Abilify
(aripiprazole)
Abilify (Aripiprazole) belongs to the group of medications known as antipsychotics. It is used to treat Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Available form
Dosage
Tablet
2MG, 5MG, 10MG, 15MG, 20MG, 30MG
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Abilify information
For schizophrenia, the recommended adult dose is 10 mg or 15 mg taken once a day, with or without food. Some people may require higher doses. If your doctor decides that a higher dose is needed, increases should only be made after 2 weeks. The maximum daily dose is 30 mg daily.
The recommended starting dose for adolescents (15 to 17 years) to treat schizophrenia is 2 mg daily, gradually increased to 10 mg daily, taken once a day.
For bipolar disorder, the recommended initial dose for adults is 15 mg daily with or without food. Based on response, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 30 mg daily.
The recommended starting dose for adolescents (13 to 17 years) to treat bipolar disorder is 2 mg daily, gradually increased to 10 mg daily, taken once a day.
For major depressive disorder, the recommended starting dose for adults is 2 mg to 5 mg taken once a day. Gradual increases in the dose can be made only after 1 week. The maximum dose is 15 mg daily.
Swallow the tablets whole with water.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that Abilify (Aripiprazole) be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store Abilify (Aripiprazole) at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Abilify (Aripiprazole). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Abilify (Aripiprazole) with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Abilify (Aripiprazole). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- anxiety
- Constipation
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- headache
- nausea
- restlessness
- skin rash (on its own)
- tremors
- trouble sleeping
- vomiting
- upset stomach
- weight gain
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- behaviour changes (e.g., uncontrolled and/or inappropriate sexual behaviour, or gambling)
- difficulty swallowing
- extrapyramidal symptoms (abnormal body movements, restlessness, shaking, or stiffness)
- muscle twitching or abnormal movements of the face or tongue
- signs of Low Blood Pressure (dizziness or lightheadedness when rising from a lying or sitting position)
- Sleep Apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep)
- sleep walking and eating while asleep
- symptoms of an infection (e.g., sore throat, Fever, chills, cough)
- symptoms of high blood sugar (excessive thirst or hunger, excessive urination, weight loss, tiredness)
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- long-lasting (greater than 4 hours) and painful erection of the penis
- seizures
- signs of a blood clot in blood vessels, such as chest pain, abnormal heart rhythm, pain and swelling in one leg muscle
- signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (e.g., confusion, reduced consciousness, high fever, or muscle stiffness)
- signs of Stroke (e.g., sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arms, or legs, and speech or vision problems)
- symptoms of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (Hives; difficulty breathing; difficulty swallowing; swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or tongue)
- thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- very stiff muscles with high fever, rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, confusion, or reduced consciousness
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Abilify (Aripiprazole).
2 mg
Each green, modified rectangle tablet imprinted with "A-006" and "2" contains 2 mg of Abilify (Aripiprazole). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; colouring agents: FD&C Blue No. 2, Aluminum Lake, and iron oxide yellow.
5 mg
Each blue, modified rectangle tablet imprinted with "A-007" and "5" contains 5 mg of Abilify (Aripiprazole). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; colouring agents: FD&C Blue No. 2, Aluminum Lake.
10 mg
Each pink, modified rectangle tablet imprinted with "A-008" and "10" contains 10 mg of Abilify (Aripiprazole). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; colouring agents: iron oxide red.
15 mg
Each yellow, round tablet imprinted with "A-009" and "15" contains 15 mg of Abilify (Aripiprazole). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; colouring agents: iron oxide yellow.
20 mg
Each white, round tablet imprinted with "A-010" and "20" contains 20 mg of Abilify (Aripiprazole). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.
30 mg
Each pink, round tablet imprinted with "A-011" and "30" contains 30 mg of Abilify (Aripiprazole). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; colouring agents: iron oxide red.
Do not take Abilify (Aripiprazole) if you are allergic to Abilify (Aripiprazole) or any ingredients of the medication.
