Aripiprazole

What is Aripiprazole?

Aripiprazole

is an antipsychotic medication that is prescribed to treat schizophrenia in children and adults who are at least 13 years old.Aripiprazole is also prescribed to children older than 6 years with Tourette's disease or signs of autistic disorder (irritability, anger, mood swings, aggression, temper tantrums, and self-injury).

Aripiprazole is taken as an individual or in conjunction with an antidepressant medicine for treating bipolar-I disorder (manic depression) in children and adults who are at least 10 years old.Aripiprazole is an antidepressant medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.

Warnings

Aripiprazole is not recommended for use in older adults suffering from dementia-related psychosis.

Patients suffering from mental illness or depression may contemplate suicide. Young people might experience an increased risk of suicide when they first take medication to treat depression. Talk to your doctor immediately when you notice abrupt changes in the way you behave or your mood. You may also have thought about suicide.Do not stop taking Aripiprazole in a hurry, as you could experience unwelcome withdrawal signs.

Avoid driving or performing other activities or tasks that require the person to remain alert or to have clear eyesight until you understand how aripiprazole can affect you.Diabetes, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol, as well as weight gain, have been reported due to medications like this. They can increase the risk of brain and heart blood vessel diseases.

A decrease in white blood cells can be seen with medications such as this. This could increase the risk of getting a virus. Sometimes, infections have proven to be devastating. Inform your doctor if you have ever experienced an abnormally low white blood cell count. Contact your doctor immediately when you notice symptoms of infection, such as chills, fever, and a sore throat.

Before You Take This Drug

Aripiprazole should not be taken if you have an allergy to it.Aripiprazole could cause an increase in the likelihood of death for people with psychosis related to dementia. It is not permitted for this purpose.

To ensure that aripiprazole is suitable for you, inform your physician if you suffer from any of the following:

• Heart issues or stroke

• Excessive (or high blood pressure)

• Diabetes (in the relative);

• Seizures;

• Low white blood cell (WBC) counts of white blood cells (WBC)

Patients suffering from mental illness or depression may contemplate suicide. Young people might experience an increased risk of suicide when they first begin treatment for depression. Keep an eye on fluctuations in mood or symptoms. Family members or carers are also required to be on the lookout for abrupt changes in your behavior.

The liquid version (oral solution) of this medicine has sugar. Before you start taking aripiprazole's orally administered solution, consult your physician if you suffer from diabetes.Aripiprazole can lead to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). If you're diabetic, make sure you examine the levels of your blood sugar with care.

The tablet form that is orally disintegrating of this medication could contain more than 3 milligrammes of the phenylalanine ingredient per tablet. Before you take Abilify Discmelt, consult your physician if you suffer from the condition known as phenylketonuria (PKU).Antipsychotic medication taken during the last three months of pregnancy could cause serious issues for the infant. Tell your doctor right away if you get pregnant. Don't stop the medication without consulting with your doctor.

If you're pregnant, then your name might be included on the pregnancy registry to monitor any effects of Aripiprazole on the infant.Consult a physician for advice on whether it is safe to breastfeed while taking Aripiprazole.

How to Take Aripiprazole?

Aripiprazole should be taken exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and study the medication's instructions or guide sheets. The doctor might alter your dosage.Aripiprazole may be consumed either with or without food.

Take the normal tablet in its entirety and don't crush, chew, or even break it. Don't break the tablet by chewing it.

Take care when measuring liquid medicines. Use the dosing needle provided or a dose-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).

Discard the tablet for oral disintegration from the packaging only after it is time to consume the medication. Place the tablet in your mouth and let it disintegrate without chewing. Drink several times until the tablet disintegrates. If you need to, drink a liquid to aid in swallowing the tablet that has dissolved.Your doctor should monitor your health regularly.

If you also take antidepressant medication, don't discontinue it abruptly, or you may experience unpleasant symptoms. Talk to your doctor prior to taking off the medication.Keep at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Aripiprazole liquid can be used for a period of up to 6 months after opening, but not longer than it has reached the expiration date on the medication label.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

It is important to take the medication in the shortest time possible.However, you should not do any missed doses in the event that it's within the time of your next dose.

Don't take two doses at a time.

Make sure you refill your prescription before the expiration date of your medication.

What Happens If I Overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

The symptoms of an overdose can include somnolence, vomiting, tension, and tremors. Other symptoms include confusion, tremors, a fast and moderate heart

beat, seizures (convulsions), or a shallow or weak breath and fainting. They can also be a sign of a coma.

What Should Be Avoided?

Be careful not to get up too fast from a seated or lying position that makes you dizzy. Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects of aripiprazole on your body. Dizziness or drowsiness could result in accidents, falls, or serious injuries.Beware of drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects can be experienced.

If you are taking aripiprazole at the same time, you could be more sensitive to extreme heat. Be sure to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated. Take plenty of water, particularly during hot weather or exercise.

Side Effects of Aripiprazole

See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction to Aripiprazole, such as itching, breathing problems, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,

Contact your physician immediately if you notice any abrupt or new changes in your mood or behavior, which could include more or worse depression, anxiety, panic attacks, or trouble sleeping,

or if you feel an irritability, anger, or an impulsive behavior or if you're active, inactive or talkative or if you are having thoughts of taking a life or harming yourself.

See your doctor right away if you are suffering from:

• Intense disturbance, distress, extreme agitation, or a feeling of restlessness;

• Uncontrollable or twitching movements of your lips, eyes, tongue, arms, or legs;

• The appearance of a mask; difficulty swallowing; issues with speech;

• Seizure (convulsions);

• Serious nervous system response: extremely rigid (rigid) muscles with high fever, sweating in confusion, fast or irregular heartbeats, tremors, or the sensation that you may faint;

• Lower blood-cell counts, such as chills, fever, sore throat weakening, bleeding that is unusual, easy bruising, and red or purple spots on your skin,

• High blood sugar increases thirst, leads to more frequent urination, dry mouth, and the odor of fruity breath.

There is a possibility that you will experience increased sexual cravings, unusual urges for gambling, and other extreme cravings when you are taking this medication. Consult your physician in the event of this.

Aripiprazole-related side effects that are common are:

• Blurred vision

• More saliva or drooling;

• Stiffness in the muscles;

• Uncontrolled muscle movements, shaking anxiously, feeling uneasy;

• Weight gain

• Nausea, vomiting, and constipation;

• Increased or decreased appetite

• Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue;

• Sleep problems (insomnia);

• Symptoms of a cold like nasal stuffiness, sneezing, a sore throat,

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction With Other Drugs

Combining aripiprazole with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing could cause serious adverse effects or even death.

There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medications in conjunction with other medications. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels of other medications that you are taking, which can cause more side effects or make the medications less effective.

Numerous drugs may interact with aripiprazole. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The interactions between these products are not included in this list. Discuss with your doctor all the other medications you are taking.