Aripiprazole Oral tablet

Generic: Aripiprazole Oral tablet, Abilify 10mg Tablet, Abilify 15mg Tablet, Abilify 20mg Tablet... View All >

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Jump To:

Intro
Usage
Side Effects
Interactions
Dosage
Precautions

What is this medicine?

ARIPIPRAZOLE (ay ri PIP ray zole) is an atypical antipsychotic. It is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression, and to treat some symptoms of autism. This medicine may also be used in combination with antidepressants to treat major depressive disorder.

Return to top ›

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional. Read More ›

Abilify can be used to treat the following conditions:

acute psychosis
autism
bipolar disorder

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Return to top ›

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
confusion
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
fever or chills, sore throat
increased hunger or thirst
increased urination
joint pain
muscles pain, spasms
problems with balance, talking, walking
restlessness or need to keep moving
seizures
suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
trouble swallowing
uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements
unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

blurred vision
constipation
headache
nausea, vomiting
trouble sleeping
weight gain

Return to top ›

What may interact with this medicine?

carbamazepine
charcoal
erythromycin
fluoxetine
grapefruit juice
itraconazole
ketoconazole
paroxetine
quinidine

Return to top ›

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Return to top ›

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Return to top ›

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

dehydration
dementia
diabetes
heart disease
history of brain tumor, head injury or stroke
Parkinson's disease
previous heart attack
seizures
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
an unusual or allergic reaction to aripiprazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

Return to top ›

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose.

Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of antidepressant treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated or dehydrated from exercise. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

If you notice an increased hunger or thirst, different from your normal hunger or thirst, or if you find that you have to urinate more frequently, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible. You may need to have your blood sugar monitored. This medicine may cause changes in your blood sugar levels. You should monitor you blood sugar frequently if you are a diabetic.

Do not treat yourself for colds, diarrhea or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

Return to top ›

Who should not take Abilify?

Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:

abrupt discontinuation, agranulocytosis, ambient temperature increase, bipolar disorder, brain tumor, breast-feeding, cardiac disease, cerebrovascular disease, children, dehydration, dementia, diabetes mellitus, driving or operating machinery, dysphagia, ethanol intoxication, geriatric, heart failure, hematological disease, hyperglycemia, hypotension, hypothermia, hypovolemia, infants, leukopenia, mania, myocardial infarction, neonates, neutropenia, obesity, orthostatic hypotension, pregnancy, QT prolongation, seizure disorder, seizures, stroke, suicidal ideation

Abilify