There may be an interaction between Abilify (Aripiprazole) and any of the following:
- Abiraterone
- alcohol
- alpha-agonists (e.g., Clonidine, methyldopa)
- alpha-blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin)
- amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
- Anagrelide
- angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; Captopril, Ramipril)
- angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs; e.g., candasartan, Irbesartan, Losartan)
- antiarrhythmics (e.g., Amiodarone, Disopyramide, Dronedarone, Flecainide, procainamide, quinidine)
- antihistamines (e.g,. cetirizine, doxylamine, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine, Loratadine)
- anti-Parkinson's medications (e.g., amantadine, Bromocriptine, Entacapone, levodopa, Pramipexole, Ropinirole)
- antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
- Apalutamide
- Aprepitant
- azelastine
- "azole" antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
- barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, Phenobarbital)
- benzodiazepines (e.g., Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam)
- beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Propranolol, Sotalol)
- Bosentan
- brimonidine
- Buprenorphine
- Bupropion
- Buspirone
- Cabergoline
- calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
- cannabis
- chloral hydrate
- Cobicistat
- conivaptan
- Darifenacin
- Deferasirox
- diabetes medications (e.g., Canagliflozin, Glyburide, Linagliptin, Lixisenatide, insulin, Metformin, Rosiglitazone)
- diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene)
- Domperidone
- Elagolix
- Enzalutamide
- Esketamine
- Galantamine
- grapefruit juice
- HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., delavirdine, efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine)
- HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
- Lemborexant
- lithium
- lumacaftor and Ivacaftor
- macrolide antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin)
- Methadone
- Methylphenidate
- Metoclopramide
- mifepristone
- Mirabegron
- Mirtazapine
- Mitotane
- Modafinil
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
- muscle relaxants (e.g., Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine)
- Nabilone
- narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
- quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin)
- rifabutin
- rifampin
- Rivastigmine
- St. John's wort
- Sarilumab
- scopolamine
- seizure medications (e.g., Carbamazepine, Clobazam, Levetiracetam, phenobarbital, Phenytoin, primidone, Topiramate, Valproic acid, zonisamide)
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
- serotonin antagonists (antiemetics; e.g. Granisetron, Ondansetron)
- serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
- siltuximab
- Tapentadol
- terbinafine
- Tetrabenazine
- thalidomide
- Tocilizumab
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Clomipramine, Desipramine, Imipramine)
- Tryptophan
- tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., Dasatinib, imatinib, Nilotinib, Sunitinib)
- Zolpidem
- Zopiclone
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with Abilify (Aripiprazole). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Abilify (Aripiprazole).
Abnormal heart rhythms: Abilify (Aripiprazole) can cause an abnormal heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation. If you have a history of QT prolongation, slow or irregular heartbeat, irregular heart rhythm, heart failure, Heart Attack, heart disease, taking other medications known to cause QT prolongation, or a family history of sudden cardiac death at less than 50 years of age, discuss with your doctor how Abilify (Aripiprazole) may affect your medical condition, or how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Abilify (Aripiprazole). Your doctor will perform tests at regular intervals to monitor for any changes in your heart rhythm.
Blood Clots: Rarely, Abilify (Aripiprazole) increases the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.
If you have a history of clotting, you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as heart attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Abilify (Aripiprazole) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Abilify (Aripiprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Body temperature: Abilify (Aripiprazole), like other antipsychotic medications, may interfere with your body's ability to regulate body temperature. People who exercise vigorously, who are exposed to extreme heat, are dehydrated, or are taking anticholinergic medications (e.g., Benztropine, Oxybutynin) are more at risk. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you feel very hot and are unable to cool down.
Take care to avoid overheating during strenuous exercise or in hot temperatures, and avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking enough fluids.
Compulsive behaviour and impulse control: Abilify (Aripiprazole) has been known to cause changes in behaviour and impulse control. People who have a history of a gambling disorder may be at an increased risk of compulsive gambling. You may notice other compulsive behaviours, such binge eating, increased or inappropriate sexual thoughts or urges, or inappropriate spending. If you experience any of these behaviours or urges or notice compulsive behaviour in a family member, ensure that they see their doctor.
