Indications and Usage:
Abilify (aripiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder. It may be used for acute treatment of mania or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder, either by itself or in combination with valproate. It may also be used in the acute treatment of agitation associated with either schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder.
How Abilify Is Prescribed:
Abilify is available in swallow tablet form (2, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 mg), orally disintegrating tablets (10 and 15 mg), oral solution (1 mg/mL) and injection (9.75 mg/1.3 mL single dose vial).
The tablet and oral solution forms are prescribed to be taken once daily. It is not necessary to time dosing according to meals. If given by injection, it is advised that you wait at least two hours between doses. Follow your prescription instructions.
Warnings and Precautions for Abilify:
- Older patients with dementia-related psychosis may experience an increased risk of problems with blood flow in the brain.
- Patients at high risk for suicide should be monitored.
- Discontinue if neuroleptic malignant syndrome or tardive dyskinesia occurs.
- Diabetic patients should have their glucose monitored.
- It should be cautiously used in those with cardio- or cerebrovascular disease, due to the risk for orthostatic hypotension.
- Leukopenia, neutropenia and agranulocytosis have been reported with antipsychotics.
- Use cautiously in patients with a history of seizures.
- Use caution when operating machinery.
Adverse Reactions While Using Abilify:
The most common adverse reactions in adult patients in clinical trials were nausea,
vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, akathisia, anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness.
The most common adverse reactions in the pediatric clinical trials were sleepiness, headache, vomiting, extrapyramidal side effects, fatigue, increased appetite, insomnia, nausea, colds and weight gain.
Drug Interactions:
Always notify your doctor about any medications you will be taking with Abilify.
Drugs that interact with Abilify include:
- Strong CYP3A4 (for example, ketoconazole) or CYP2D6 (for example, fluoxetine) inhibitors will increase Abilify's concentration in the blood. The dose should be decreased if used in conjunction with these types of drugs, so be sure to tell your doctor if you are on them.
- CYP3A4 inducers (for example, carbamazepine) will decrease Abilify's concentration. With these drugs, your doctor will likely increase your dose.
