1. Abilify Your Brain
Abilify is the brand name of a generic drug called aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia by working to restore balance to neurotransmitters in the brain. Treatment with Abilify has been shown to help manage symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations and negative thoughts associated with schizophrenia, as well as signs of acute mania in bipolar disorder. It has also been used in conjunction with other medications to treat manic depression. Abilify comes in tablet form, dissolving tablets or injection.
2. Following the Doctor's Orders
It is important to take Abilify as directed. Do not increase or decrease dosage or duration of this medication without the direction of a physician (usual duration for taking Abilify is six weeks). Tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The oral solution of Abilify can be refrigerated and can be taken up to six months after opening when refrigerated. Abilify can be taken either with or without food, but a full glass of water should be consumed when taking this medication.
3. Not a One-size-fits-all Drug
If you suffer from certain other medical conditions, Abilify may not be for you. If you have a past history of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, liver or kidney disease, epilepsy, breast cancer, diabetes (personal or family history; the oral solution of Abilify contains up to 15 grams of sugar) or difficulty swallowing, these should be discussed with your physician. You might take Abilify with a dosage adjustment, or tests to determine if you can safely take Abilify will be conducted.
4. Abilify and Dementia Like Oil and Water
As the Robot from the old TV series "Lost In Space" used to say, "Danger, Danger!" Abilify is not to be used in elderly patients who suffer from dementia. Studies have shown an increased risk of stroke and heart attack in older patients, as one potential side effect of this medication is a fast or uneven heartbeat. Taking Abilify has also shown to increase fatal pneumonia in some elderly patients. If psychotic episodes are related to dementia, it must be stressed that Abilify is not approved for treatment.
5. Oh, Those Terrible Side Effects
Though Abilify is usually well-tolerated, as with any drug there are potential side effects, rapid heartbeat, stiff muscles, involuntary muscle movements, confusion, lightheadedness and jaundice are among the more serious side effects. Less serious side effects include constipation, drowsiness, headache and weight gain. Also, as with most antidepressants, Abilify has an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children, teenagers and young adults.
