aripiprazole
Aripiprazole (Abilify) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat different mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. It works by balancing certain chemicals in the brain to help control thoughts, mood, and behaviors. It's available in many dosage forms, including an oral tablet, solution, and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that can be used in adults and children as young as 6 years old for certain conditions. Common side effects include headache, movement problems, and sleep problems.
What is Aripiprazole (Abilify)?
What is Aripiprazole (Abilify) used for?
- Schizophrenia
- Tourette syndrome in children
- Bipolar I disorder
- Depression (add-on treatment)
- Irritability associated with autistic disorder in children
How Aripiprazole (Abilify) works
Aripiprazole (Abilify) is an atypical antipsychotic. It affects dopamine and serotonin activity in your brain, which might help control your thoughts, mood, and behaviors.
Drug facts
More on Aripiprazole (Abilify) essentials
Side effects of Aripiprazole (Abilify)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Headache (27%)
- Agitation (19%)
- Trouble sleeping (18%)
- Anxiety (17%)
- Nausea (15%)
- Vomiting (11%)
- Constipation (11%)
- Dizziness (10%)
- Trouble staying still (10%)
Note: Side effects were reported by adults who took aripiprazole in clinical studies for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Less Common Side Effects
- Heartburn
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
- Sleepiness
- Uncontrolled muscle and limb movements
- Tremor
- Extreme sleepiness
- Weight gain
Aripiprazole (Abilify) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): fever, sweating, confusion, stiffness, and changes in blood pressure
- Impulse control problems: gambling, shopping, binge eating, engaging in sexual activity
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Seizures
- Trouble swallowing
- Stroke
- Uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue, or other body parts
- Low white blood cell count
More on Aripiprazole (Abilify) side effects
The following Aripiprazole (Abilify) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Difficulty with speaking
loss of balance control
muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness
restlessness
shuffling walk
stiffness of the limbs
twisting movements of the body
uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back
Less common
Blurred vision
dizziness
headache
inability to move the eyes
increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid
nervousness
pounding in the ears
slow or fast heartbeat
sticking out the tongue
trouble with breathing or swallowing
unusual facial expressions
Rare
High fever
high or low blood pressure
increased sweating
lip smacking or puckering
loss of bladder control
muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
puffing of the cheeks
rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue
seizures
severe muscle stiffness
sudden loss of consciousness
tiredness
uncontrolled chewing movements
uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs
unusually pale skin
Incidence not known
Hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
itching, puffiness, or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
redness of the skin
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
belching
blurred vision
difficulty having a bowel movement
fear
hyperventilation
inability to sit still
indigestion
irritability
lightheadedness
need to keep moving
nervousness
rash
shaking
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
trouble sleeping
Less common
Accidental injury
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
body aches or pain
congestion
difficulty with moving
dryness or soreness of the throat
hoarseness
increased appetite
increased salivation
joint pain
muscle aching or cramping
muscle pains or stiffness
rapid weight gain
swollen joints
tender, swollen glands in the neck
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual weight gain or loss
voice changes
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Pros
- Only taken once a day
- Available in a liquid and dissolvable tablet for people who have trouble swallowing pills
- Less likely to cause weight gain than most other antipsychotics
- Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
- Can make you feel restless
- Risk of movement problems that can be permanent
- Can raise blood sugar and cholesterol
- Can take several weeks to see the full effects
Pharmacist tips for Aripiprazole (Abilify)
- You can take aripiprazole (Abilify) with or without food since food won't affect how well it works for you. Try to take your dose at the same time every day.
- Aripiprazole (Abilify) can make it harder for your body to cool down. Drink lots of water during and after working out, and don't stay in the sun for too long to avoid getting dehydrated.
- Aripiprazole (Abilify) can raise your blood sugar levels and cholesterol, though it's less likely to do so as compared to other similar medications. Your healthcare provider might recommend you have regular labs done to check for any changes.
- Aripiprazole (Abilify) can cause uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue, or other body parts, though it's less likely to do so as compared to older antipsychotic medications. Talk to your healthcare provider if you find that you are making involuntary facial expressions, including blinking your eyes or sticking out your tongue.
- Many other medications can interact with aripiprazole (Abilify), so make sure you tell your pharmacist about all the medications and supplements you take beforehand.
