7 Abilify Alternatives to Consider — Talkspace

Alternative Medications to Abilify

People might want to make changes to their medication or antipsychotic treatment plan for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, there are multiple alternatives to Abilify for depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions. 

1. Vraylar

While Vraylar (cariprazine) is another different medication in the same class of drugs as Abilify, this atypical antipsychotic drug appears to have less severe side effects in some people. Vraylar is prescribed to treat MDD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. 

Although, studies show that Abilify generally isn’t linked to excess weight gain in most people who take it. So, if you aren’t too worried about putting on weight due to an adverse reaction to the antipsychotic drugs you’re on, Vraylar might be a good Abilify alternative.

2. Rexulti

Rexulti (brexpiprazole) is another atypical antipsychotic medicine. It can be a more potent prescription drug than Abilify, so typically, the dosage would be lower. That said, it works the same way Abilify and other antipsychotic drugs do by altering dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. 

Rexulti is FDA-approved to treat schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD). When used for MDD, it’s generally prescribed in combination with other antidepressants. It can also be prescribed to manage agitation linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and it’s sometimes used off-label for bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD).

3. Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant in the class of drugs known as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). It’s generally much cheaper than Abilify, although some studies suggest that Abilify augmentation therapy might be more effective long-term when compared to Wellbutrin combination therapy for depression. That said, it’s important to keep in mind that drug interactions can work differently from person to person.  

4. Celexa

Celexa (citalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Antidepressants in this class of drugs work by preventing the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, raising levels to improve mood and treat depression. 

Celexa can be used to treat stress and anxiety, depression, and postpartum depression in some people. It’s known to cause more side effects than some other SSRIs, so monitoring how you’re reacting to Celexa will be crucial if you decide to try it instead of Abilify.