
aripiprazole
Aripiprazole (Abilify) is used to treat different mental health conditions. This includes schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar I disorder. It belongs to a drug class called atypical antipsychotics. Aripiprazole (Abilify) comes in several forms that are taken by mouth: a tablet, oral solution, and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT). The approved age depends on the condition being treated. Some uses are for adults only, while others are approved for children as young as 6 years old. Common side effects include headache and movement problems.
What is Aripiprazole (Abilify)?
What is Aripiprazole (Abilify) used for?
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar I disorder
- Depression - add-on treatment for adults
- Irritability related to autistic disorder - for children
- Tourette syndrome - for children
How Aripiprazole (Abilify) works
Aripiprazole (Abilify) is an atypical antipsychotic. It helps balance out the levels of certain chemicals in your brain that help regulate your emotions and thoughts. These mainly include dopamine and serotonin. This helps control your thoughts, mood, and behaviors.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Abilify |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Atypical antipsychotic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Indigestion
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
- Sleepiness
- Uncontrolled muscle and limb movements
- Tremor
- Extreme sleepiness
- Weight gain
Note: Side effects were from adults with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Side effects might differ for other mental health problems and for children.
Aripiprazole (Abilify) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): fever, sweating, confusion, stiffness, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue, or other body parts
- Trouble controlling urges: gambling, shopping, binge eating, sexual urges
- Infection: fever, headache, chills, body aches, cough, weakness
- Seizures
- Trouble swallowing
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
- Taken once a day
- Available as a liquid or dissolvable tablet for people who have trouble swallowing pills
- Lower risk of weight gain than many other antipsychotics
Cons
- Can cause restlessness or make it hard to sit still
- Risk of movement problems that can become permanent
- Can raise blood sugar and cholesterol
Pharmacist tips for Aripiprazole (Abilify)
- Take aripiprazole (Abilify) around the same time every day. You can take it with or without food.
- You might start to notice some improvement within 1 to 2 weeks of taking aripiprazole (Abilify). But it can take a few months to feel the full effects. Keep taking the medication as prescribed even if you don't notice a difference right away. Talk to your prescriber if you're not sure it's working.
- Don't stop taking aripiprazole (Abilify) or change your dose without talking to your prescriber first, even if you feel better. Stopping treatment early can cause your symptoms to come back or get worse.
- Aripiprazole (Abilify) can make it harder for your body to cool down. This can make it easier for you to overheat. Drink lots of water while you work out, afterwards, and on hot days to prevent dehydration.
- Aripiprazole (Abilify) can sometimes make you sleepy or dizzy. It might also sometimes make it hard to think or focus. Don't drive or do anything that requires you to be alert until you know how the medication affects you.
- Tell your prescriber or pharmacist about all the medications you take. Some can change aripiprazole (Abilify) levels in your body. For example, fluoxetine (Prozac) can raise aripiprazole levels and raise your risk of side effects. And certain seizure medications might make aripiprazole (Abilify) work less well. Your prescriber can check for interactions and adjust your aripiprazole (Abilify) if needed.
- If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant: Talk to your prescriber about the risks and benefits of taking aripiprazole (Abilify). Taking it during the third trimester might raise the risk of movement problems or withdrawal symptoms in your baby after birth. If you become pregnant, tell your prescriber and ask about joining the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications.
- If you plan to breastfeed: Talk to your prescriber. Aripiprazole (Abilify) can pass into breast milk and lower your milk supply. If you breastfeed during treatment, watch your baby for signs of dehydration and make sure they're gaining enough weight.
For the aripiprazole oral solution:
- The aripiprazole oral solution contains sugar. If you have high blood sugar or diabetes, ask your prescriber if the liquid is a good option for you.
- Store aripiprazole oral solution at room temperature. After opening the bottle, use it within 6 months or by the expiration date, whichever comes first. Don't use the medication after that date.
- Only use the medication dosing cup, spoon, or oral syringe provided by your pharmacist. Ask the pharmacy for extras if needed. Don't use household spoons to measure the dose. This could make you take too much or too little medication.
