Abilify (aripiprazole) is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia, stabilization and maintenance therapy of bipolar disorder, and agitation associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Abilify exerts its action by blocking chemicals in the brain that affect the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Like all medications that act on the body, Abilify has side effects.
Extrapyramidal Symptoms
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are a group of side effects seen in antipsychotic medications. According to the "Drug Information Handbook," the effects are dose-related and can be seen in 5 to 16 percent of adults and 6 to 26 percent of children. Extrapyramidal symptoms can be further categorized based on the type of effects they produce; the categories include Parkinsonism, akathisia, dystonia and tardive dyskinesia. Parkinsonism presents as tremors, rigidity and postural instability. Tremors may be seen in about 5 to 6 percent of adults; tremors are more common in children, occurring at a rate of up to 10 percent. Rigidity or stiffness may be present in up to 4 percent of people. Akathisia is seen as the inability to remain motionless and can be seen in about 8 to 13 percent of individuals. It is seen in about 2 percent of people taking the injectable formulation. Restlessness can be found in about 5 to 6 percent of people. In about 1 percent of children, dystonia and tardive dyskinesia may be seen. Dystonia presents as muscle contractions that cause repetitive motions. Tardive dyskinesia is involuntary repetitive movement.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is seen in up to 30 percent of people and occurs more commonly in people with a body mass index (BMI) above 23. In children, about 7 percent will experience an increased in appetite; this can lead to weight gain in some.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea occurs in about 15 percent of people taking the oral form versus 9 percent who receive the injection form. Xerostamia, which is dry mouth, may be seen in about 5 percent of people. Vomiting and upset stomach may occur in about 10 percent. Eating small frequent meals or chewing gum can help with these side effects. In about 11 percent of individuals, constipation may be seen. Eating fruits and getting enough fiber in your diet will help with constipation.
Anxiety
Anxiety may be seen in about 17 percent of individuals on Abilify. Agitation may be present in about 19 percent of people. According to the "Drug Information Handbook," headache may be seen in about 27 percent of people taking the oral form. In those receiving the injectable form, headache is seen in 12 percent of people. In about 10 percent of people, dizziness may also occur. Sedation may occur and is related to the dose given. About 5 to 11 percent of adults and about 8 to 24 percent of children may experience sedation. About 3 to 9 percent of individuals will experience sedation with the injectable form. Fatigue, which is dose-related as well, may occur in up to 6 percent of people. Blurred vision may be present in about 3 percent of people. Patients should be careful when driving or performing any activities that require them to be alert.
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 Prescribing Information
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