Over 40 million adults experience mental illness each year. If you’re in need of help with your mental health, you’re not alone. There’s no shame in seeking out therapy and prescription medications.
But how do you find the right medication for you? Where do you even start?
You’re already on the right track by doing your research online, and we’re here to help by comparing two similar mental health medications for you. Read on to learn all about Latuda vs Abilify to learn what makes them similar and different.
What They’re For
Both Latuda and Abilify are prescribed for similar conditions. They’re both mental health medications called “atypical antipsychotics.” They can both treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They may also be add-on drugs for depression in combination with other medications, especially if the depression is the result of bipolar disorder.
While Latuda can be for any type of bipolar disorder, doctors prefer to use Abilify if the patient has bipolar I. Doctors also use Abilify for Tourettes syndrome in children, as well as irritability in children who have autism. These are not common uses for Latuda.
If your condition is covered by both types of medications, talk to your doctor about which would be right for you. They’ll teach you more about Latuda, Abilify, and any other options you may have.
Medication Side Effects
Medication side effects are common. Because Latuda and Abilify are similar medications, they have similar side effects with a few key differences.
Both medications can cause side effects such as weight gain, sedation, and restlessness. They may also cause nausea and headaches.
Both medications also have risks of causing more serious issues, such as seizures, changes in blood pressure, and even neurological symptoms, especially in patients with other pre-existing conditions.
Patients taking Abilify report more side effects than those taking Latuda, however, it’s important to note that all bodies are different. Patients taking Latuda report additional side effects such as vomiting, dizziness, irritability, anxiety, and constipation.
If you start taking one of these medications and find that the side effects are too much to handle, consider asking your doctor for an alternative.
How They’re Taken
Latuda is only available as a tablet. Tablets are easy to take and incredibly common, so for most patients, this is not an issue.
Abilify, on the other hand, provides patients with more options. Patients can take standard tablets, dissolvable tablets, and even liquid medication. This makes Abilify a better option for patients who struggle to swallow pills.
Latuda vs Abilify: Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing between Latuda vs Abilify, there are so many factors that will go into your decision. What works well for someone else may not be the right option for you.
The best thing to do is to do your research and talk with your doctor about your needs and concerns. Together, you can go through the trial and error process to find the right medication for you.
Are you interested in more helpful health content? Don’t forget to check out the rest of the site.
