Psychiatrists prescribe Abilify to treat bipolar disorder and acute mania, in addition to other psychological disorders. Originally developed to treat psychosis, it proved to be effective in maintaining mood stability in people suffering from bipolar I disorder. It has since earned FDA approval to treat these conditions. Abilify, similar to other medications, carries the risk of side effects ranging from mild to severe. Learning about using Abilify to treat acute mania and bipolar disorder can help to make informed treatment decisions.
Bipolar Disorder
Abilify treats bipolar I, the most serious type of bipolar disorder. Manic episodes differentiate bipolar I from bipolar II, which has less severe upswings in mood called hypomania. People with bipolar I experience intense emotional states and often experience extreme disturbances in mood on a chronic basis. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, or NIMH, extreme changes in energy, behavior, activity and sleep accompany these mood fluctuations. They note that some people with bipolar I disorder chronically experience unstable moods rather than distinct episodes of mania or depression.
Acute Mania
To qualify as an acute manic episode, a period of at least one week of markedly expansive, elevated and/or irritable mood must occur. People experiencing manic episodes may feel "high," agitated, "wired" or extremely happy. Behavioral changes include restlessness, pressured speech, diminished sleep, grandiosity, being easily distracted, racing thoughts and impulsive or risky actions, according to the NIMH. Very severe or lengthy manic episodes may include psychosis, meaning a break with reality.
Taking Abilify
Abilify belongs to the class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. According to Rxlist, Abilify treats bipolar disorder and acute mania by changing the activity of certain natural chemicals in the brain that are imbalanced. Patients should take Abilify exactly as recommended. Abilify comes in tablets of varying dosage and in a liquid solution. Usually patients take Abilify once a day, at about the same time each day for maximum efficacy. The prescribing doctor will monitor dosage throughout treatment, according to Drugs.com
Considerations
Abilify has proven effective at controlling bipolar disorder symptoms in as little as three weeks, according to Rxlist.com. Abilify is contraindicated for elderly people with dementia. It can cause an increase in suicidality in bipolar patients, especially young people. Unlike other atypical antipsychotics, Abilify may be given to children and adolescents to treat bipolar disorder and mania. Women who have had breast cancer may not be able to take Abilify or may need special tests and monitoring. Similarly, people with certain other health issues such as heart, liver or kidney disease must take special precautions when taking Abilify, according to Drugs.com.
Side Effects
Side effects may be mild or severe. For some, they subside shortly after beginning treatment. Some people taking Abilify become restless, anxious, or irritable or have difficulty sleeping. Conversely, it may slow thought and coordination and cause drowsiness and weakness. Gastrointestinal problems, weight gain and headache can also occur. Some side effects pose a serious danger,and necessitate immediate medical attention. These include confusion, rapid heart rate, strange movements, allergic reaction, seizure, flu-like symptoms and changes in thirst or urination.
