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.
Tourette syndrome in children
Depression (add-on treatment)
Irritability associated with autistic disorder in children
Aripiprazole (Abilify) is an atypical antipsychotic. It affects dopamine and serotonin activity in your brain, which might help control your thoughts, mood, and behaviors.
Source:Â DailyMed
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
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).
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
150ml of 1mg/ml | 1 bottle | $61.10 | $61.10 |
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.
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.
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.
Tourette syndrome in children
Depression (add-on treatment)
Irritability associated with autistic disorder in children
Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older
Bipolar I disorder in adults and children age 13 years and older
Bipolar depression in adults and children age 10 years and older
Depression that hasn't responded well to other treatments
Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older
Bipolar disorder in adults and children age 10 years and older
Add-on to antidepressants for depression (extended-release only)
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