Aripiprazole, the generic name for the brand name drug Abilify, is a prescription medication indicated to treat certain mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. This medication alters the way in which certain chemicals within the brain work. As with all medications, there are certain common effects that one should be aware of when taking aripiprazole. Before taking this medication, patients should discuss aripiprazole side effects with a physician.
Headache
Patients taking aripiprazole can experience recurrent headaches as a side effect of treatment, explains PDRhealth, a medical information website associated with the publishers of the Physicians' Desktop Reference. Headache pain can occur within any region of the head and may contribute to decreased concentration. Patients can control headache symptoms through the use of an over-the-counter pain medication. This side effect or aripiprazole typically subsides with continued treatment.
Stomach Upset
After taking a dose of aripiprazole, patients can develop unpleasant stomach upset symptoms. These side effects can include nausea or vomiting, explains Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website. Stomach upset symptoms can cause decreased appetite in affected patients. To limit the severity of stomach upset side effects, patients should avoid taking aripiprazole on an empty stomach.
Dizziness or Drowsiness
Unusual sensations of dizziness or drowsiness can arise in patients during treatment with aripiprazole. These side effects can be uncomfortable and may cause patients to appear clumsy or unstable while attempting to move about normally. Patients who experience persistent dizziness accompanied by loss of consciousness or fainting should contact a doctor immediately as these side effects may indicate a severe reaction to treatment.
Restlessness or Nervousness
In clinical trials for this medication, over 10 percent of adult bipolar patients reported experiencing akathisia, according to RxList, an informational drug index website. Akathisia is a side effect characterized by an uncontrollable impulse to move or fidget. Restlessness or nervousness can make it difficult for patients to sit still and can contribute to sleeping difficulties. These side effects typically resolve with continued use of aripiprazole.
Tremors
Involuntary body tremors can occur as a side effect of aripiprazole treatment in patients, explains PDRhealth. Body tremors can be disruptive or uncomfortable to affected patients. Unusual muscle twitching or stiffness that affects the face, mouth, legs or arms should be discussed with a medical professional immediately, warns Drugs.com.
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