Abilify vs. Latuda

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

Linda Girgis | MD

Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 23rd, 2026.

Key Takeaways

  • Abilify and Latuda are both atypical antipsychotics used for schizophrenia, but only Latuda is FDA-approved specifically for bipolar depression.

  • Abilify tends to cause more insomnia and restlessness, while Latuda is more likely to cause sleepiness and must be taken with a substantial meal.

  • Generic aripiprazole (Abilify) is one of the least expensive antipsychotics available, while brand Latuda can cost well over $1,000 a month without insurance.

Abilify vs. Latuda Drug Summary

Abilify

Abilify (aripiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic approved for schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and as an add-on for major depressive disorder, plus autism-related irritability and Tourette's disorder in children. It's usually taken as a once-daily tablet, though dissolving tablets, liquid, and long-acting monthly injections are also available.

Latuda

Latuda (lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic approved for schizophrenia and for depressive episodes linked to bipolar I disorder, either alone or combined with lithium or valproate. It's taken once daily as a tablet, and it needs to be taken with a substantial meal for the body to absorb it properly.

Abilify vs. Latuda Side Effects

Abilify

Most common
Nausea (up to 14%)
Akathisia (up to 10%)
Headache (up to 27%)
Insomnia (up to 18%)

Latuda

Most common
Nausea (up to 11%)
Akathisia (up to 15%)
Somnolence (up to 22%)
EPS (up to 9%)

Abilify vs. Latuda Dosage

Abilify

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 10-15 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose Up to 30 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 2 increases As tolerated

Latuda

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 40 mg once daily with food At the start
Maximum dose Up to 160 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 2 increases As tolerated

Abilify vs. Latuda Indications

Abilify

Abilify carries one of the broadest sets of FDA approvals among antipsychotics, covering schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder. It is also approved for irritability linked to autism and for Tourette's disorder in children, uses that Latuda does not share.

  • Schizophrenia (adults and adolescents 13 and older)

  • Bipolar I disorder, manic or mixed episodes (adults and children 10+)

  • Add-on treatment for major depressive disorder (adults)

Latuda

Latuda's approvals are narrower, focused on schizophrenia and depressive episodes tied to bipolar I disorder, given alone or added to lithium or valproate. It is not approved for autism-related irritability, Tourette's disorder, or as an add-on for major depressive disorder outside bipolar illness.

  • Schizophrenia (adults and adolescents 13-17)

  • Depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder, alone (adults and children 10-17)

  • Depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder, added to lithium or valproate (adults)

Abilify vs. Latuda Pros and Cons

Abilify

Abilify's wide range of approvals and multiple formulations, including monthly long-acting injections, make it a flexible first-line choice across ages and diagnoses. It also carries a lower risk of major weight gain than many antipsychotics, though restlessness and sleep changes are common trade-offs.

Pros

  • Approved for autism-related irritability and Tourette's disorder, uses Latuda lacks

  • Available as tablets, dissolving tablets, oral liquid, and monthly long-acting shots

  • Generic aripiprazole often costs $10 to $15 a month with a coupon, without insurance

  • Lower risk of significant weight gain than many other antipsychotics

Cons

  • Akathisia and insomnia are common and can feel activating rather than calming

  • Not approved for treating bipolar depression

  • Carries a distinct warning for compulsive behaviors like gambling or hypersexuality

  • Dose often needs adjusting when combined with certain other medications

Latuda

Latuda's main advantage is its FDA approval for bipolar depression, a use Abilify lacks, along with trial data showing relatively modest rates of some side effects. Needing to take it with a substantial meal and its higher cost compared with generic aripiprazole are practical trade-offs.

Pros

  • FDA-approved specifically for bipolar depression, alone or with lithium or valproate

  • Trial data show lower rates of vomiting and constipation than some antipsychotics

  • Simple once-daily dosing with a clear starting dose for most patients

  • No dose adjustment needed for hormonal birth control taken alongside it

Cons

  • Must be taken with at least 350 calories of food to absorb properly

  • Somnolence and akathisia occur more often than with Abilify in trials

  • No approved use for autism-related irritability or Tourette's disorder

  • List price is often well above $1,000 a month, versus $10 to $15 for generic aripiprazole

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

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