For the aripiprazole orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs):
- Don't remove an aripiprazole orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) until you're ready, and don't split it. If it comes in a blister card, peel back the foil to remove the tablet. Don't push it through the foil because it could break.
- Use dry hands to place the tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve. You don't need water to take it, but you can drink some liquid if needed.
More on Aripiprazole (Abilify) tips
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 or stroke in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
Older adults with dementia can sometimes have psychosis. This can include seeing, hearing, or believing things that aren't real. This is called dementia-related psychosis. Studies show that older adults with dementia-related psychosis who take antipsychotics like aripiprazole (Abilify) have a higher risk of death. They might also have a higher risk of stroke.
Aripiprazole (Abilify) isn't approved to treat people with dementia-related psychosis. Tell your prescriber if you or the person you're caring for has dementia before starting this medication.
Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Risk factors: Depression | Bipolar disorder | Schizophrenia | People under 24 taking antidepressants
People with depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia can have thoughts of suicide or self-harm. The risk of suicidal thoughts can also be higher in children, teens, and young adults taking antidepressants. This risk can be higher when treatment starts or the dose changes.
Make sure you and your loved ones watch for changes in your mood or behavior. Tell your prescriber right away if you have worsening depression or unusual changes in your thoughts or mood. Get emergency help right away if you have thoughts of hurting yourself.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Antipsychotic medications like aripiprazole (Abilify) can rarely cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). This is a condition that can be serious or even life-threatening. Signs include high fever, sweating, stiff muscles, confusion, heavy sweating, or an irregular heartbeat. Get medical help right away if you have these symptoms while taking this medication. If your care team thinks you have NMS, they'll stop aripiprazole (Abilify) and treat your symptoms.
Trouble controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
- Risk factors: Older adults | Female and 65 years or older | Higher than recommended doses of aripiprazole (Abilify) | Taking aripiprazole (Abilify) for a long time
Aripiprazole (Abilify) can cause muscle movements you can't control. This is called tardive dyskinesia. Signs can include lip smacking, face twitching, unusual blinking, tongue movements, or rocking back and forth.
The risk is higher with long-term use or higher doses. This can also raise the risk that the movements can become permanent. But tardive dyskinesia can also happen after a short time at lower doses. Your prescriber will give the lowest dose needed for your condition.
Tell your prescriber right away if you notice any new or unusual movements you can't control while taking aripiprazole (Abilify).
High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
Aripiprazole (Abilify) can raise your blood sugar and sometimes lead to diabetes. It can also raise your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This medication has also caused weight gain in some people. Your care team might check your blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight during treatment.
Tell your care team if you have signs of high blood sugar while taking aripiprazole (Abilify). These can include feeling very thirsty or hungry, urinating more often, or feeling weak. Tell your prescriber if you or someone in your family has diabetes. You might have a greater risk of high blood sugar and need more monitoring.
Strong urges that are hard to control
Some people have trouble controlling certain urges while taking aripiprazole (Abilify). This can include compulsive gambling, overeating, shopping, or having strong sexual urges. Tell your prescriber if you notice any new or unusual urges that are hard to control. They might lower your dose or stop the medication altogether.
Low blood pressure and risk of falls
- Risk factors: History of heart attack | History of heart failure | History of heart rhythm problems | History of stroke or "mini-stroke" | Low blood pressure | Dehydration | Taking blood pressure medications
Aripiprazole (Abilify) can make your blood pressure drop when you stand up from a sitting or lying down position. This is called orthostatic hypotension. It can make you feel dizzy or faint or make you lose your balance. This can lead to falls and possibly injuries.
Be very careful the first few days you're taking aripiprazole (Abilify) when you're getting up since you might feel dizzy and possibly fall. make sure to hold onto something strong and rise slowly. If you feel too dizzy or experience a fall while taking aripiprazole (Abilify), talk to your prescriber.
Low white blood cell count (leading to risk of infection)
- Risk factors: History of low white blood cell counts | Taking other medications that lower white blood cell counts
Although rare, aripiprazole (Abilify) might lower your white blood cell count. This can put you at risk of infections.
