Abilify Generic: What You Need to Know

You may remember commercials for Abilify (aripiprazole) or perhaps you or someone you know takes it. If that’s the case, you should know that there is a generic version of Abilify — aripiprazole — that was approved by the FDA in April 2015. Generic medications usually mean a lower cost to you and better coverage by insurance companies. 

In this article, we’ll review some basic information on Abilify and what you need to know about its generic version, aripiprazole.

What is Abilify used for?

Abilify (aripiprazole) is FDA-approved to treat: 

• Schizophrenia

• Bipolar I disorder

• Depression (as an add-on treatment)

• Irritability associated with autism in children

• Tourette syndrome in children

What should you know about these conditions?

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that often involves people hearing voices or feeling as though others are out to get them. This mental health condition is relatively uncommon, affecting about 0.25% to 0.64% (1 in 150 to 1 in 400) U.S. adults. Bipolar disorder is another mental health condition where a person experiences extreme highs and lows in their mood. Bipolar disorder happens more often, affecting around 4.4% (about 1 in 25) of adults in the U.S. at some point in their lives.

Mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, affect around 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. 

What type of medication is aripiprazole? 

Abilify is classified as a second generation, or atypical, antipsychotic. Atypical antipsychotics are a group of medications that mainly treat mental health conditions. They work by affecting chemicals in the brain that help with symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other conditions.

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Are there other atypical antipsychotics?

Yes. These medications are also considered atypical antipsychotics:

• Clozaril (clozapine)

• Fanapt (iloperidone)

• Geodon (ziprasidone)

• Invega (paliperidone)

• Latuda (lurasidone)

• Risperdal (risperidone)

• Saphris (asenapine)

• Seroquel (quetiapine)

• Zyprexa (olanzapine)

In what dosage forms and strengths is brand-name Abilify available?

Brand-name Abilify is available in several different dosage forms, including oral tablets and an injectable liquid.

Common strengths of oral tablets include: 

• 2 mg

• 5 mg

• 10 mg

• 15 mg

• 20 mg

• 30 mg

Injectable versions (Abilify Maintena) come in 300 mg and 400 mg doses.

There is also a drug-device combination called Abilify Mycite that tracks the medication through your body using an ingestible (swallowable) sensor. Abilify Mycite is available in the same strengths as Abilify oral tablets.

In what strengths and dosage forms are generic Abilify (aripiprazole) available?

Generic aripiprazole tablets are available in the same strengths as brand-name Abilify:

• 2 mg

• 5 mg

• 10 mg

• 15 mg

• 20 mg

• 30 mg

The orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) for generic Abilify are available in 10 mg and 15 mg tablets. And, the oral solution for generic Abilify is available as a 1 mg/mL solution. The ODTs and oral solution are only available as generic medications.

What are some side effects of generic Abilify tablets?

The most common side effects associated with brand-name and generic Abilify include:

• Nausea

• Upset stomach

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Restlessness

• Uncontrollable body movements

• Trouble sleeping

• Anxiety

• Drowsiness

• Weight gain

• Low blood pressure when changing positions

Rare, but possibly serious, side effects may include:

• Stroke, transient ischemic attack (“mini stroke”), or higher risk of death from any cause in older adults with psychosis due to dementia

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially for people under age 25

• High blood sugar and diabetes

• Low blood cell counts

• Seizures or convulsions

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

• Tardive dyskinesia (TD)

• More frequent compulsive behaviors, like gambling

• Higher risk of falls

If you think you’re having a side effect from brand-name or generic Abilify, talk with your healthcare provider. They can help you decide the best way to handle the side effects. 

Do brand-name and generic Abilify work the same? 

Yes, brand-name and generic Abilify work the same. According to the FDA, brand-name and generic medications are interchangeable because they have been proven to have the same effects. Generic medications must undergo a thorough review process by the FDA, and generic Abilify is no exception.

How much does generic Abilify cost?

The average retail price for a 30-day supply of generic Abilify (aripiprazole) 5 mg tablets can cost over $600 without insurance. But with a free GoodRx discount, the cost can be as low as around $4.

Since generic Abilify (aripiprazole) is fairly inexpensive, many insurance companies will likely cover it.
If you need to take brand-name Abilify for a specific reason, it may be much more expensive. But, you can pay as little as $5 per month using a copay card if you have commercial insurance.

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Written by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Edited by:

Samvida Patel, MNSP, INHC

Samvida Patel, MNSP, INHC, is a health editor at GoodRx. She is a nutritionist and integrative nutrition health coach with over 8 years of experience in health communications.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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