Abilify Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: aripiprazole (ah rih PIP rah zole)

Brand name: Abilify ®

Pronounced: (a-BILL-i-fie)

Abilify is a type of medicine called an atypical antipsychotic. It is used to treat schizophrenia. Abilify tablets are available in 2-mg, 5-mg, 10-mg, 15-mg, 20-mg, and 30-mg strengths. Abilify is not for use in psychotic conditions that are related to dementia.It is thought that its beneficial effect is due to its effects on dopamine and serotonin receptors. The way in which aripiprazole works is not fully understood, however, it does work in a slightly different way to other antipsychotic medicines. Abilify has caused fatal heart attack and stroke in older adults with dementia-related conditions. Aripiprazole works by acting on various receptors in the brain, particularly dopamine receptors and serotonin (5HT) receptors. It has also recently received FDA approval for the treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It is also being studied for the treatment of acute mania in bipolar disorder .

Abilify Dosage:

• Aripiprazole usually is taken once a day.
• The usual starting dose is 10 or 15 mg once daily. The dose may be increased over time to achieve the desired effect.
• The doctor will wait at least 2 weeks before prescribing an increased dosage.

Uses of Abilify:

• Abilify is used to treat schizophrenia.
• Aripiprazole is also being studied for the treatment of acute mania in bipolar disorder .
• Aripiprazole helps manage positive symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions, and thought disturbances) as well as negative symptoms (e.g., social withdrawal, inability to experience pleasure, and blunted affect) of schizophrenia.
• It may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
• Acute manic and mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder.

Side Effects of Abilify:

The following side effects of Abilify may includes:

• Rigid muscles.
• Shaking.
• Confusion.
• Sweating.
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• More serious side effects may include diabetes, high cholesterol and triglycerides, or neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
• Problems sleeping. 
• Lightheadedness (dizziness). 
• Weakness.
• Very high fever.
• Abnormal or uncontrollable movements. These may be signs of a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia, which may be permanent.
• Headache.  

Warning and precautions before taking Abilify:

• If you feel sleepy or lightheaded while taking this medicine, these side effects are likely to be made worse by drinking alcohol.
• Drugs such as Abilify can cause the body to overheat. Be cautious in hot weather and when exercising strenuously, and be sure to get plenty of liquids.
• You should not drive or operate hazardous machinery until you know how ABILIFY affects you.
• Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo.
• Abilify may impair judgement, thinking, or motor skills. You should be careful in operating machinery, including automobiles, until you know how Abilify affects you. 
• The risk of tardive dyskinesia increases with the total amount of Abilify that you've taken.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Abilify. 
• Because Abilify tends to make some people sleepy, you should be cautious about operating hazardous machinery such as cars until you are certain the drug will not impair your ability.

Drug Interaction:

• Given the primary CNS effects of aripiprazole, caution should be used when ABILIFY is taken in combination with other centrally acting drugs and alcohol.
• Aripiprazole also does not undergo direct glucuronidation. This suggests that an interaction of aripiprazole with inhibitors or inducers of these enzymes, or other factors, like smoking, is unlikely.
• Due to its a1-adrenergic receptor antagonism, aripiprazole has the potential to enhance the effect of certain antihypertensive agents.

Overdosage:

• If an overdose occurs, whether intentional or accidental, immediate medical attention is necessary. Call your doctor or emergency medical service (911).
• Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
• Symptoms of an Abilify overdose may include drowsiness, agitation, aggression, confusion, fast, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed, Sleepiness, vomiting or fainting.

If you like this page, please post it on: