Abilify

Brand Names

Aripiprazole

What is Abilify

Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic medication which works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. It is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression). It is also used together with other medications to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

Abilify is also treats irritability and symptoms of aggression, mood swings, temper tantrums, and self-injury related to autistic disorder in children who are at least 6 years old.

Side effects of Abilify

You have to stop using Abilify if you have notices any of these side effects:

• fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats
• jerky muscle movements you cannot control
• sudden numbness or weakness, headache, confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or balance
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat
• increased thirst or urination, loss of appetite, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, nausea, and vomiting
• seizure (convulsions)
• thoughts of hurting yourself
• feeling like you might pass out
• jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
• urinating less than usual or not at all

Less serious Abilify side effects are:

• choking or trouble swallowing
• dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness
• constipation, mild stomach upset
• headache, anxiety
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• weight gain

Indication

Abilify also named as aripiprazole is a prescription medicine known as an "atypical antipsychotic" that has been licensed to treat the following conditions:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Major depression (when antidepressants are not adequate, to be used along with antidepressants)
• Irritability associated with autistic disorder.

Precautions

Before taking aripiprazole, you should inform your doctor if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

You are also need to inform your doctor about your medical history, especially of: problems with blood flow in the brain (cerebrovascular disease, stroke), a severe loss of body water (dehydration), diabetes, heart problems (e.g., low blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), nervous system problems (e.g., dementia, NMS, seizures), obesity, trouble swallowing, alcohol/drug abuse, low white blood cell count.

Dosage forms

Abilify dosage depends on several patient specific criteria. However, it also depends on the condition in which you are trying to treat as it is different for each type of psychosis.

This medication should be taken once daily and can be taken with or without food. The doses, as suggested by Bristol-Myers Squib, the manufacturer, are below.

• Treating Schizophrenia



Adults. The initial dosage should be 10 – 15 mg/day. It is recommended that this also remain as the on-going dosage however the maximum recommended doage is 30 mg/day.In cases on Agitated Schizophrenia, the dosage usually starts at 9.75 mg/day and usually comes in injected form.

Adolescents (13 – 17 years). The initial dosage starts at 2 mg/day, with a recommended daily dosage of 10 mg/day (based on physicians assessment) and should not exceed 30 mg/day.

• Treating Bipolar Disorder

Adults. Treating adults with Bipolar Disorder or manic depression, the initial Abilify dosage is typically 15 mg/day and should remain that way on-going unless otherwise prescribed by the physician. The maximum dosage is 30 mg/day.

In cases of agitated manic depression, the dosage is the same as with agitated schizophrenia and starts at 9.75 mg/day and usually comes in injected form.

Adolescents (10 – 17 years). Adolescents, ages 10 – 17 years old, the initial dosage is 2 mg/day, recommended dosage is 10 mg/day and maximum dosage is 30 mg/day. This can be in addition to lithium or valproate.