Why is Abilify prescribed?

Abilify (Aripiprazole) is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar 1 disorder. Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic medication (atypical type) and it works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. Abilify is also used together with other medicines to treat major depressive disorder in adults. Abilify is also used in children 6 years or older who have Tourette's disorder, or symptoms of autistic disorder (irritability, aggression, mood swings, temper tantrums, and self-injury). It is not known if aripiprazole is safe or effective in children younger than 13 with schizophrenia, or children younger than 10 with bipolar disorder. Aripiprazole (Generic) is available for purchase in addition to the brand name Abilify. 

What is the most effective way to take Abilify?

Read and understand all the information provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Finasteride and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking.
• Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products)
• To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
• The manufacturer directs to swallow this medication whole. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be split/crushed. Follow your doctor's direction on how to take this medication.
• If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/cup. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
• Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
• It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
• It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Before taking Abilify, know that:

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when taking medicine for a major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

• Abilify is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Aripiprazole may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

Before taking Abilify, tell your doctor:

• if you are allergic to aripiprazole
• if you have ever had: liver or kidney disease; heart disease, high or low blood pressure, heart rhythm problems; low white blood cell (WBC) counts; a heart attack or stroke; seizures or epilepsy; trouble swallowing; a personal or family history of diabetes; or an obsessive-compulsive disorder, impulse-control disorder, or addictive behaviors.
• if you have diabetes, the liquid form (oral solution) of this medication may contain up to 15 grams of sugar per dose.
• if you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking Abilify as it may cause you to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Before taking Abilify Discmelt, tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria.
• If you become pregnant, do not stop taking Abilify without your doctor's advice. Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. 
• If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of aripiprazole on the baby.
• Aripiprazole can pass into breast milk. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Common side effects include but are not limited to:

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired;
• weight gain;
• blurred vision;
• nausea, vomiting, changes in appetite, constipation;
• drooling;
• anxiety, feeling restless;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• cold symptoms such as a stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• severe agitation, distress, or restless feeling;
• twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs;
• mask-like appearance of the face, trouble swallowing, problems with speech;
• seizure (convulsions);
• thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;
• severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out;
• low blood cell counts--sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, red or swollen gums, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing; or
• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, weight loss

Q: Why is Abilify prescribed?

A: Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic medication that is used to treat the symptoms of certain psychotic conditions 

Q: Are there any lifestyle changes I should make while taking Abilify?

A: Avoid drinking alcohol. Also, avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking Abilify.

Q: How long until I see the benefits of Abilify?

A: It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of Abilify. Use regularly for the most effective results. 

Q: What precautions should I take when starting Abilify?

A: Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls, fractures, or other injuries.

Q: Are there any side effects that may occur?

A: You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor if this occurs. See more in the Side Effects section.

Q: Are there any known drug interactions with Abilify?

A: Taking this medication with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures. Many other drugs can interact with aripiprazole. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you start or stop using during treatment with Abilify including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. 

Q: What if I miss a dose of Abilify?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose