Abilify, known generically as aripiprazole, is classified as an atypical antipsychotic. According to the National Institutes of Health website DailyMed, it is used to treat schizophrenia, some symptoms of autism, bipolar disorder and some cases of major depressive disorder. Abilify treatment should not be stopped without consulting a physician.
Uses
Abilify can reduce symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations, delusions, thought disturbances, social withdrawal, inability to experience pleasure, and blunted affect. Abilify can also improve symptoms of bipolar disorder, including racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, impulse behavior, irritability and a decreased need for sleep. It is given by injection to treat agitation from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Abilify can decrease agitation associated with inner tension, such as threatening or self-exhausting behaviors, explains the National Alliance of Mental Illness, or NAMI. Abilify is also used in major depressive disorder, or MDD, when antidepressants are ineffective.
Precautions
According to NAMI, prior to taking Abilify the prescribing physician should be notified of illegal drug use, alcohol use and smoking, suicidal thoughts, serious reactions to antipsychotic medications in the past, current medications, history of medical conditions, especially diabetes, high cholesterol and triglycerides, seizures, increased weight, pregnancy, plans to become pregnant and breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Abilify include nausea and vomiting, headache, dizziness, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, restlessness and inability to sit still, known as akathisia, according to DailyMed. Blood pressure can decrease when going from lying or sitting, known as orthostatic hypotension, causing dizziness and lightheadedness. Side effects should be reported to a physician.
Adverse Reactions
The Department of Health & Human Services warns that use of Abilify and other atypical antipsychotics may cause increased risk of type I/II diabetes, weight gain, and high cholesterol and triglycerides in children and adolescents. In the October 28, 2009 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association," it was noted that use of Abilify and other atypical antipsychotics was associated with significant weight gain and metabolic changes. Abilify can cause serious neurological effects, called extrapyramidal reactions. Symptoms include uncontrollable involuntary movements, and commonly affect the mouth, tongue and jaw. Prompt medical attention is required for these symptoms.
Warnings
When taking Abilify, those with major depressive disorder can experience worsening of depression and suicidal thoughts and actions, according to DailyMed. Abilify is not approved for use in older adults with psychosis related to dementia, because of associated injuries and death. Abilify can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or NMS, a life-threatening group of symptoms including muscle stiffness, high fever, confusion and hallucinations, unstable pulse and blood pressure, sweating and heart arrhythmias. Abilify can cause decreased ability to regulate body temperature during strenuous exercise, hot weather and dehydration, resulting in dangerously high body temperature.
References
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: Abilify (aripiprazole)
- Department of Health and Human Services: Clinical Summary Review of Pediatric Metabolic Adverse Events 5 Atypical Antipsychotics
- MayoClinic.com: Aripiprazole (Oral Route)
- JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association: Cardiometabolic Risk of Second-Generation ...
- National Institutes of Health: DailyMed: ABILIFY (Aripiprazole) Tablet
