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Vraylar vs Abilify - How do they compare?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on March 25, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Is Vraylar similar to Abilify?

Abilify (aripiprazole) and Vraylar (cariprazine) are both classified as atypical antipsychotic medications. They help treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and as additive treatment for depression. Abilify comes as a long-acting injection and oral tablet, while Vraylar comes as an oral capsule. Their side effects are similar.

These medicines both work by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain to help stabilize your thoughts, actions and moods.

Abilify is approved to treat:

Vraylar is approved to treat:

How different are schizophrenia and bipolar disorder?

Schizophrenia is a severe, long-term and disabling disorder of the brain. Symptoms are usually first seen in adults under the age of 30 years and include hearing voices, seeing things that are not there, believing other people are reading their minds or controlling their thoughts, and being suspicious or withdrawn.

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is another brain disorder that leads to shifts in mood, energy, activity level and the ability to carry function in day-to-day tasks, such as work or school. Symptoms can include fluctuating periods of depression and high, irritable mood (mania), restlessness, inability to control thoughts, fast talking, impulsive or risky behavior, and changes in sleep patterns.

How do Abilify and Vraylar come at the pharmacy?

Abilify

Vraylar

Vraylar comes as a capsule that you take by mouth.

Learn More: Dosing (in more detail): Abilify Dosing and Vraylar Dosing

Which has more side effects, Vraylar or Abilify?

The most common side effects (≥ 5%) across various studies with Abilify tablets include:

In clinical trials with Vraylar capsules, the most common side effects (≥ 5%) across various studies included:

Some side effects may not appear until several weeks after you have started taking Vraylar. The levels of medicine slowly increase in your body over time. Your doctor will monitor you for several weeks after starting Vraylar and any time your dose is increased.

All atypical antipsychotics can have similar side effects, but some agents have an advantage over another. For example,

Akathisia: Both Abilify and Vraylar appear to have a similar, medium risk for side effects known as akathisia. This is a movement disorder that causes a feeling of inner restlessness and the inability to stay still, especially of the legs. However, other atypical antipsychotics, such as quetiapine (Seroquel) or pimavanserin (Nuplazid) may be associated with an even lower incidence of this side effect.

Weight gain: Abilify may have slight advantage over Vraylar when it comes to weight gain, but your results can vary. Also, compared to some other antipsychotics, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) and clozapine (Clozaril), Abilify may cause less weight gain.

Blood sugar control: Both Abilify and Vraylar seem to be similar and have a low effect on causing elevations in blood sugar levels. Clozapine (Clozaril) and olanzapine (Zyprexa) may lead to blood sugar elevations more frequently than other atypical antipsychotics.

Elevations in blood cholesterol and lipids: Both Vraylar and Abilify have a low effect on your blood cholesterol or other lipids, and are less likely than other atypical antipsychotics to cause these changes, especially olanzapine (Zyprexa) or quetiapine (Seroquel).

Sedation: Abilify may lead to less sedation than Vraylar, but this can vary among patients. Plus, Vraylar also has a low incidence of drowsiness. In studies, somnolence (hypersomnia, sedation, and somnolence) was reported in 7% of patients treated with Vraylar compared to 6% of placebo-treated patients. Clozapine (Clozaril), olanzapine (Zyprexa), and quetiapine (Seroquel) are the most sedating atypical antipsychotics.

All antipsychotic medications contain a Boxed Warning about use in patients with dementia. Neither Vraylar nor Abilify are approved to treat such patients.

This is not a complete list of side effects, precautions and warnings associated with Vraylar, Abilify or other atypical antipsychotics. The types or incidence of side effects may be different for you. Discuss these topics with your doctor.

Related questions

Which is more effective - Vraylar or Abilify?

Both Vraylar and Abilify have been shown in clinical trials to be effective for their approved uses. Ultimately, the decision of which drug to use may depend upon your condition, previous treatments, preferred formulation, side effects, cost and doctor preferences. For most patients, these drugs are well-tolerated and effective.

Advantages with Abilify

Advantages with Vraylar

Which is more affordable, Abilify or Vraylar?

Abilify is available as a generic for some dosage forms like tablets and oral solution and this can save you money. Vraylar is not yet available as a generic option, so it will be more expensive in most cases, if you are paying full cash price for the medicine.

Compare the prices, coupons and patient assistance programs for each medication below:

Your insurance may pay for these medications, in either the brand name or generic form. Call your prescription benefit company to discuss which atypical antipsychotic medications are covered under your plan and your copay amount.

Bottom Line

This is not all the information you need to know about Vraylar (cariprazine) and Abilify (aripirazole) for safe and effective use and does not replace your doctor's instructions. Review the full Vraylar and Abilify product information, and discuss this information with your health care provider.

References

Read next

What is the half life of Abilify?

The half-life of Abilify (aripiprazole) depends on factors such as your genetics, health conditions, and the formulation you are taking. The half-life of Abilify oral forms is 75 hours, while the injections have a half-life of about 30-46 days. Continue reading

What is the difference between Abilify and Abilify Maintena?

The main differences between Abilify and Abilify Maintena are how they are supplied, how they are administered, their FDA-approved uses and their costs. They both contain the active ingredient aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic, and are approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Continue reading

Does Abilify cause gambling addiction?

Patient case reports after Abilify was approved suggest that a gambling addiction has occurred in some people. This may result in intense urges to gamble and the inability to control these urges. In most people this effect appears to be reversible upon dose reduction or discontinuation of the medicine. Continue reading

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