{"id":630023,"date":"2024-10-08T15:33:10","date_gmt":"2024-10-08T19:33:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630023"},"modified":"2025-09-12T11:16:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T15:16:46","slug":"latuda-vs-zyprexa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/latuda-vs-zyprexa\/","title":{"rendered":"Latuda vs. Zyprexa: Differences, similarities & side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Latuda<\/span><\/a> (lurasidone) and <\/span>Zyprexa<\/span><\/a> (olanzapine) are brand-name antipsychotic medications. Latuda is used for treating schizophrenia and bipolar depression. Zyprexa is used for managing schizophrenia and manic episodes of bipolar disorder. It can also be combined with antidepressants to treat depression or bipolar depression. Both medications work by affecting certain brain chemicals called dopamine and serotonin. However, Latuda and Zyprexa are not exactly the same. Continue reading to learn more about these medicines.<\/span><\/p>\n

Latuda vs. Zyprexa: Key differences<\/span><\/h2>\n

Antipsychotic medications<\/span><\/a> manage conditions related to psychosis, such as <\/span>schizophrenia<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>bipolar disorder<\/span><\/a>, and delirium. These medications are typically prescribed by psychiatrists, who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. There are two main types of antipsychotics.<\/span><\/p>\n

First-generation antipsychotics<\/b> (<\/span>typical antipsychotics<\/span><\/a>), such as Haldol (<\/span>haloperidol<\/span><\/a>), were the earliest developed and are less commonly used today due to their more bothersome side effects compared to newer medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Second-generation antipsychotics<\/b> (<\/span>atypical antipsychotics<\/span><\/a>) are now more commonly prescribed for psychosis. They tend to have fewer side effects than first-generation options. Latuda and Zyprexa are both atypical antipsychotics. Other examples include <\/span>Abilify<\/span><\/a> (aripiprazole), <\/span>Caplyta<\/span><\/a> (lumateperone), Clozaril (<\/span>clozapine<\/span><\/a>), <\/span>Fanapt<\/span><\/a> (iloperidone), <\/span>Geodon<\/span><\/a> (ziprasidone), <\/span>Invega<\/span><\/a> (paliperidone), <\/span>Risperdal<\/span><\/a> (risperidone), <\/span>Rexulti<\/span><\/a> (brexpiprazole), <\/span>Saphris<\/span><\/a> (asenapine), <\/span>Seroquel<\/span><\/a> (quetiapine), and <\/span>Vraylar<\/span><\/a> (cariprazine).<\/span><\/p>\n

Although Zyprexa and Latuda are in the same drug class and come in both brand and generic versions, they have a few key differences, including their active ingredients and dosage forms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Latuda vs. Zyprexa key differences<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nLatuda<\/b><\/td>\nZyprexa<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nSecond-generation antipsychotic; atypical antipsychotic<\/span><\/td>\nSecond-generation antipsychotic; atypical antipsychotic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nLurasidone\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOlanzapine\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral tablets: <\/span>20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg<\/span><\/td>\nOral tablets (Zyprexa): <\/span>2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

Orally disintegrating tablets (<\/span>Zyprexa Zydis<\/span><\/a>): 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

Injection (<\/span>Zyprexa Relprevv<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries by indication<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Schizophrenia: 40 to 160 mg by mouth once daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Bipolar depression: 20 to 120 mg by mouth once daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Should always be taken with at least 350 calories of food for optimal absorption<\/span><\/td>\n

Varies by indication; a <\/span>typical dose<\/span><\/a> is 5 to 20 mg by mouth once daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Can be taken with or without food<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nLong-term<\/span><\/td>\nLong-term<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adolescents (for some uses)<\/span><\/td>\n

Adults\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adolescents (for some uses)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Latuda vs. Zyprexa: Conditions treated<\/span><\/h2>\n

