Abilify (aripiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic medication prescribed for a range of mental health conditions. It works by affecting the balance of certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, which can help improve mood, thinking, and behavior. This article provides an overview of what Abilify is used for, its potential side effects, and important safety information.
Indications: What Conditions Does Abilify Treat?
Abilify is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of several conditions in both adults and children:
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Schizophrenia: Abilify is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and adolescents (13-17 years old). Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly.
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Bipolar I Disorder: Abilify is prescribed for the treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder in adults and children (10-17 years old). Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
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Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Abilify is used as an add-on treatment to an antidepressant for adults with Major Depressive Disorder who have had an inadequate response to antidepressant therapy alone.
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Irritability Associated with Autistic Disorder: Abilify can be used to treat irritability associated with Autistic Disorder in pediatric patients (6-17 years old).
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Tourette’s Disorder: Abilify is used to treat Tourette’s Disorder in pediatric patients (6-18 years of age). Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by sudden, repetitive, nonrhythmic movements or vocalizations called tics.
Important Safety Information and Warnings
It’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with Abilify:
Boxed Warnings:
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Dementia-Related Psychosis: Elderly people with psychosis related to dementia treated with antipsychotic medicines, including Abilify, are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo. Abilify is not approved for the treatment of people with dementia-related psychosis.
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Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors in some children, teenagers, and young adults, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Patients on antidepressants and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, or thoughts of suicide. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient’s healthcare provider right away. Abilify is not approved for use in pediatric patients with depression.
Other Serious Side Effects:
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Stroke: In elderly people, Abilify may increase the risk of stroke, which can lead to death.
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Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): This is a rare but serious condition with symptoms like high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, and changes in pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure. Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur.
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Tardive Dyskinesia: Abilify may cause uncontrolled movements in the face, tongue, or other body parts. This condition may not go away, even after stopping Abilify.
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Metabolic Problems:
- High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) and Diabetes: Abilify can increase blood sugar levels, potentially leading to coma or death. Individuals with diabetes or risk factors for diabetes should have their blood sugar checked regularly.
- Increased Fat Levels (Cholesterol and Triglycerides): Abilify can increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.
- Weight Gain: Regular weight checks are recommended while taking Abilify.
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Unusual Urges: Some people taking Abilify have reported unusual urges, such as gambling, binge eating, compulsive shopping, and increased sexual urges.
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Orthostatic Hypotension: Lightheadedness or fainting may occur when rising too quickly from a sitting or lying position due to decreased blood pressure.
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Falls: Abilify can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired motor skills, increasing the risk of falls.
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Low White Blood Cell Count:
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Seizures (Convulsions):
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Problems with Body Temperature Control: It’s important to stay hydrated and avoid overheating or dehydration.
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Difficulty Swallowing: This can cause food or liquid to enter the lungs.
Before Taking Abilify
Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you have or have had:
- Diabetes or high blood sugar.
- Seizures (convulsions).
- Low or high blood pressure.
- Heart problems or stroke.
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant.
- Breast-feeding or plans to breast-feed.
- Low white blood cell count.
- Phenylketonuria (for those taking ABILIFY DISCMELT®).
Also, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of Abilify in adults include nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, blurred vision, upper respiratory illness, dizziness, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and akathisia (inner sense of restlessness or need to move).
The most common side effects in children include feeling sleepy, headache, vomiting, fatigue, increased or decreased appetite, increased saliva or drooling, insomnia, nausea, stuffy nose, weight gain, uncontrolled movement such as restlessness or tremor, and muscle stiffness.
Conclusion
Abilify is a medication used to treat various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, major depressive disorder, irritability associated with autistic disorder, and Tourette’s disorder. While it can be effective, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and side effects. Always discuss your medical history and any concerns you have with your healthcare provider before starting Abilify. You are encouraged to report side effects of ABILIFY to Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. at 1-800-438-9927 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
