What is Abilify?
Abilify can be described as an antipsychotic medicine. It alters the chemical actions within the brain.
Abilify can be used to treat symptoms of psychotic diseases including schizophrenia in children and people over the age of 13.
Abilify may also be taken by itself or in combination with the medication in order to manage bipolar disorder I (manic depression) in children and adults aged ten or more years.
Abilify is an antidepressant medication in order to manage major depression disorder for adults.
Abilify is also prescribed to children who are at least six years old for the treatment of Tourette's disease and to manage symptoms associated with autistic disorders (irritability and aggression, mood swings, self-injury, temper tantrums).
Warnings
Abilify has not been recommended for older adults suffering from dementia-related psychosis.
Suicidal thoughts may occur in people suffering from mental illness or depression. Young people might experience an increased risk of suicide when they first begin treatment for depression. Inform your doctor immediately whenever you notice any sudden changes in your mood as well as behavior. You may also have even thoughts about suicide.
Stop taking Abilify and consult your physician immediately if you notice the symptoms listed below: fever with stiff muscles and a fast heart rate, uncontrolled muscle movement, symptoms that occur suddenly, such as weakness or numbness, or severe headaches, as well as issues with vision, speech, or balance.
If you also take medication for depression, don't quit it all at once.
How to Take Abilify?
You shouldn't use Abilify in case you have an allergy to the drug aripiprazole.
Abilify could cause an increase in the likelihood of death for people with psychosis related to dementia.
It has not been officially approved for this use.
To make sure that this medicine is appropriate for you, consult your physician if you suffer from:
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Heart problems or stroke
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Excessive (or high blood pressure or;
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Diabetes (in the relative);
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Seizures; or
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Low white blood cell (WBC) count.
Patients suffering from mental illness or depression might be prone to thoughts of suicide. Certain young people may experience more suicidal thoughts after taking medication to treat depression. Keep an eye on any changes to your mood or the symptoms. Your caregivers or family members must also be aware of abrupt changes in your behavior.
The liquid version (oral solution) of this drug has sugar. Before you take Abilify oral solution, inform your doctor that you suffer from diabetes.
Aripiprazole can lead to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). If you suffer from diabetes, make sure you examine the levels of your blood sugar closely.
The tablet form that is orally disintegrating of this medication could contain more than 3 milligrams of the phenylalanine ingredient per tablet. Before you take Abilify Discmelt, inform your physician if you suffer from Phenylketonuria (PKU).
The use of antipsychotic medications within the last three months of pregnancy could cause serious health problems for the baby. If you become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately.
Do not stop taking the medication without consulting with your doctor.
If you're expecting and you are a registered mother, your name could be included on the registry for pregnancy to monitor any effects of Aripiprazole on the infant.
Check with your doctor for advice on whether it is safe to breastfeed while taking this medication.
Similar/related drugs
sertraline , Trazadone , Fluoxetine , Lexapro , quetiapine , Venlafaxine , citalopram
How do I use Abilify?
Use Abilify as directed by your physician. Follow all instructions on the label of your prescription and study the entire medication guide or instruction sheets. Your doctor may alter your dosage.
Abilify is a medicine that can be taken in combination with or without meals.
Suck the normal tablet in its entirety and don't crush, chew or tear it. Do not break the orally breaking tablet.
Make sure to measure the liquid medicine with care. Use the dosing needle provided or a dose-measuring device (not an ordinary spoon).
Take the tablet that dissolves orally from the packaging only after it is time to consume the medication. Place the tablet in your mouth and let it dissolve without chewing.
Take a few breaths as the tablet disintegrates. If you need to, take a drink to help you swallow the tablet after it has disintegrated.
Your doctor will examine your health frequently.
If you also take antidepressant medications, do not discontinue them abruptly, or you may suffer from unpleasant side effects. Talk to your doctor prior to taking off the medication.
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. The Abilify
liquid
is safe to use for up to 6 months following the opening but not longer than when the deadline for expiration on the label of the medicine.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
You should take the medication as soon as possible. However, do not take your missed dosage if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Refill your prescription prior to the time that you are out of medication completely.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact toll-free the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms can include sleepiness, vomiting, anxiety, and tremors. Other symptoms include confusion, rapid tremors as well as moderate heartbeat seizures (convulsions), and slow or weak breathing or fainting. It could also be a sign of a coma.
What Should be Avoided?
Be careful not to get up too fast from a lying or sitting place, as you could get dizzy. Avoid driving or doing any hazardous activity until you are aware of the effects of this medication on you. The feeling of dizziness or drowsiness may result in accidents, falls, or serious injuries.
Do not drink alcohol.
Dangerous side effects can be experienced.
When you are taking Abilify, you might be more prone to extreme heat. Avoid getting dehydrated or too hot. Take plenty of water, particularly in hot weather and when you are exercising.
Side Effects of Abilify
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing
symptoms, warnings of an allergic response, abilify
Hives or difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Inform your doctor right away if you notice any sudden or unexpected changes in your mood or behavior, such as the onset of depression or, worse, anxiety, panic attacks, or difficulty sleeping, or if you feel angry, irritable, or impulsive and aggressive, inactive, or agitated, or if you have suicidal or self-harming thoughts.
See your doctor right away if you are suffering from:
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Intense anxiety, dismay, agitation, or a sense of agitation;
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The uncontrollable twitching of your lips, eyes, and tongues, your arms, face, or legs;
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Face with a mask-like appearance facial mask, difficulty swallowing, difficulties with speech;
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Seizure (convulsions);
- Extreme nervous system reactions, extremely strenuous (rigid) muscles and sweating, high fever and confusion, rapid or irregular heartbeats, tremors, and a feeling that you could be stricken;
- Lower blood-cell counts
(fever, chills, sore throat weakening, bruising easily or bleeding that is unusual, red or red spots beneath your skin;
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Blood sugar level - more thirst, increased amount of urination, dry mouth, and fruity breath smell.
There is a possibility that you will experience increased sexual cravings, unusual urges towards gambling, or any other intense cravings when you are taking this medication. Discuss this with your doctor when this happens.
Common side effects of Abilify include:
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Blurred vision
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An increase in saliva or drooling;
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Muscle stiffness;
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Uncontrolled muscle movements, shaking and anxiety, feeling restless;
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Weight gain
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Nausea, vomiting, constipation;
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Increased or decreased appetite
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Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue;
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Sleep problems (insomnia); or
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Signs of cold like nasal stuffiness, sneezing, sore throat,
This is not an exhaustive list of all possible adverse effects. Other effects may also be present. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. Any symptoms should be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Combining Abilify with other medications that cause you to feel drowsy or cause breathing to slow down could result in dangerous negative side effects or even death.
It is sometimes not advisable to take certain medications simultaneously. Certain medications may have an effect on your blood levels and the other medications you take, causing adverse effects or making the treatments less effective.
A number of medications interact with aripiprazole. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements are all included. This article makes no mention of the interactions between these products. Inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking.