Diabetes: Abilify (Aripiprazole) may increase blood sugar for people with diabetes or those who are at risk for diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar frequently as recommended by your doctor. If you experience symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., increased urination, increased thirst, increased eating, and weakness) while taking Abilify (Aripiprazole), contact your doctor.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Abilify (Aripiprazole) may cause drowsiness, lightheadedness, or impaired judgement, which could interfere with your ability to do activities requiring alertness, such as driving a car. Avoid these activities if the medication affects you in this way. Avoid alcohol while taking Abilify (Aripiprazole) as it may increase your drowsiness.
Hypersensitivity reaction: Rarely, a severe allergic reaction called hypersensitivity syndrome or Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS syndrome) has been reported by some people using Abilify (Aripiprazole). This type of reaction can affect organ function and should be treated as an emergency. Get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.
Infection: Rarely, Abilify (Aripiprazole) will reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Tell your doctor if you notice more frequent signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe Diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Lactose: Abilify (Aripiprazole) contains lactose and should not be taken by people with rare problems of galactose intolerance or problems absorbing glucose or galactose.
Low blood pressure: Some people taking Abilify (Aripiprazole) may experience sudden blood pressure drops when getting up from a sitting or lying position. These blood pressure drops could lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and falls. If you experience this problem, try getting up more slowly. If it persists or if you faint, contact your doctor.
If you have or have had heart disease, stroke, "mini-stroke", or are at risk of experiencing low blood pressure (e.g., dehydration, taking medications for high blood pressure), discuss with your doctor how Abilify (Aripiprazole) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Abilify (Aripiprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Abilify (Aripiprazole) may cause a potentially fatal reaction called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you develop symptoms of NMS, such as muscle stiffness, fever, confusion, sweating, or irregular heartbeat, stop taking Abilify (Aripiprazole) and seek immediate medical attention.
Seizures: Seizures have occurred for people taking Abilify (Aripiprazole). If you have a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Abilify (Aripiprazole) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Abilify (Aripiprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience a seizure while taking Abilify (Aripiprazole), get immediate medical attention.
Suicidal behaviour: People taking Abilify (Aripiprazole) as part of treatment for Depression may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Abilify (Aripiprazole). If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Abilify (Aripiprazole), contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Abilify (Aripiprazole).
Swallowing problems: People taking Abilify (Aripiprazole) may have difficulty swallowing. Seniors and people on other antipsychotic medications should be closely monitored by their doctor for swallowing problems while they are using Abilify (Aripiprazole). If you experience difficulty swallowing while taking Abilify (Aripiprazole), contact your doctor.
Tardive dyskinesia: People taking Abilify (Aripiprazole) may develop tardive dyskinesia, a syndrome of uncontrolled body movements. This syndrome may be irreversible. If you develop uncontrolled or unusual body movements, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: Abilify (Aripiprazole) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Abilify (Aripiprazole), contact your doctor immediately.
Babies born to mothers that take Abilify (Aripiprazole) in the last 3 months of pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms after they are born, including breathing problems, difficulty feeding, or irritability. If you have been taking Abilify (Aripiprazole) during pregnancy, make sure that everyone involved in caring for you and your baby are aware.
Breast-feeding: Abilify (Aripiprazole) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Abilify (Aripiprazole), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Abilify (Aripiprazole) have not been established for children less than 13 years of age. Abilify (Aripiprazole) may be used by adolescents 15 years and older to treat schizophrenia. It may also be used by adolescents 13 years and older to treat bipolar disorder. The use of Abilify (Aripiprazole) to aid in the treatment of depression has not been studied for this age group and is therefore, not recommended. Movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia are more likely to occur for this age group. Report any unusual body movements to your doctor as soon as possible.
Seniors: Seniors taking Abilify (Aripiprazole) for dementia-related psychosis have a higher risk of strokes and death compared to seniors who are not taking the medication. Abilify (Aripiprazole) is not approved or recommended for seniors for this purpose.
All material © 1996-2024 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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