Patients with certain mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or major depressive disorder, may be prescribed aripiprazole to help control their symptoms. As an atypical antipsychotic, this medication works by regulating the activity of naturally-occurring chemicals in the brain. Before taking this medication, patients should review aripiprazole precautions with their doctor or pharmacist.
Drug Interactions
A patient should discuss any alternate medications they are taking, including prescription and nonprescription drugs, with a doctor before beginning treatment with aripiprazole. Certain types of antidepressants, herbal supplements, antihistamines or antifungal medications can limit the effectiveness of aripiprazole or increase a patient's risk of developing side effects, warns MedlinePlus, a medical information website established by the National Institutes of Health.
Side Effects
Treatment with aripiprazole can cause side effects in certain patients. The most common side effects experienced by at least 10 percent of adult patients taking this medication during clinical trials include dizziness, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, fidgeting, nausea, constipation, vomiting and headache, warns RxList, an online drug index. Patients younger than 24 may be at an increased risk of experiencing unusual suicidal thoughts or exhibiting suicidal behaviors during treatment with aripiprazole. Additional severe side effects can include seizures, breathing difficulties, flu-like symptoms or muscle stiffness. Patients who develop any of these side effects while taking aripiprazole should consult a physician immediately.
Blood Sugar Level Changes
Treatment with aripiprazole can cause abnormal increases in a patient's normal blood sugar levels, report health professionals with MayoClinic.com. Elevated blood sugar--a condition called hyperglycemia--can result in increased thirst, frequent urination or fatigue. Patients with diabetes, a medical condition characterized by persistently high blood sugar levels, should discuss how aripiprazole will affect their daily blood sugar tests before using this medication. If high blood sugar symptoms develop during treatment with aripiprazole, affected patients should contact a doctor.
Temperature Regulation Problems
While using aripiprazole, patients may find it difficult to regulate their body temperature. Patients exposed to warm temperatures while exercising or spending time outdoors may experience difficulty cooling off, explains MedlinePlus. It is important for patients taking this medication to talk with a doctor before participating in activities that may significantly elevate the body's normal temperature.
Elderly Patient Complications
Elderly patients who have preexisting dementia-related problems may be at an increased risk of fatal medical complications such as stroke while taking aripiprazole, warn health professionals with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As a result, use of aripiprazole in this population is not advised. Additionally, certain elderly patients, especially women, may be at risk of developing an irreversible movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia as a side effect of taking aripiprazole. Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia require prompt medical attention and can include unusual lip smacking, uncontrolled limb movements or puffing of the cheeks, explain health professionals with MayoClinic.com.
Member Comments