Latuda is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adult and adolescent patients (13\u201317 years old) with <\/span>schizophrenia<\/span><\/a>. It can also be used alone to treat bipolar depression associated with bipolar I disorder in adults and pediatric patients ages 10\u201317 years old. It can be used in combination with lithium or valproate in adults with bipolar depression.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zyprexa is FDA approved to treat schizophrenia in adults and adolescents 13\u201317 years old. It can be used to treat acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder as well as maintenance treatment of <\/span>bipolar I disorder<\/span><\/a> in adults and adolescents 13 years and older. The table below outlines the FDA-approved uses for each medication.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Latuda vs. Zyprexa conditions treated<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nLatuda<\/b><\/td>\nZyprexa<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Schizophrenia\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bipolar depression\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes (associated with bipolar I disorder)<\/span><\/td>\nYes (when used as a combination medicine called <\/span>Symbyax<\/span><\/a> that contains both olanzapine and <\/span>fluoxetine<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Acute treatment of manic episodes or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes (adults and adolescents), can be used alone or in combination with a mood stabilizer such as valproate or lithium<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Add-on medication to antidepressants such as Prozac (fluoxetine) to treat depression<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nYes (Symbyax)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Acute agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar I mania<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nYes (injection only)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Is Zyprexa better than Latuda?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There is not a lot of data comparing the two drugs directly. In <\/span>one study<\/span><\/a> comparing Latuda and Zyprexa, both medicines significantly improved symptoms in patients with schizophrenia during a six-week period. In a six-month extension study, Latuda maintained these improvements and showed benefits like sustained symptom control, reduced weight gain, and better cholesterol levels compared to Zyprexa. Switching from Zyprexa to Latuda led to further improvements in weight and cholesterol levels, though there was a slight increase in a movement disorder called akathisia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>meta-analysis published in 2019<\/span><\/a> reviewed 32 oral antipsychotics, including Latuda and Zyprexa, to compare the efficacy and side effects. <\/span>Latuda was found to have a minimal effect on heart rhythm, suggesting a lower risk for this cardiac side effect. Zyprexa was associated with an average weight gain of about 7 pounds, indicating a higher likelihood of weight-related issues. Latuda, on the other hand, was linked to less weight gain. Both medications were effective in reducing symptoms of schizophrenia compared to placebo (inactive medicine).<\/span><\/p>\n

A more recent <\/span>meta-analysis published in 2024<\/span><\/a> evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of five FDA-approved atypical antipsychotics for acute bipolar depression. Among the five drugs studied, all were more effective than placebo in improving depressive symptoms. Both Latuda and Zyprexa were effective, but Zyprexa was associated with significant weight gain and increases in total cholesterol and triglycerides. In contrast, Latuda was associated with less weight gain and fewer metabolic side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because treatment is individualized to each patient based on many individual factors, it is important to discuss the best treatment options for your condition with your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Latuda vs. Zyprexa: Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare prescription plans, such as Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans, typically cover Latuda and Zyprexa. However, the copays and out-of-pocket expenses can differ depending on your plan. Choosing brand-name medications might result in higher costs or limited coverage compared with generic drugs. For the most accurate pricing information, contact your insurance provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without insurance or discounts, the cost of a one-month supply of brand-name Latuda is approximately $1,863. Using a <\/span>SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a> for generic lurasidone can reduce this cost to as low as $22.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Without insurance, a one-month supply of brand-name Zyprexa costs about $573, but a <\/span>SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a> for generic olanzapine can lower the price to as little as $10. Drug prices fluctuate and vary by pharmacy, so these prices are just estimates.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Latuda vs. Zyprexa cost & coverage<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nLatuda<\/b><\/td>\nZyprexa<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/span><\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/span><\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n30, 20 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n30, 5 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost*<\/b><\/td>\n$22 (generic)<\/span><\/td>\n$10 (generic)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
*Drug prices fluctuate and vary by pharmacy.<\/span><\/h5>\n

Save on schizophrenia medication<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Latuda vs. Zyprexa side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)<\/span><\/a> refer to a range of movement disorders often associated with antipsychotic medications. These symptoms can occur in several ways, including:<\/span><\/p>\n