Aripiprazole (By mouth)
ar-i-PIP-ra-zole
Treats schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and Tourette syndrome. Also treats irritability associated with autism.
Drug classes
Antipsychotic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Aripiprazole is used alone or together with other medicines to treat mental conditions such as bipolar I disorder (manic-depressive illness), major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. It is also used in children to treat irritability associated with autistic disorder and Tourette syndrome. Aripiprazole works in the brain to change how certain chemicals affect patients. It is an antipsychotic agent.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription. Abilify(R) oral solution was withdrawn from the market on May 15, 2015 and this dose form is not marketed by any generic manufacturers.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid, Tablet, Dissolving Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Tablet: Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
Disintegrating tablet: Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how aripiprazole works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Carbamazepine, clarithromycin, fluoxetine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, paroxetine, quinidine, rifampin Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam Blood pressure medicineWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to aripiprazole.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of seizures, heart attack or stroke, heart failure, heart or blood vessel disease, or high cholesterol.
For some children, teenagers, and young adults, this medicine may increase mental or emotional problems. This may lead to thoughts of suicide and violence. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any thoughts or behavior changes that concern you. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of bipolar disorder or suicide attempts.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a neurologic disorder than can be life-threatening Tardive dyskinesia (muscle movements you cannot control) Low blood pressureThis medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Tell your doctor if you have diabetes. This medicine may raise your blood sugar level, and you may need to check it more often.
You may get overheated more easily while you are using this medicine. Use caution when you exercise or if you are outside in hot weather. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). The disintegrating tablet contains phenylalanine.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Anxiety, irritability, nervousness, restlessness, or trouble sleeping
Confusion, unusual behavior, depressed mood, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others
Excessive hunger or thirst, increased urination, weakness or tiredness
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, or muscle stiffness
Jerky muscle movements you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
Seizures or tremors
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Headache
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, drooling, heartburn, or upset stomach
Restlessness, walking in place or other constant leg movement
Unexpected weight gain or loss
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Abilify, Abilify Discmelt
There may be other brand names for this medicine.