Abilify is the brand name of aripiprazole, a medication prescribed in the treatment of the mental disorder schizophrenia. It also may be used in the treatment of other problems such as bipolar disorder and depression, by itself or with other drugs. The Mayo Clinic also notes Abilify can be used for children ages 6 through 17 for irritability if they are autistic. Abilify is administered as a solution or a pill.
Body Problems
The use of Abilify to treat any of the mental conditions for which it is designed may cause some body problems as side effects. The more common serious side effects of Abilify include motion difficulties such as stiffness, jerkiness or trembling of muscles. You also may experience a balance loss and exhibit a walk that is shuffling. There also is the potential for bodily twisting motions and uncontrollable motions of the back, neck and face. It's possible that stiffness may affect all of your extremities, too. Another less common effect is your inability to make your eyes move. These all are serious side effects, so the Mayo Clinic recommends consulting your physician immediately. Temporary side effects such as an inability to remain still and a desire to move constantly should go away on their own.
Flu-Like Issues
You may experience some side effects from Abilify that make you think you have a cold or influenza. The more common of these are temporary and not serious. They include a fever, runny nose and upset stomach. Less common are coughing, sneezing and nasal congestion. If you get any of these and they don't recede as you continue to take aripiprazole, tell your doctor.
Mental Problems
There are several potential side effects of aripiprazole that affect your state of mind. The more serious of these is restlessness. Less common are nervousness and making unusual facial expressions. These all are serious side effects. Non-serious side effects include fear, anxiety and irritability.
Other Side Effects
There are many other relatively common side effects of aripiprazole. The more common effect of drooling is serious, as are the less common ones such as vision blurring, dizziness, breathing difficulties, swallowing difficulties, rapid (tachycardia) or slow (bradycardia) heart rates, headaches and eyelid spasms. Those that are not serious include an acidic stomach, gaining weight, dry mouth, hyperventilation, indigestion and insomnia. These should disappear with time.
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