to treat mixed or manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults and children aged 10 years and older. Abilify can also treat Tourette’s disorder, or Tourette’s syndrome, and irritability associated with autistic disorder. When given with additional antidepressant therapy, Abilify can treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Abilify injections are FDA approved to treat symptoms of agitation from schizophrenia and bipolar mania.

Condition	Latuda	Abilify
Schizophrenia	Yes	Yes
Bipolar disorder	Yes	Yes
Major depressive disorder	No	Yes
Autistic disorder	No	Yes
Tourette’s disorder	No	Yes

Is Latuda or Abilify more effective?

Latuda and Abilify are both effective medications for treating schizophrenia, a serious mental illness. The best treatment will depend on factors such as the condition being treated, potential side effects, and cost.

One meta-analysis compared antipsychotics such as lurasidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, and paliperidone. Researchers found that lurasidone was comparable to other antipsychotics for treating schizophrenia. However, lurasidone was found to have less weight gain and a lower risk of other side effects compared to other atypical antipsychotics.

Another meta-analysis from the World Journal of Biological Psychiatry compared lurasidone to other antipsychotics for treating bipolar depression. Over 10 different clinical trials with over 6,000 patients were evaluated in the analysis. Antipsychotics, such as lurasidone, quetiapine, aripiprazole, olanzapine, and ziprasidone, were compared in regard to safety and effectiveness. The study concluded that lurasidone may be more effective than aripiprazole and ziprasidone, and it may cause less weight gain and drowsiness than other antipsychotics.

Consult a healthcare provider for the best treatment for you.

Coverage and cost comparison of Latuda vs. Abilify

The FDA has approved a generic version of Latuda. However, the generic version may or may not be currently available on the market. As a brand-name drug, Latuda can be expensive even with insurance. Medicare and insurance plans will usually cover Latuda, although copays may vary across different plans. The cash price of Latuda is $1,783.52. A SingleCare coupon can reduce the cost to approximately $1,200.

Abilify is available as a generic and brand-name medication. Most Medicare and insurance plans will cover Abilify. Compared to Latuda, Abilify may be a cheaper treatment option. However, the cash price can still be expensive at around $1,059.99. A SingleCare discount card for Abilify may be able to lower the cost to under $100.

	Latuda	Abilify
Typically covered by insurance?	Yes	Yes
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?	Yes	Yes
Quantity	30 tablets (40 mg)	30 tablets (5 mg)
Typical Medicare copay	$7–$46	$3–$204
SingleCare cost	$1,236+	$65+

Common side effects of Latuda vs. Abilify

The most common side effects of Latuda include drowsiness, restlessness or an urge to move around (akathisia), nausea, and vomiting. Other side effects of Latuda may include muscle stiffness, tremors, and weight gain.

The most common side effects of Abilify include nausea, vomiting, sedation or drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, headache, blurred vision, akathisia, and insomnia. Other side effects of Abilify include muscle stiffness and weight gain.

Both Latuda and Abilify can cause high blood sugar and cholesterol levels in the blood. Serious side effects of Latuda and Abilify may include low white blood cell counts, seizures, decreased blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), and uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia).

See below for other side effects of Latuda and Abilify.

	Latuda		Abilify
Side effect	Applicable?	Frequency	Applicable?	Frequency
Drowsiness	Yes	17%	Yes	5%
Akathisia	Yes	13%	Yes	13%
Nausea	Yes	10%	Yes	15%
Vomiting	Yes	8%	Yes	11%
Indigestion	Yes	6%	Yes	9%
Insomnia	Yes	5%	Yes	18%
Anxiety	Yes	5%	Yes	17%
Dizziness	Yes	5%	Yes	3%
Weight gain	Yes	3%	Yes	3%
Back pain	Yes	3%	No	–
Blurred vision	Yes	*	Yes	3%
Dry mouth	Yes	*	Yes	5%
Constipation	No	–	Yes	11%
Headache	No	–	Yes	10%
Muscle pain	No	–	Yes	2%

*not reported
Frequency is not based on data from a head-to-head trial. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more.
Source: DailyMed (Latuda), DailyMed (Abilify)

Drug interactions of Latuda vs. Abilify

Latuda and Abilify are primarily metabolized in the liver by the CYP3A4 enzyme. Their use may need to be avoided, adjusted, or monitored when combined with medications that act as CYP3A4 inhibitors or CYP3A4 inducers. Drugs that act as CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole and ritonavir, can cause increased levels of Latuda or Abilify and increase the risk of side effects. Drugs that act as CYP3A4 inducers, such as rifampin and carbamazepine, can cause decreased levels of Latuda or Abilify and decrease the effectiveness of the antipsychotics. Combining Abilify and CYP2D6 inhibitors, such as quinidine and fluoxetine, may lead to increased Abilify levels and side effects.