Additional tips for the oral solution
- Aripiprazole (Abilify) oral solution contains sugar. Ask your provider if this is a safe option if you have problems with high blood sugar.
- The oral solution should be used within 6 months after it's been opened, but not past the expiration date on the bottle. Don't use this medication past the expiration date.
- Store aripiprazole (Abilify) at room temperature.
- Only use the measuring spoon or syringe provided by your pharmacist. Don't use household spoons to measure your dose of aripiprazole (Abilify), because this could cause you to take too much or too little medication.
Common questions about Aripiprazole (Abilify)
In general, you might start to notice your symptoms improving within about 1 to 2 weeks after starting aripiprazole (Abilify). But depending on what you're taking aripiprazole (Abilify) for, you might need to take it for 1-2 months (or longer) to see maximum benefits. Keep in mind that each person can respond to aripiprazole (Abilify) differently, and it might take a while before you and your provider find a dose that works best for you. Talk with your provider if you're not sure whether aripiprazole (Abilify) is working.
Aripiprazole (Abilify), like other atypical antipsychotic medications, can cause weight gain as a side effect. But the risk of weight gain from aripiprazole (Abilify) is lower than other similar medications. To limit weight gain from aripiprazole (Abilify), it's best to eat a healthy diet and try to exercise for at least 20 minutes a day. Talk with your provider if you have questions about aripiprazole (Abilify) and weight gain.
Yes, taking aripiprazole (Abilify) can make you feel sleepy. But this side effect is less common compared to some others, like trouble falling asleep or restlessness. You're more likely to experience sleepiness if you're taking a higher dose of aripiprazole (Abilify). This side effect also tends to be more common in children. To be safe, when you first start taking aripiprazole (Abilify), don't drive or do anything that needs a lot of focus until you know how this medication affects you. If you're feeling too sleepy to get through the day, consider taking your dose in the evening or talk with your provider about other options.
Aripiprazole (Abilify) isn't FDA-approved to treat anxiety. Research suggests that some atypical antipsychotic medications might help with anxiety. But clinical studies show that up to 17% of adults who took aripiprazole (Abilify) for schizophrenia or bipolar mania reported anxiety as a side effect. Because the results are mixed, more research is needed in this area. If you notice your anxiety getting worse while taking this medication, let your healthcare provider know.
It's not a good idea to drink alcohol while taking aripiprazole (Abilify). This is because combining the two can lead to more side effects, like drowsiness. Alcohol can also make certain conditions worse, like schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. It's best to avoid alcohol while you're taking aripiprazole (Abilify).
If you're pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, talk with your provider before taking aripiprazole (Abilify). Overall, research shows that babies born to mothers who took atypical antipsychotic medications didn't experience higher rates of birth defects than those born to mothers who didn't. But babies exposed to these medications, including aripiprazole (Abilify), during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for movement problems after delivery. If you have any concerns, you're recommended to talk with your provider about the risks and benefits of taking aripiprazole (Abilify) while pregnant.
No, aripiprazole (Abilify) isn't a controlled substance. It isn't known to have potential for addiction or misuse.
Mood stabilizers refer to a group of medications used to treat bipolar disorder. Aripiprazole (Abilify) isn't classified as a mood stabilizer. But rather, it's an atypical antipsychotic that's FDA-approved to treat manic and mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder. Sometimes, providers prescribe it together with a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder.
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Risks and warnings for Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Aripiprazole (Abilify) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
- Risk factors: Older adults with dementia-related psychosis
There is a higher risk of death in people over 65 years old with dementia taking medications like aripiprazole (Abilify) to treat psychosis. Aripiprazole (Abilify) isn't approved for treatment of people with dementia-related psychosis.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Taking antipsychotic medications like aripiprazole (Abilify) can cause a rare, but life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Symptoms include fever, sweating, stiff muscles, confusion, not aware of your surroundings, and fast or irregular heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking aripiprazole (Abilify), get medical attention as soon as possible. Your provider will likely have you stop taking aripiprazole (Abilify) and switch you to something else.
High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
Aripiprazole (Abilify) can cause high blood sugar or diabetes, high cholesterol, and weight gain. These changes might raise your risk of heart disease and stroke. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks and preventive measures you can take.
