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