Abilify, the brand name for aripiprazole, is an atypical anti-psychotic medication that is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression in adults and youth aged 10 and up. In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Abilify treatment for autism-associated irritability in children as young as 6 years. This recent approval has stimulated interest in the commonly anticipated effects of Abilify on young children; this interest likely is related to Abilify’s black-box warning informing pediatric patients of an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior.
Somnolence and Sedation
Clinical trials with participants aged 6 to 17 years found certain side effects that are frequently reported, indicating them to be designated as common side effects. The most frequent side effects of this drug, according to Abilify.com, are somnolence, or extreme drowsiness, and a sedative effect in response to this drug therapy. During clinical trials, up to 16 percent of participants taking Abilify experienced the effect of somnolence; up to 21 percent of children and youth in the treatment group reported feeling sedated. Not surprisingly, up to 17 percent of trial participants also complained of fatigue. As the body adjusts to the medication, such effects likely will resolve on their own without medical intervention, yet in the interim, they may interfere with school and daily activities of youth starting this drug regimen.
Extrapyramidal Disorder
Some movement disorders are referred as extrapyramidal diseases or disorders to distinguish them from motor manifestations caused by the pyramidal region of the brain. According to RxList.com, extrapyramidal motor disturbances are another type of common adverse reaction of taking this anti-psychotic medication. Specifically, repetitive and uncontrolled movements occurred in up to 20 percent of clinical trial participants aged 10 to 17 years who were on Abilify. These motor behaviors may be dose-dependent; therefore, the parent or caregiver should speak to the physician if necessary.
Nausea and Vomiting
Stomach upset is a common side effect that occurs in patients when starting many medications. In the case of Abilify, the National Library of Medicine explains, both nausea and vomiting are common temporary side effects; they are not considered to be serious. During one clinical trial, up to 11 percent of participants aged 10 to 17 years in the treatment group experienced nausea; in another clinical trial, up to 14 percent of participants aged 6 to 7 years on Abilify complained of vomiting. If these adverse reactions continue and do not resolve on their own, contact the doctor so that the patient can be evaluated as soon as possible.
Headaches
Another side effect commonly associated with Abilify therapy, according to Abilify.com and the National Library of Medicine, is headaches. Thirteen percent of the 6- to 17-year-olds in one clinical trial reported having headaches. Again, this common effect should dissipate as the body gets used to the medication. However, if this symptom persists or gets worse, the parent or caregiver should notify the prescribing physician.
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