Latuda vs Abilify: A Complete Comparison

Latuda and Abilify 101

Before we compare these two medications, let’s establish some basics.

What are these drugs – and what are they used for?

Read on to find out, or scroll to Latuda vs. Abilify: A Category-By-Category Comparison below if you’re already familiar with these medications.

What is Latuda?

Latuda (lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic.

That designation may give you pause. In this case, the pharmaceutical term “atypical” means that this class of meds is second-generation. Here, “atypical” distinguishes Latuda and its alternatives from first-gen antipsychotics like chlorpromazine, haloperidol, and fluphenazine.

The R&D advancements made in the pharmaceutical industry between first-gen and second-gen antipsychotic meds led to many benefits. Atypical antipsychotics are generally well-tolerated and have a lower risk of causing medication-related disorders.

Latuda, as an antipsychotic, helps patients with depressive episodes, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia control their symptoms. It does so by balancing brain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.

Latuda isn’t the only atypical antipsychotic commonly prescribed to patients with these mental health conditions. Abilify is a popular Latuda alternative that brings several benefits to the table.

What is Abilify?

Abilify (aripiprazole), like Latuda, balances brain levels of dopamine and serotonin.

These neurotransmitters are associated with happiness, focus, peace of mind, and the ability to control emotions. When people with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia suffer depressive episodes, taking Abilify can help them work toward more even emotional regulation.

If you’re taking Abilify, working closely with a healthcare provider is vital. Since this medication affects brain function, you must ensure you’re taking the correct dose for your specific situation.

And, if you are interested in modulating your dose or weaning off it, again, you must work with a doctor. Abruptly stopping Abilify can worsen depressive episodes or other dangerous mental health shifts.

The same goes for Latuda: These are not medications to take lightly, but they are typically life-changing when used appropriately.

Latuda vs. Abilify: A Category-By-Category Comparison

While Abilify and Latuda are similar in many ways, they are different medications. If you and your doctor are determining which of the two will be most helpful for you, it’s a good idea to know exactly how the two medications differ.

We’ll pit the two medications against each other in six different categories below, starting with a relatively important consideration:

Which is more effective, Latuda or Abilify?

Latuda vs Abilify: Effectiveness

One six-month study found that patients with schizophrenia who completed an entire course of treatment with Latuda (or lurasidone) experienced consistent reductions in their mean PANSS, CGI-S, and CDSS scores.

These scores help clinicians determine the extent of a patient’s schizophrenia; lower scores usually mean that the disorder or the patient’s symptoms are improving.

Latuda or lurasidone, in other meta-analyses, has been found comparable to other similar medications for improving schizophrenia symptoms (even in children, when used as recommended by a doctor). There are even some studies that seem to demonstrate that lurasidone could be more effective than aripiprazole (Abilify).

It’s worth remembering, though, that the American Psychiatric Association’s treatment guidelines for schizophrenia mention Abilify and Latuda as recommended options.

And – just as with Latuda – studies have found that after a course of treatment with Abilify, patient schizophrenia evaluation scores decreased.

Each medication has its pros and cons, as we’ll discuss in more detail throughout this article, but each has been demonstrated to improve the lives of schizophrenic patients.

This is good news: If one of the medications doesn’t work for you, you may have the option to try the other.

Abilify vs Latuda for Depression

We just discussed Abilify vs. Latuda for schizophrenia.

What about other indications – such as depressive episodes, or even major depressive disorder?

Both of these medications modulate levels of serotonin in the brain. We know serotonin is (generally) associated with happiness, so it makes some level of sense that these medications may reduce depressive symptoms.

But does this really happen?

Both Latuda and Abilify are used to treat depression, but their specific indications – or the depressive conditions they’re approved to treat – differ.

Abilify is approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) with other antidepressants.

Latuda is approved for bipolar depression.

However, neither is considered a first-line (or first-choice) medication for depression.

Rather, physicians use it to treat depression in patients with other conditions, such as schizophrenia, or reserve it as a secondary choice if other antidepressants don’t work for a specific patient.

Latuda vs Abilify: Dosage and Administration

Patients who take Latuda do so once daily. You should try to take the drug at the same time each day – and with a meal, if possible.

Usually, patients start with 40mg of Latuda per day. Your doctor may increase your dosage to a maximum recommended daily dose of 160mg if needed.

Patients who take Abilify do so once daily but can do so with or without food.

Abilify dosage amounts are also a bit lower than Latuda’s. Patients begin treatment with 10-15 mg daily before increasing (if needed) to a maximum recommended daily dose of 30mg.

Abilify vs Latuda for Weight Gain

Sometimes, antidepressants cause weight gain.

So do antipsychotics.

There are many reasons this could happen – ranging from associated changes in gut metabolism to lifestyle shifts and (possibly) medication-related fluid retention.