The use of Latuda and Abilify may need to be monitored or avoided while using antihypertensive drugs or benzodiazepines. Taking these antipsychotic medications with antihypertensive drugs may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Benzodiazepines may compound the sedative side effects of Latuda or Abilify.

Drug	Drug class	Latuda	Abilify
Ketoconazole Fluconazole Clarithromycin Erythromycin Ritonavir Diltiazem Verapamil	CYP3A4 inhibitors	Yes	Yes
Rifampin Phenytoin Carbamazepine Efavirenz Etravirine St. John’s Wort	CYP3A4 inducers	Yes	Yes
Quinidine Fluoxetine Paroxetine	CYP2D6 inhibitors	No	Yes
Amlodipine Lisinopril Losartan	Antihypertensives	Yes	Yes
Alprazolam Diazepam Lorazepam	Benzodiazepines	Yes	Yes

Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions

Warnings of Latuda and Abilify

Both Latuda and Abilify carry black box warnings. There is an increased risk of death and dementia-related psychosis when antipsychotic drugs are taken by the elderly. Suicidal thoughts and behavior have also been reported in children and young adults using Latuda and Abilify. Younger patients may need to be monitored for worsening symptoms or changes in behavior while taking Latuda or Abilify.

There is an increased risk of cerebrovascular adverse reactions, such as stroke and transient ischemic attacks, in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Taking Latuda or Abilify also carries a risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which can cause symptoms like high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, and changes in heart rate. NMS is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Latuda and Abilify may cause metabolic changes, such as high blood sugar levels, increased cholesterol levels, and weight gain. These medications can also cause low white blood cell counts, seizures, and low blood pressure.

Consult a healthcare provider for other possible warnings and precautions before using Latuda or Abilify.

Frequently asked questions about Latuda vs. Abilify

What is Latuda?

Latuda is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. It is available as an oral tablet. Latuda is usually taken once per day with a meal.

What is Abilify?

Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and mixed or manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Abilify is also approved to treat major depressive disorder, autistic disorder, and Tourette’s disorder. It is available as an oral tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, oral solution, and injection. Abilify is usually taken once per day with or without food.

Are Latuda and Abilify the same?

Both Latuda and Abilify are atypical antipsychotics, or second-generation antipsychotics, approved for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, they come in different dosage forms and have different indications other than schizophrenia. Latuda treats depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder while Abilify treats manic episodes of bipolar I disorder. Latuda also needs to be administered with food while Abilify can be administered with or without food.

Is Latuda or Abilify better?

Latuda and Abilify are both effective medications for schizophrenia and other mental health conditions. Latuda may be as effective as Abilify and other antipsychotic medications, and it may cause fewer side effects such as weight gain. Other factors should be considered when choosing Latuda or Abilify, such as cost. Consult a healthcare provider for the best treatment option for you.

Can I use Latuda or Abilify while pregnant?

Research is limited on the use of Latuda and Abilify while pregnant. These antipsychotic medications may cause extrapyramidal or withdrawal symptoms in neonates during the third trimester. They should only be taken if the benefits outweigh the risks. Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice to determine whether you should use Latuda or Abilify while pregnant.

Can I use Latuda or Abilify with alcohol?

Both alcohol and antipsychotic medications have central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects. Taking antipsychotics with alcohol may increase the risk of certain side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness. Consumption of alcohol should be limited while taking Latuda or Abilify.

Is Latuda a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic?

Latuda is not a mood stabilizer. Instead, Latuda is an antipsychotic medication that may be prescribed along with a mood stabilizer like Lithobid (lithium) or Depakene (valproic acid) for the treatment of bipolar depression. Other examples of antipsychotic medications include Invega (paliperidone), Seroquel (quetiapine), Zyprexa (olanzapine), Geodon (ziprasidone), Rexulti (brexpiprazole), and Vraylar (cariprazine).

Is there a generic for Latuda?

A generic version of Latuda has been approved by the FDA. However, the generic version of Latuda may not yet be available on the market. Manufacturers of generic Latuda include Accord Healthcare, Piramal Healthcare UK Limited, and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

What happens if you don’t take Latuda with food?

Latuda may not work as effectively when taken without food. It is recommended to take Latuda with a meal of at least 350 calories for optimal absorption. The absorption of Latuda is increased twofold when the drug is taken with food.