Abilify
Generic Name:
Aripiprazole
Brand Names:
Abilify
Abilify Description:
Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic used to change chemical brain activity in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. It is also used to treat autistic children aged 6 to 17 years old that show signs of irritability.
Abilify Side Effects:
The most common side effects of Abilify include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Dizziness
For more information see our Abillify side effects page.
Abilify Uses:
Abilify is used in patients who are at least 13 years old with schizophrenia. Patients who hear voices, have trouble thinking clearly, have uncomfortable or disturbing thoughts, feel confused, and suffer from other symptoms of schizophrenia usually experience relief within two weeks of starting Abilify.
For patients with depression, Abilify is prescribed as an add-on medicine for adults with Major Depressive Disorder who have not adequately responded to previous antidepressant therapies. In the case of depression, Abilify works to enhance the effectiveness of previously prescribed antidepressants like Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, Effexor XR, or Paxil CR.
Patients 10 years and older may be prescribed Abilify for the treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Within several days, Abilify can stabilize mood, reduce the risk of relapse, and help maintain control of other manic or mixed symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.
In children with autism, Abilify manages symptoms of irritability as a part of a total treatment program.
Abilify Interactions:
Patients should speak with their doctor about the use of any medications, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with Abilify.
Before taking Abilify, patients should consult their doctor if they are taking any of the following medications:
- Metoclopramide
- Carbamazepine
- Ketoconazole
- Quinidine
- Clarthromycin
- Antihistamines
This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Patients should inform their doctor of all medicines they are taking to avoid any complications while taking Abilify.
Patients with a history or current diagnosis of any of following conditions should consult their doctor before treatment with Abilify:
- Depression
- Heart problems
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Alcohol abuse
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dehydration
- Seizures
Abilify Dosage Information:
Abilify comes as a tablet that patients can swallow or a tablet that dissolves on the tongue. It is also available in liquid form as an oral or injectable solution.
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Patients should take Abilify exactly as prescribed by their doctor around the same time daily.
Abilify is available as a tablet ranging from 2 mg to 30 mg. Liquid solution strengths range from 1 mg to 1.3 ml.
The dissolving tablet should not be pushed through the foil. Instead, patients should use dry hands that will not prematurely dissolve the tablet to peel back Abilify’s foil packaging. Dissolving tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or spit out.
A low dose is often prescribed by a patient’s doctor and gradually adjusted until appropriately dosed.
Missing a Dose of Abilify
If a dose of Abilify is missed, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose.
Abilify Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose of Abilify occurs. Patients who experience an overdose may demonstrate the following overdose symptoms:
- Enlarged pupils
- Diarrhea
- Palpitations
- Light sensitivity
- Nausea
- Unusual drowsiness
- Vomiting
Abilify FDA Approval:
November 15, 2002
Abilify Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Abilify carries a Black Box warning for elderly patients with dementia. These patients should not take Abilify because of an increased risk of fatality. Older patients with dementia who take Abilify may have a greater chance of having a stroke during treatment.
Abilify carries a Black Box warning for an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults with major depressive disorder. Patients under the age of 24 should use extra caution when considering Abilify treatment for depression. Patients being treated with Abilify should be monitored by friends and family members for worsening symptoms, changes in behavior, and suicidal tendencies.
Abilify 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg tablets were recalled in August 2004 for “dissolution failure”. (Recall # D-254-4, D-255-4, D-256-4, D-257-4, D-258-4) The same instance occurred in July 2005 with 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg tablets of Abilify. (Recall # D-235-5, D-236-5, D-237-5, D-238-5)
Other Warnings
Abilify can compromise and patient’s immune system. Patients with a decreased white blood cell count or a history may be at risk.
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