People who already have low white blood cell counts might need blood tests during the first few months of treatment. This helps your care team check that your blood cell count is in a safe range. If it drops too much, you might need to stop taking aripiprazole (Abilify).
Call your care team right away if you have any signs of infection while taking aripiprazole (Abilify). Look out for fever, chills, weakness, cough, a sore throat, or trouble breathing.
Seizures
- Risk factors: History of seizures | Health conditions that make seizures more likely
Rarely, aripiprazole (Abilify) can cause seizures. Your risk might be higher if you've had seizures before. It can also be higher if you have a condition that makes seizures more likely. Tell your prescriber about any history of seizures before starting aripiprazole (Abilify).
Trouble concentrating and sleepiness
- Risk factors: Age 65 years or older | Drinking alcohol | Taking high doses of aripiprazole (Abilify) | Taking other medications that can make you sleepy or have trouble thinking
Aripiprazole (Abilify) can make you very sleepy, which can raise your risk of falls. It can also make it hard to think, make decisions, react quickly, and focus.
Your risk is higher if you also take other medications that can cause drowsiness. Examples are benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, sleep medications, and anxiety medications.
Make sure you know how aripiprazole (Abilify) affects you before driving or doing anything that needs your focus. Talk to your care team right away if you feel too sleepy or if the side effects make it hard to go about your daily life.
Trouble swallowing and possible complications
Some people taking antipsychotic medications like aripiprazole (Abilify) might have trouble swallowing. If food or liquid accidentally get into your lungs, it can be dangerous. This can lead to breathing problems or pneumonia (a lung infection).
Be sure to chew your food well and swallow slowly, especially if your throat or neck area feels tight. Talk to your prescriber if you have any trouble swallowing.
Risk for people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only
Tell your prescriber if you have phenylketonuria (PKU) before taking aripiprazole orally disintegrating tablets. These tablets contain phenylalanine, which can be harmful if you have PKU. Your prescriber can help choose another form of aripiprazole for you.
Aripiprazole (Abilify) dosage
Typical dosage for Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Aripiprazole (Abilify) comes in different forms, including tablets, oral solutions, and orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs). Don't switch between forms without talking to your prescriber first. They can help you switch safely.
-
Schizophrenia
- Adults: The typical starting dose is 10 mg to 15 mg by mouth once a day. Your prescriber might raise your dose every 2 weeks, as needed. The maximum dose is 30 mg per day.
- Children ages 13 to 17 years: The typical starting dose is 2 mg by mouth once a day. Your prescriber will raise your dose every few days as needed. The typical recommended dose is 10 mg once a day. The maximum dose is 30 mg per day.
-
Bipolar I disorder
- Adults: The typical starting dose is 10 mg to 15 mg by mouth once a day. The starting dose depends on whether you're taking certain other medications for this condition. The typical recommended dose is 15 mg once a day. The maximum dose is 30 mg per day.
- Children ages 10 to 17 years: The typical starting dose is 2 mg by mouth once a day. Your prescriber will raise your dose every few days as needed. The typical recommended dose is 10 mg once per day.
-
Depression (as add-on to other antidepressants)
- Adults: The typical starting dose is 2 mg to 5 mg by mouth once a day. The maximum dose is 15 mg per day.
-
Irritability related to autistic disorder
- Children ages 6 to 17 years: The typical starting dose is 2 mg by mouth once a day. Your prescriber will raise your dose every few days, if needed. The typical recommended dose ranges from 5 mg to 15 mg per day.
-
Tourette syndrome
- Children ages 6 to 18 years: The typical starting dose is 2 mg by mouth once a day. Your prescriber will raise your dose every few days as needed.
- For those weighing less than 110 lbs: The recommended dose is 5 mg per day. The maximum dose is 10 mg per day.
- For those weighing 110 lbs or more: The recommended dose is 10 mg per day. The maximum dose is 20 mg per day.
- Children ages 6 to 18 years: The typical starting dose is 2 mg by mouth once a day. Your prescriber will raise your dose every few days as needed.
Your dose might be different if you take certain medications that interact with aripiprazole (Abilify). Your prescriber will adjust your dose if needed.
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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