Aripiprazole (By injection)
ar-i-PIP-ra-zole
Treats schizophrenia, and agitation caused by schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Drug classes
Antipsychotic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Aripiprazole injection is used to treat schizophrenia (a mental disorder). It works in the brain to change how certain chemicals affect patients. Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic agent.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
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 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 Blood pressure medicineTell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to aripiprazole.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, heart failure, heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, high or low blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of seizures, heart attack, or stroke.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
High blood sugar levels Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) Tardive dyskinesia (movement disorder that may become permanent)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 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.
You may get overheated more easily while you are receiving this medicine. Be careful when you exercise or you are outside in hot or humid weather. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
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, trouble sleeping
Increased hunger or thirst, change in how much or how often you urinate
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness
Jerky muscle movements that you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Seizures
Unusual moods or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself
Unusual tiredness or sleepiness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Redness, pain, swelling, or itching where the shot was given
Unusual weight gain
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 Maintena, Abilify Maintena Dual-Chambered Syringe, Abilify Maintena Vial
There may be other brand names for this medicine.