A study that looked at antipsychotics and weight gain specifically found that Latuda may result in less weight gain than other similar medications, including Abilify.

Your likelihood of losing or gaining weight after starting a new treatment regimen depends mainly on your genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Your doctor will be able to help you determine whether Latuda or Abilify is more likely to help you reach the full spectrum of your health goals, which may include improved mental health and maintaining a healthy weight.

Latuda vs Abilify: Side Effects

All medications cause some form of side effects. Latuda and Abilify are no exceptions.

Both medications may cause:

Abilify’s unique side effects include:

While, on the other hand, Latuda may cause:

The specific side effects you experience will likely be unique to you. If any of these side effects are particularly concerning to you, discuss that with your doctor. It may help your doctor hone in on the best treatment for you.

Abilify vs Latuda: Cost

Latuda and Abilify are both costly drugs – but those costs are exceptionally high for American patients.

In America, Latuda retails for an eye-watering $1,450.00 per 30-tablet supply. (That’s nearly $50.00 per tablet.)

Abilify, while cheaper, isn’t exactly affordable. American pharmacies sell it for around $645.00 per 30-tablet supply, or around $21.00 per tablet.

Buying either medication through an international and online Canada pharmacy can result in significant price savings – making both medications more accessible.

Through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy brand-name Latuda for about $270.00 for a 30-tablet (and 30-day) supply, or about $9.00 per tablet (and up to 82% in savings).

You can also buy brand-name Abilify for around $245.00 for a 30-tablet (and 30-day) supply, or around $8.00 per tablet (or up to 61% in savings).

Latuda and Abilify Alternatives

Latuda and Abilify are far from the only atypical antipsychotics commonly used to improve the symptoms associated with schizophrenia (or bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder).

If you’re interested in learning about your options, read on – here are some of the most frequently-prescribed alternatives to Latuda and Abilify.

Are There Abilify and Latuda Alternatives?

Some other atypical antipsychotics that may be used as alternatives to Abilify include:

Risperdal

Risperdal (risperidone) is a second-generation antipsychotic prescription medication. Like Latuda and Abilify, it can treat schizophrenia.

Risperdal works to correct chemical brain imbalances that may contribute to the unhelpful thought patterns, emotional dysregulation, and other unwanted symptoms associated with schizophrenia and similar mental disorders.

Through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy brand Risperdal for about $1.30 per pill, in a pack of 100 for around $133.00.

Zyprexa

Zyprexa (olanzapine), unlike the other medications we’ve discussed in this article, isn’t an oral tablet; rather, it’s an oral disintegrating drug. If you would rather not use a prescription medication that requires swallowing a large pill every day, Zyprexa may be a good choice for you.

Zyprexa is prescribed to patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia as long as those patients are 18 years or older. Zyprexa is often used alongside fluoxetine or other mental health medications.

You can buy Zyprexa through NorthWestPharmacy.com for about $3.60 per tablet (in a pack of 28 tablets for around $102.00).

Seroquel

Seroquel (quetiapine) is a prescription medication that helps patients with schizophrenia work towards more helpful brain function. It specifically helps the brain stop overproducing serotonin and dopamine. If that is an issue your doctor believes you may be struggling with, it may be worth asking about Seroquel.

Seroquel is an option for patients 18 or older, and can also be prescribed to patients with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.

Through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy brand Seroquel for about $2.80 per tablet, in a pack of 60 for around $170.00.

Geodon

Geodon (ziprasidone) helps patients work towards more balanced brain chemistry – which can help alleviate the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.

Geodon’s unique benefit is its ability to be metabolized efficiently. Geodon gets processed by the body and eliminated a bit more quickly than many other drugs, which can help alleviate the severity or shorten the duration of side effects.

You can buy brand-name Geodon through NorthWestPharmacy.com for around $2.30 per tablet, in a supply of 56 capsules for about $130.00.

Whether You Seek Latuda, Abilify, or an Alternative, We Have What You Need

Navigating life with a schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder diagnosis can be challenging.

We firmly believe that you don’t need high drug prices and confusing pharmacy processes on your plate, too.

Yet Americans with these disorders may have to take time to call different pharmacies, or (worse) drive around to different stores to find the transparent pricing and prescription information they need – before then discovering that their required medication costs tens of thousands of dollars per year.

Online Canadian pharmacies and international drugstores offer American patients a better way. Here, on NorthWestPharmacy.com, you’ll always find clear pricing details, updated drug information guides, and simple, secure payment processes.

All of that, of course – and reliably low prices. We’re proud to offer Latuda and Abilify, two drugs often prescribed to treat schizophrenia, for up to 82% off.

Interested in learning more about how our team can help you? We’ve got resources for you:

When you’re ready to purchase Latuda or Abilify online, we’re ready to help you. The team at NorthWestPharmacy.com looks forward to supporting you and your health!