Difficulty controlling movements
- Risk factors: Older adults | Female and 65 years or older | Higher than recommended doses of aripiprazole (Abilify) | Taking aripiprazole (Abilify) for a long time
Long-term use of aripiprazole (Abilify) has been associated with tardive dyskinesia, a condition where you feel constantly restless and being unable to sit still. This can be permanent if it's not caught in time. Symptoms can include lip smacking, grimacing, and unusual eye blinking. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if this happens.
Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
- Risk factors: low blood pressure | Older adults
Aripiprazole (Abilify) can cause changes in your blood pressure, which can put you at risk for dizziness and falls. Be very careful the first few days you're taking aripiprazole (Abilify) when you're getting up from sitting or lying down for a while, because you might feel dizzy and possibly fall. If you experience a fall while taking aripiprazole (Abilify), contact your provider.
Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
- Risk factors: Poor immune system
Though rare, aripiprazole (Abilify) can lower your white blood cell counts (WBCs) and put you at risk for developing infections. You might need to get blood tests done regularly during the first few months of taking aripiprazole (Abilify) so your provider can make sure your WBCs are in a safe range. If your WBC count drops too low, you'll likely need to stop taking aripiprazole (Abilify). If you develop any signs of infection, such as fever, tiredness, chills, cough, or trouble breathing, and they don't go away, contact your provider right away.
Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
- Risk factors: Taking high doses of aripiprazole (Abilify) | Age 65 years or older | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that can cause sleepiness
Aripiprazole (Abilify) can cause extreme sleepiness and lower your ability to think, react, and focus. Your risk is higher if you're also taking other medications that can cause drowsiness, such as benzodiazepines, anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, and sleep medications. Make sure you know how this medication affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you feel too sleepy from aripiprazole (Abilify).
Seizures
- Risk factors: History of seizures | Health conditions that make it easier to get seizures
Aripiprazole (Abilify) can make you more likely to have seizures. Before starting this medication, let your provider know if you have a history of seizures or have a medical condition that puts you at risk for getting seizures.
Impulse-control problems
Aripiprazole (Abilify) can cause you to develop problems with impulse control, leading to behaviors like compulsive gambling, eating, shopping, and sex. Your provider might lower your dose or stop the medication altogether if you have impulse-control problems while taking aripiprazole (Abilify).
Aripiprazole (Abilify) dosage
Typical dosage for Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Note: Aripiprazole (Abilify) comes in brand-name and generic medications, as well as different formulations like tablets, fast-melting tablets, and oral solutions. Not all forms are FDA-approved to treat the same conditions and one can't be used in place of another, unless directed by your provider.
-
Schizophrenia
- Adults: The typical starting dose is 10 mg to 15 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider might raise your dose every 2 weeks, as needed. The maximum dose is 30 mg per day.
- Children ages 13 to 17 years old: The typical starting dose is 2 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider will raise the dose every few days as needed. The typical recommended dose is 10 mg once daily. The maximum dose is 30 mg daily.
-
Bipolar I disorder
- Adults: The typical starting dose is 10 mg to 15 mg by mouth once daily, depending on whether or not you're also taking other medications for this condition. The typical recommended dose is 15 mg once daily. The maximum dose is 30 mg daily.
- Children age 10 to 17 years old: The typical starting dose is 2 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider will raise the dose every few days as needed. The typical recommended dose is 10 mg once daily.
-
Depression
- Adults: The typical starting dose is 2 mg to 5 mg by mouth once daily, as an add-on to other medications. The maximum dose is 15 mg per day.
-
Irritability associated with autistic disorder
- Children ages 6 to 17 years old: The typical starting dose is 2 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider will raise the dose every few days, if needed. The typical recommended dose ranges from 5 mg to 10 mg daily.
-
Tourette syndrome
- Children ages 6 to 18 years old: The typical starting dose is 2 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider will raise the dose every few days to 5 mg to 10 mg daily. The maximum dose is 10 mg per day if you weigh less than 50 kg (110 lbs). The maximum dose is 20 mg per day if you weigh 50 kg (110 lbs) or more.
Aripiprazole (Abilify) can also be given as an injection into the muscles by a healthcare provider in a hospital setting for agitation due to schizophrenia or bipolar mania.
