Key takeaways
- Latuda and Abilify are prescription medications used in both adults and some children to help treat schizophrenia.
- Both drugs also help treat symptoms of bipolar I disorder. However, Latuda is prescribed for depressive episodes, while Abilify is prescribed for manic and mixed episodes.
- Latuda and Abilify carry boxed warnings for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in younger people and increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia.
If you have schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder, your doctor may suggest treatment with Latuda or Abilify. These are prescription drugs used to help treat such conditions in adults and some children.
A key difference between Latuda and Abilify is that they’re used to treat different symptoms of bipolar I disorder. Doctors may prescribe Latuda to treat depressive episodes, while they may prescribe Abilify to treat manic and mixed episodes. Abilify has other uses as well. To learn more, see “What are Latuda and Abilify used for?”
This article focuses on the Abilify tablets. The drug also comes as Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii injections, which are not covered in this article. To learn more about the other forms of Abilify, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep reading to learn more about how Latuda and Abilify compare.
Note: For more information about these drugs, including details about their uses, see these Latuda overview and Abilify overview articles.
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Latuda and Abilify.
Is Latuda a better treatment option for me than Abilify or vice versa?
Whether Latuda is a better treatment option for you compared to Abilify will depend on certain factors. Such factors include the condition you’re using the drug to treat and the symptoms you’re having.
For example, if you have bipolar disorder, your doctor may suggest Latuda or Abilify as a treatment option. Whether they’ll recommend one drug or the other depends on the symptoms of bipolar disorder that you have. This is because Latuda is used to treat depressive episodes, while Abilify is used to treat manic and mixed episodes.
But if you have major depressive disorder, your doctor will likely prescribe Abilify instead of Latuda. This is because Abilify is approved to treat this condition, while Latuda is not.
To learn more about whether Latuda or Abilify is a better treatment option for you, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about the differences between these drugs. Your doctor can also determine which treatment may be best for your specific situation.
Does Latuda cause more weight gain than Abilify?
It’s not known whether Latuda may cause more weight gain than Abilify. Studies of Latuda and Abilify did not directly compare weight gain that either drug caused.
One study compared weight gain caused by lurasidone, the active ingredient in Latuda, with weight gain caused by other antipsychotic drugs. Aripiprazole, the active ingredient in Abilify, was one of the antipsychotics that Latuda was compared with.
This study found that lurasidone may cause less weight gain than other antipsychotic drugs in people with schizophrenia. But more studies are needed to know for certain whether Latuda or Abilify causes more weight gain.
If you’re concerned about weight gain during Latuda or Abilify treatment, talk with your doctor.
Can Latuda or Abilify be used for anxiety?
Latuda and Abilify aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety. But in some cases, your doctor may prescribe either of these drugs off-label for this purpose. (With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for by the FDA.)
To learn more about using Latuda or Abilify for anxiety, talk with your doctor. They can recommend the right treatment option for your condition.
You may wonder whether Latuda or Abilify is available as a generic. A generic drug contains an exact copy of the active ingredient in its brand-name version. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
- Latuda:
- Available as a generic: yes
- Active ingredient: lurasidone
- Abilify:
- Available as a generic: yes
- Active ingredient: aripiprazole
If you’ve been prescribed Latuda or Abilify and are interested in taking the generic version instead, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Latuda and Abilify are used to treat certain conditions in adults and some children.
The following table describes which conditions each drug treats in adults.
| Condition treated | Latuda | Abilify |
|---|---|---|
| schizophrenia | ✓ | ✓ |
| depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder | ✓ | |
| manic and mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder | ✓ | |
| major depressive disorder, when taken with an antidepressant drug | ✓ |
To learn more about using Latuda or Abilify to treat your condition, talk with your doctor.
Latuda or Abilify and children
Latuda and Abilify are both used to treat certain conditions in some children.
Latuda may be used to treat schizophrenia in children ages 13 years and older. The drug is also used to treat depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder in children ages 10 years and older.
