Abilify vs. Invega
See how Abilify and Invega compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
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
Invega
Abilify vs. Invega Dosage
Abilify
Invega
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.