Abilify is a medication developed to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. It has gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to treat several other psychological disorders, including bipolar disorder. There are side effects associated with use of Ability, some of them rare and possibly serious. Fully understanding the product information regarding Abilify can aid in making decisions about treatment.
Usage
Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic drug developed to treat schizophrenia. Like other atypical antipsychotics, Abilify has gained FDA approval for maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. Among these drugs, only Abilify has approval for treating children, according to RxList.com. Doctors may prescribe Abilify as either a singular drug therapy to treat bipolar disorder and mania, or as an adjunctive therapy, usually with either lithium or valproate. Abilify can also treat irritability in autistic children, and is an adjunctive treatment for depression.
Contraindications
Certain people should not take Abilify, or must be closely monitored while taking it. Elderly people suffering from dementia-related psychosis have an increased risk of death from taking Abilify. Anyone allergic to aripiprazole, the active ingredient in Abilify, should not take this medication. According to Drugs.com, patients who have liver, kidney or heart disease may need dosage adjustments or special monitoring while taking Abilify, as do women with a history of breast cancer. Diabetics taking Abilify need to have blood sugar levels checked often as elevated blood sugar may occur. A history of seizures or epilepsy may be a contraindication as well.
Taking Abilify
Patients should take Abilify as prescribed. A psychiatrist may occasionally adjust the dosage to achieve optimum results or to mitigate distressing side effects. Usually patients take Abilify once a day, in a tablet form or oral solution. However it is prescribed, it is vital to take this drug regularly, on its prescribed schedule. All medical appointments should be kept so the physician can monitor the patient and address any side effects or complications experienced.
Side Effects
Like other psychiatric medications, Abilify may cause side effects. Some people become restless, agitated or irritable while using Abilify. It may also cause drowsiness and impair coordination and thought. Some people, especially elderly women, can develop tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder. Dizziness and gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur. Side effects may subside with continued use, but certain side effects require medical attention. Some side effects that require immediate medical care include allergic reaction, seizures, a sudden change in body temperature, an inability to swallow and irregular heart rate.
Abilify and Suicide
The most significant risk of taking Abilify is that depression and suicidality can develop or worsen in young people. According to RxList, all drugs approved as antidepressants carry a warning about possible suicidal tendencies in children and young adults. The warning includes a special caution that those diagnosed with bipolar disorder may have an especially high risk of suicide.
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