Abilify is the brand name for aripiprazole which is available as a prescription medication only. It is approved for the use in the treatment of schizophrenia, stabilization and maintenance therapy of bipolar disorder, and agitation associated with either disorder. Aripiprazole belongs to a class called the atypical antipsychotics and works by blocking chemicals in the brain that are found to affect both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Many side effects are associated with the administration of the drug.
Extrapyramidal Symptoms
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are a group of side effects caused by the antipsychotic medication. They are characterized by Parkinsonism, akathisia, dystonia and tardive dyskinesia. These effects are dose related and can be seen in up to 16 percent of people; it is more common in children, occurring in up to 26 percent. Parkinsonism is a syndrome characterized by rigidity, tremor and postural instability. Stiffness or rigidity is seen in about in about 4 percent of people. Tremor may be present in about 5 percent of adults and 7 percent of children. Akathisia, which is characterized by the inability to remain motionless, can be seen in about 8 to 13 percent of people. With the injection form of Abilify, it is less common and seen in about 2 percent. Restlessness is seen in up to 6 percent of people. Dystonia is characterized by muscle contractions that can cause repetitive motion, and tardive dyskinesia is seen as involuntary repetitive movements. Both of these are seen in about 1 percent of children.
Weight Gain
Weight gain may be seen with the administration of Abilify. About 8 to 30 percent of people will experience weight gain, with the highest frequency seen in people with a body mass index (BMI) above 23. In children, an increase in appetite is seen in about 7 percent and can be linked to weight gain.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea occurs at a higher rate in the oral form, occurring in 15 percent of people. In the injection form, about 9 percent of people will experience nausea. Vomiting and upset stomach is also seen in about 10 percent of individuals. Dry mouth, or xerostamia, may be present in about 5 percent of people. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy may help with these adverse effects. Constipation is seen in about 11 percent of people; consuming an adequate amount of fiber and fruits may help.
Anxiety
Anxiety may also be seen in about 17 percent of people taking Abilify. Agitation may also occur and may be found in about 19 percent of people. In about 27 percent of people taking Abilify, headache may occur; only 12 percent of people may experience headache with the injection form. Dizziness may occur in about 10 percent of people. Sedation, which is dose related, may be seen in about 5 to 11 percent of adults and 8 to 24 percent of children. With the injection form, 3 to 9 percent of people may have sedation. Fatigue is also dose-related and may be seen in up to 6 percent of individuals. About 3 percent of individuals may experience blurred vision. Be careful when operating a vehicle or heavy machinery or when engaging in an activity that may require alertness.
References
- "Drug Information Handbook 15th Edition"; Charles F. Lacy, RPh, PharmD, FCSHP, Lora L. Armstrong, RPh, PharmD, BCPS. et al; 2007
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al; 2008
- Abilify: Full Prescriging Information
Member Comments