Abilify vs. Invega

See how Abilify and Invega compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Linda Girgis | MD

Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 21st, 2026.

Key Takeaways

  • Both Abilify and Invega are oral atypical antipsychotics that carry the same boxed warning about increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, a use neither drug is approved for.

  • Abilify (aripiprazole) is FDA-approved for more conditions than Invega, including bipolar I disorder, depression add-on therapy, autism-related irritability, and Tourette's disorder.

  • Generic aripiprazole tablets typically cost far less than Invega, though Invega offers a wider range of long-acting injectable options, including doses given every 3 or 6 months.

Abilify vs. Invega Drug Summary

Abilify

Abilify (aripiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and several other psychiatric conditions. It is taken as a once-daily oral tablet, usually starting at 10 to 15 mg and adjusted based on response. It is also available as long-acting injections given monthly or every two months.

Invega

Invega (paliperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It is taken as a once-daily extended-release tablet, usually starting at 6 mg and adjusted in 3 mg steps. It is also available as long-acting injections given monthly, every three months, or every six months.

Abilify vs. Invega Side Effects

Abilify

Most common
Headache (up to 27%)
Insomnia (up to 18%)
Akathisia (up to 8%)
Nausea (up to 14%)

Invega

Most common
Headache (up to 10%)
Insomnia (up to 15%)
Akathisia (up to 12%)
Extrapyramidal symptoms (up to 13%)

Abilify vs. Invega Dosage

Abilify

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 10-15 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 30 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 3 increases As tolerated

Invega

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 3 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 12 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 3 increases As tolerated

Abilify vs. Invega Indications

Abilify

Abilify is FDA-approved for schizophrenia in adults and adolescents, bipolar I disorder, and irritability linked to autism. It is also used as an add-on for major depressive disorder and to treat tics from Tourette's disorder. It is not approved for psychosis related to dementia in older adults.

  • Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents (13-17)

  • Bipolar I disorder, manic or mixed episodes

  • Add-on therapy for major depressive disorder

  • Irritability with autism spectrum disorder (6-17)

Invega

Invega is FDA-approved for schizophrenia in adults and adolescents ages 12 to 17. It is also approved for schizoaffective disorder in adults, either alone or alongside mood stabilizers or antidepressants. Like Abilify, it is not approved for dementia-related psychosis.

  • Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents (12-17)

  • Schizoaffective disorder as monotherapy

  • Schizoaffective disorder as an adjunct to mood stabilizers or antidepressants

  • Not approved for bipolar disorder, though sometimes used off-label

Abilify vs. Invega Pros and Cons

Abilify

Abilify has a broader set of FDA-approved uses than Invega and is widely available as a low-cost generic tablet. Its tolerability profile tends to favor less weight gain and prolactin elevation, though it carries its own restlessness-related side effects.

Pros

  • Available as an inexpensive generic, often $10 to $150 per month without insurance, far less than Invega

  • Lower risk of significant weight gain and prolactin elevation than many other antipsychotics, including Invega

  • FDA-approved for more conditions, including bipolar disorder, depression add-on, autism irritability, and Tourette's

  • Can be taken without regard to meals and doesn't require kidney-based dose adjustments

Cons

  • Carries a higher risk of akathisia, restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia than some other antipsychotics

  • Requires dose titration and periodic reassessment across several tablet strengths

  • More drug interaction concerns tied to liver enzyme metabolism (CYP2D6/3A4)

  • Fewer long-acting injectable interval options than Invega, limited to monthly or every-two-month dosing

Invega

Invega offers a simpler fixed-dose tablet without a titration schedule and the widest range of long-acting injectable intervals of any antipsychotic. That convenience comes with a narrower list of approved uses and a higher typical price tag than generic Abilify.

Pros

  • Fixed-dose tablet with no titration schedule needed, unlike Abilify's stepwise increases

  • Widest range of long-acting injectable intervals available: monthly, every 3 months, or every 6 months

  • Not dependent on CYP2D6/3A4 liver enzymes, so blood levels are more predictable across patients

  • Once-daily dosing with fewer drug interaction concerns tied to liver metabolism

Cons

  • Typically costs $400 to $4,200 per month depending on dose, without the low-cost generic options available for Abilify

  • Requires dose adjustments based on kidney function and isn't recommended with significant renal impairment

  • Higher risk of prolactin-related side effects and extrapyramidal symptoms than aripiprazole

  • Approved for fewer conditions than Abilify, covering only schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

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