Abilify
Aripiprazole (oral) is the generic name for aripiprazole (AR I PIP ra zole)
Abilify is a brand name for a medication.
Atypical antipsychotics are a kind of antipsychotic medication.
What exactly is Abilify?
Aripiprazole (Abilify) is an antipsychotic drug. It operates by altering the activities of brain neurotransmitters.
Abilify is a medication that is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia in adults and children aged 13 and above.
Abilify is also used to treat bipolar I disorder (manic depression) in adults and children aged 10 and above, either alone or in combination with a mood stabiliser.
Abilify is a drug that is used in combination with antidepressants to treat severe depressive disorder in adults.
Abilify is also used to treat Tourette’s disease and symptoms associated with autistic disorder in children aged 6 and above (irritability, aggression, mood swings, temper tantrums, and self-injury).
Warnings
Abilify is not authorised for treatment in dementia-related psychosis in older people.
Suicide is a possibility for those suffering from depression or mental disease. When taking a depression medication for the first time, some young people may experience an upsurge in suicide thoughts. If you notice any abrupt changes in your mood or behaviour, or if you have suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor immediately once.
If you have any of the following symptoms while using Abilify, you should stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor: Uncontrolled muscular movements; numbness or weakness, severe headache, and vision, speech, or balance difficulties; symptoms that appear abruptly, such as numbness or weakness, intense headache, and problems with vision, speech, or balance.
If you’re on an antidepressant, don’t quit taking it all at once.
Before you start taking any medication, make sure you have everything you need.
If you are allergic to aripiprazole, you should not use Abilify.
Abilify is not authorised for use in older people with dementia-related psychosis since it may raise the risk of mortality.
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions to ensure that this medication is safe for you:
- a heart attack or a stroke;
- blood pressure that is too high or too low;
- diabetes (in you or a member of your family);
- convulsions or
- WBC (white blood cell) levels are low.
Suicide is a possibility for those suffering from depression or mental disease. When taking a depression medication for the first time, some young people may experience an upsurge in suicide thoughts. Keep a close eye on any changes in your mood or symptoms. Sudden changes in your conduct should also be monitored by your family or carers.
This medication’s liquid form (oral solution) includes sugar. If you have diabetes, inform your doctor before using Abilify oral solution.
Aripiprazole may raise blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). If you have diabetes, keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels.
This medication’s orally disintegrating tablet version may contain more than 3 mg of phenylalanine per tablet. If you have phenylketonuria, inform your doctor before using Abilify Discmelt (PKU).
Antipsychotic medication used during the final three months of pregnancy may create severe difficulties for the baby. If you get pregnant, call your doctor immediately away. Do not stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor.
If you are pregnant, your name may be added to a pregnancy registry so that the effects of aripiprazole on the unborn child may be tracked.
Ask your doctor whether you may breastfeed while taking this medication.
What is the best way to take Abilify?
Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Abilify. Read any drug guides or instruction sheets and follow all instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may adjust your dosage from time to time.
Abilify is a medication that may be taken with or without meals.
Do not crush, chew, or break the normal pill; instead, swallow it whole. The orally disintegrating pill should not be divided.
Carefully measure liquid medication. Use the supplied dosage syringe or a medication dose-measuring equipment (not a kitchen spoon).
Only take an orally disintegrating pill out of the box when you’re ready to use it. Without chewing, place the pill in your mouth and let it to dissolve. Swallow the pill several times as it melts. If necessary, consume fluids to aid in the swallowing of the dissolved pill.
Your doctor will need to check on you on a frequent basis to see how you’re doing.
If you’re taking an antidepressant, don’t quit taking it all at once or you’ll have unpleasant side effects. Before you stop taking your antidepressant, talk to your doctor.
Store away from moisture and heat at room temperature. Abilify liquid may be used for up to 6 months after it has been opened, but not after the expiry date on the medication label has passed.
What happens if I forget to take a dose?
Take the medication as soon as possible, but if your next dosage is approaching, omit the missed dose. Do not combine two dosages at once.
Before you run out of medication, have your prescription renewed.
What happens if I take too much?
Seek immediate medical help or dial 1-800-222-1222 to reach the Poison Help line.
Drowsiness, vomiting, aggressiveness, disorientation, tremors, rapid or slow heart rate, seizure (convulsions), weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or coma are all possible overdose symptoms.
What should I stay away from while on Abilify?
If you get up too quickly from a sitting or sleeping posture, you may become dizzy. Avoid driving or engaging in dangerous activities until you have a better understanding of how this medication may affect you. Falls, accidents, and serious injuries may all be caused by dizziness or sleepiness.
Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages. It’s possible that you’ll have dangerous side effects.
You may be more susceptible to extreme heat when using Abilify. Make sure you don’t become too hot or too thirsty. Drink lots of water, particularly if it’s hot outside or you’re exercising.
Side effects of Abilify
If you develop hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, get emergency medical attention right away.
If you experience new or worsening depression or anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, angry, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more energetic or talkative, or if you have thoughts about suicide or harming yourself, call your doctor immediately once.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right once.
- agitation, anxiety, or restlessness to a high degree;
- twitching or uncontrolled eye, lip, tongue, face, arms, or legs motions;
- Face that has a mask-like look, difficulty eating, and speaking difficulties;
- convulsions (seizures);
- severe nervous system response – stiff (rigid) muscles, high temperature, sweating, disorientation, rapid or irregular heartbeats, tremors, feeling faint;
- Fever, chills, sore throat, weakness, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red patches beneath your skin; or low blood cell counts – fever, chills, sore throat, weakness; or
- Increased thirst, increased urine, dry mouth, and fruity breath odour are all symptoms of high blood sugar.
While using this medication, you may have heightened sexual desires, odd gambling desires, or other strong desires. If this happens, talk to your doctor. The following are some of the most common Abilify adverse effects:
- eyesight problems;
- drooling or increased salivation
- rigidity of the muscles
- uncontrollable muscular movements, trembling, anxiousness, and a restless sensation;
- gaining weight;
- constipation, nausea, and vomiting;
- appetite rise or decrease;
- headaches, dizziness, sleepiness, and fatigue;
- Insomnia (sleep deprivation); or
- Symptoms of a cold include a stuffy nose, sneezing, and a sore throat.
This is not an exhaustive list of potential adverse effects; more may arise. For medical advice on side effects, contact your doctor. You may contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report adverse effects.