Abilify may be used to treat these conditions in children:
- schizophrenia in children ages 13 years and older
- manic and mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in children ages 10 years and older
- irritability related to autism spectrum disorder in children ages 6 years and older
- Tourette syndrome in children ages 6 years and older
Latuda and Abilify may cause mild or serious side effects. Keep reading to learn about side effects each drug may cause.
For more information about possible side effects, see these Latuda side effects and Abilify side effects articles.
Mild side effects
Latuda and Abilify may cause mild side effects in some people. The following table lists examples of mild side effects that have been reported with these drugs.
| Latuda | Abilify | |
|---|---|---|
| runny or stuffy nose | ✓ | |
| constipation | ✓ | |
| headache | ✓ | |
| dizziness | ✓ | ✓ |
| akathisia (restlessness or an urgent need to move) | ✓ | ✓ |
| blurred vision | ✓ | ✓ |
| fatigue (low energy) | ✓ | ✓ |
| indigestion | ✓ | ✓ |
| nausea and vomiting | ✓ | ✓ |
| sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction | ✓ | ✓ |
| sleep problems, such as insomnia (trouble sleeping) or sleepiness | ✓ | ✓ |
| tremors | ✓ | ✓ |
| upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold | ✓ | ✓ |
This table may not include all mild side effects of these drugs. For more information on mild side effects of the two drugs, see the prescribing information for Latuda and Abilify.
Serious side effects
In addition to the mild side effects just described, serious side effects may occur in people taking Latuda or Abilify. See the following table for a list of possible serious side effects these drugs may cause.
| Latuda | Abilify | |
|---|---|---|
| high blood levels of prolactin (a hormone that helps regulate sperm production and menstrual cycles) | ✓ | |
| uncontrollable urges to do certain activities, such as shopping or eating | ✓ | |
| risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people | ✓ | ✓ |
| risk of death in certain older adults | ✓ | ✓ |
| changes in metabolism, which may lead to high cholesterol, diabetes, or weight gain | ✓ | ✓ |
| changes in mood or mental health, such as agitation and anxiety | ✓ | ✓ |
| low levels of certain white blood cells | ✓ | ✓ |
| involuntary movements that occur with conditions such as extrapyramidal disorder and tardive dyskinesia | ✓ | ✓ |
| neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare but serious reaction to antipsychotic drugs such as Latuda and Abilify) | ✓ | ✓ |
| orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure after standing), which may lead to falls | ✓ | ✓ |
| seizures | ✓ | ✓ |
| trouble coordinating movements or thinking clearly | ✓ | ✓ |
| trouble regulating your body temperature | ✓ | ✓ |
| trouble swallowing | ✓ | ✓ |
| allergic reaction | ✓ | ✓ |
Latuda and Abilify have a boxed warning for risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people and risk of death in certain older adults. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “What are the warnings of Latuda and Abilify?” section.
Your doctor can tell you more about your risk of serious side effects with Latuda or Abilify.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Here you’ll find a dosage overview for Latuda and Abilify and how you’ll take either drug for the conditions they both treat. The strength of both drugs is listed in milligrams (mg).
Abilify is also used to treat other conditions in certain situations, but the dosages for these uses aren’t addressed here.
To learn more about the dosing details for these drugs, see these Latuda dosage and Abilify dosage articles.
Dosage for schizophrenia
Here are the dosages of Latuda and Abilify when used for schizophrenia.
| Latuda for schizophrenia | Abilify for schizophrenia | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | tablet that you swallow | tablet that you swallow |
| Strengths | • 20 mg • 40 mg • 60 mg • 80 mg • 120 mg | • 2 mg • 5 mg • 10 mg • 15 mg • 20 mg • 30 mg |
| Dose | depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes for you | depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes for you |
| How often to take | once per day | once per day |
Dosage for bipolar disorder
Here are the dosages of Latuda and Abilify for treating bipolar disorder.
| Latuda for bipolar disorder | Abilify for bipolar disorder | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | tablet that you swallow | tablet that you swallow |
| Strengths | • 20 mg • 40 mg • 60 mg • 80 mg • 120 mg | • 2 mg • 5 mg • 10 mg • 15 mg • 20 mg • 30 mg |
| Dose | depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes for you | depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes for you |
| How often to take | once per day | once per day |
You may wonder whether Latuda and Abilify are effective at treating your condition.
Latuda and Abilify have both been found to be effective in helping treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines for schizophrenia treatment also recommend Latuda and Abilify.
Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering these drugs. Keep in mind that what you’ll pay for either Latuda or Abilify will depend on your treatment plan, health insurance, and the pharmacy you use.
Latuda and Abilify are both brand-name drugs. Each also has a generic form. You’ll usually pay more for brand-name drugs than for generics. If you’re interested in using the generic form of Latuda or Abilify, talk with your doctor.
For other resources that might help you save on the price of these drugs, see these Latuda cost and Abilify cost articles.
Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.
Latuda and Abilify may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These may be referred to as warnings.
The two drugs share some of the same warnings, but they also have different ones. Some of these warnings are mentioned here. Before you start using Latuda or Abilify, be sure to talk with your doctor to see if these warnings apply to you.
Boxed warnings
Latuda and Abilify have the same boxed warnings. These are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people: Medications used to treat depression, such as Latuda and Abilify, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This risk is higher for children and adults ages 24 years and younger, regardless of the condition these drugs are prescribed to treat.
Latuda is used to treat depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults and in children ages 10 years and older. Abilify is used to treat major depressive disorder (also called depression) in adults. But Abilify is not approved to treat depression in children.
Regardless of your age, while taking Latuda or Abilify, you should watch for new or worsening suicidal thoughts or behaviors. You may want to ask close friends or family to watch for changes in your mood or behavior, too. Symptoms to watch include mood changes such as anger, irritability, hostility, and agitation.
Tell your doctor right away if you have these symptoms while taking Latuda or Abilify. If you have thoughts of harming yourself while taking Latuda or Abilify, call 911, 988, or your local emergency number immediately.
Risk of death in certain older adults: Antipsychotic drugs may increase the risk of death in certain older adults (ages 65 years and older). Latuda and Abilify are both antipsychotic drugs.
This risk affects older adults with psychosis related to dementia. (Psychosis is a mental health condition that causes delusions or hallucinations. Dementia is a mental health condition that causes problems with memory, thinking, and communication.)
When they were used to treat psychosis related to dementia, antipsychotics have increased the risk of a fatal stroke in older adults in some cases. Symptoms of stroke can include headache and confusion. Stroke may also cause weakness in your face, arm, or leg (usually on one side of your body).
Because of these risks, doctors typically will not prescribe Latuda or Abilify for older adults with psychosis related to dementia. Instead, they’ll recommend safer treatment options.
Other warnings
In addition to boxed warnings, Latuda and Abilify have other warnings.
Before using Latuda or Abilify, talk with your doctor if any of the following conditions or health factors apply to you.
- Warnings for both Latuda and Abilify:
- if you’ve had an allergic reaction to either drug or any of its ingredients
- if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- if you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
- if you have Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease
- if you have a low level of white blood cells
- if you have diabetes
- if you have seizures
- if you have cholesterol problems, blood pressure problems, or heart problems such as heart failure
- Additional warning for Latuda:
- if you have a kidney or liver problem
- have or have had high prolactin levels
The short answer: It’s possible, in certain situations.
Details: Latuda and Abilify both belong to a group of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. If you take either of these drugs for schizophrenia, you may be able to switch from one to the other.
Whether you can switch between Latuda and Abilify for bipolar disorder depends on the symptoms of your condition. This is because Latuda is used to treat depressive episodes of bipolar disorder, while Abilify is used to treat manic and mixed episodes. Your doctor can tell you whether your specific symptoms make it possible to switch from one drug to the other.
Reminder: You should not switch drugs or stop your current treatment unless your doctor recommends it.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.