More on Aripiprazole (Abilify) dosage
Interactions between Aripiprazole (Abilify) and other drugs
More on Aripiprazole (Abilify) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Bepridil
- Bromopride
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Fluconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Mesoridazine
- Metoclopramide
- Pimozide
- Piperaquine
- Posaconazole
- Saquinavir
- Sparfloxacin
- Terfenadine
- Thioridazine
- Ziprasidone
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abametapir
- Alfentanil
- Alfuzosin
- Alprazolam
- Amiodarone
- Amisulpride
- Amitriptyline
- Anagrelide
- Apomorphine
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Asenapine
- Astemizole
- Atazanavir
- Azithromycin
- Bedaquiline
- Benzhydrocodone
- Boceprevir
- Bromazepam
- Buprenorphine
- Bupropion
- Buserelin
- Butorphanol
- Calcium Oxybate
- Cannabidiol
- Carbamazepine
- Ceritinib
- Cetirizine
- Chloroquine
- Chlorpromazine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Citalopram
- Clarithromycin
- Clobazam
- Clofazimine
- Clomipramine
- Clozapine
- Cobicistat
- Codeine
- Conivaptan
- Crizotinib
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Dabrafenib
- Dasatinib
- Degarelix
- Delamanid
- Desipramine
- Deslorelin
- Deutetrabenazine
- Dihydrocodeine
- Disopyramide
- Dofetilide
- Dolasetron
- Domperidone
- Donepezil
- Doxepin
- Doxylamine
- Droperidol
- Ebastine
- Efavirenz
- Encorafenib
- Entrectinib
- Enzalutamide
- Eribulin
- Erythromycin
- Escitalopram
- Esketamine
- Famotidine
- Felbamate
- Fentanyl
- Fingolimod
- Flecainide
- Flibanserin
- Fluoxetine
- Formoterol
- Foscarnet
- Fosnetupitant
- Fosphenytoin
- Fostemsavir
- Gabapentin
- Gabapentin Enacarbil
- Galantamine
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Glasdegib
- Gonadorelin
- Goserelin
- Granisetron
- Halofantrine
- Haloperidol
- Histrelin
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Hydroquinidine
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Hydroxyzine
- Ibutilide
- Idelalisib
- Iloperidone
- Imipramine
- Indinavir
- Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
- Itraconazole
- Ivabradine
- Ivosidenib
- Ketamine
- Lapatinib
- Lefamulin
- Lemborexant
- Lenvatinib
- Levocetirizine
- Levofloxacin
- Levorphanol
- Lofexidine
- Lopinavir
- Loxapine
- Lumacaftor
- Lumefantrine
- Macimorelin
- Magnesium Oxybate
- Mefloquine
- Meperidine
- Methadone
- Metronidazole
- Mifepristone
- Milnacipran
- Mirtazapine
- Mitotane
- Mizolastine
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Moxifloxacin
- Nafarelin
- Nalbuphine
- Nefazodone
- Nelfinavir
- Netupitant
- Nilotinib
- Norfloxacin
- Octreotide
- Ofloxacin
- Olanzapine
- Ondansetron
- Osilodrostat
- Osimertinib
- Oxaliplatin
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Ozanimod
- Paliperidone
- Panobinostat
- Paroxetine
- Pasireotide
- Pazopanib
- Pentamidine
- Periciazine
- Perphenazine
- Phenytoin
- Pimavanserin
- Pipamperone
- Pitolisant
- Ponesimod
- Potassium Oxybate
- Pregabalin
- Probucol
- Procainamide
- Prochlorperazine
- Promethazine
- Propafenone
- Protriptyline
- Quetiapine
- Quinidine
- Quinine
- Ranolazine
- Remifentanil
- Remimazolam
- Ribociclib
- Rifampin
- Rilpivirine
- Risperidone
- Ritonavir
- Selpercatinib
- Sertindole
- Sertraline
- Sevoflurane
- Siponimod
- Sodium Oxybate
- Sodium Phosphate
- Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic
- Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic
- Solifenacin
- Sorafenib
- Sotalol
- St John's Wort
- Sufentanil
- Sulpiride
- Sunitinib
- Tacrolimus
- Tamoxifen
- Tapentadol
- Telaprevir
- Telavancin
- Telithromycin
- Terbinafine
- Tetrabenazine
- Tolterodine
- Toremifene
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Triclabendazole
- Trimipramine
- Triptorelin
- Vandetanib
- Vardenafil
- Vemurafenib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilanterol
- Vinflunine
- Voclosporin
- Voriconazole
- Vorinostat
- Zuclopenthixol
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