Abilify, an antipsychotic, is used to treat the symptoms that accompany conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Under certain circumstances, it may be used in conjunction with various medications to help treat major depressive disorder in adults. Prior to taking Abilify, you should learn its side effects, because some may be serious enough to require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
According to a report on eMedTV, the most common side effects of Abilify are not the most serious side effects of this medication. Initially you may experience headaches, become agitated or suffer from fatigue. Drowsiness may also strike, along with digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting and constipation. Anxiety and restlessness may also occur until your body becomes acclimated to this treatment.
Possibility of Weight Gain
Weight gain is considered to be a common side effect of Abilify, although in many cases the amount is small and poses no danger to your health. However some patients may gain larger amounts of weight, which can play a role in the development of diabetes, a more serious side effect of Abilify. This risk is higher if you notice yourself gaining large amounts of weight at a rapid pace. Should this occur, bring it to the attention of your doctor at once.
Beware of Insomnia
Considered another common side effect of Abilify, insomnia affected 18 percent of patients during its clinical study, according to the eMedTV report. Over the long term, insomnia can wreak havoc with your life, and your doctor needs to be made aware of this symptom should it continue or become worse.
Aside from the most common symptom of insomnia, which is the inability to fall asleep, you may find yourself waking up multiple times throughout the night, feeling as if you haven't slept when you have and waking up earlier than normal in the morning.
Signs of Diabetes
Diabetes is an extremely serious condition that can lead to a diabetic coma or even death. While there was a noticeable increase in this disease among patients taking Abilify during its clinical trial, a great number of cases have been reported since its approval and release as well. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration requested all manufacturers of atypical antipsychotics, which includes Abilify, to add that there is an increased risk of diabetes for patients taking this drug.
To avoid the complications associated with diabetes, it is imperative to recognize its symptoms to seek early treatment. These include increased levels of blood sugar, which may be due to increased weight, frequent urination, increased thirst and extreme hunger. If you develop these symptoms, the FDA recommends undergoing a fasting blood glucose test.
Effect on Dementia Patients
Abilify should not be used to treat any psychotic symptoms that are related to dementia disorders, according to Drugs.com. Doing so can cause pneumonia, heart failure or sudden death in these patients.
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