Aripiprazole
Aripiprazole (oral) is the generic name for aripiprazole (AR I PIP ra zole)
Abilify is a brand name for a medication.
Oral solution (1 mg/mL); oral tablet (10 mg; 15 mg; 2 mg; 20 mg; 30 mg; 5 mg); disintegrating oral tablet (10 mg; 15 mg)
Medication class: Antipsychotic medication
What is aripiprazole and how does it work?
Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children over the age of 13.
Aripiprazole is also used in children aged 6 and up who have Tourette’s disorder or autistic disorder symptoms (irritability, aggression, mood swings, temper tantrums, and self-injury).
Aripiprazole is 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.
Adults with major depressive disorder are treated with aripiprazole in combination with antidepressants.
Warnings
Aripiprazole 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 abruptly stop using aripiprazole, you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Until you know how aripiprazole affects you, avoid driving and performing other activities or actions that need you to be alert or have clear vision.
Drugs like these have been linked to high blood sugar, diabetes, high cholesterol, and weight gain. These factors may increase the risk of heart and blood vessel disease in the brain.
Drugs like this one have been known to cause low white blood cell counts. This may increase the risk of infection. Infections have only proven fatal in a few cases. If you’ve ever experienced a low white blood cell count, tell your doctor. If you experience symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, or a sore throat, call your doctor straight away.
Before you start taking any medication, make sure you have everything you need.
If you are allergic to aripiprazole, you should avoid using it.
Aripiprazole 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 aripiprazole 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
- WBC (white blood cell) levels are low.
What is the best way to take aripiprazole?
Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking aripiprazole. 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. Aripiprazole 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. Beyond opening, aripiprazole liquid may be used for up to 6 months, but not after the expiry date on the medication label.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 aripiprazole?
What should I stay away from while on aripiprazole? 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 aripiprazole will impact 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 aripiprazole. 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 aripiprazole.
If you experience symptoms of an allergic response to aripiprazole, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, get immediate medical attention.
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.
- 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.
What other medications will have an effect on aripiprazole?
When aripiprazole is used with other medicines that induce drowsiness or slow breathing, it may result in severe adverse effects including death.
It is not always safe to take several medications at the same time. Some medications may alter the levels of other medications in your blood, causing adverse effects or making the medications less effective. Aripiprazole interacts with a wide range of medications. Prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal items are all included. Not all of the potential inte Utah Blog Hive Disclaimer