Abilify is the brand name of the generic prescription medication aripiprazole and belongs to the group of drugs known as antipsychotics. Specifically, it is primarily used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and pediatric autism as well as agitation or aggression. Abilify stabilizes brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that are associated with the symptoms related to psychotic, bipolar and other mental conditions. While this medication can be beneficial to patients, there are possible adverse reactions of which one should be aware when taking this medication.
Common Effects
In clinical trials, as indicated by eMedTV.com, multiple side effects were reported by participants with the most frequently reported effect being headaches, which occurred in up to 27 percent of the participants. The next most frequently experienced effect reported was that of sedation (up to 23 percent) as well as related reports of feeling drowsy (up to 16 percent), fatigued (up to 17 percent) or tired (16 percent). In contrast, up to 18 percent of the participants reported sleeping problems such as not being able to fall asleep or waking up frequently during the night as well as feelings of anxiousness (up to 17 percent). Additionally, as eMedTV.com reports about the clinical trials, other common adverse effects that occur while taking this drug involve an upset stomach, that is, nausea (up to 15 percent) and vomiting (up to 14 percent). Feelings of agitation (up to 19 percent) and restlessness (12 percent) also disturbed many participants. Lastly, 2 to 10 percent of people in the trials reported common yet less frequent adverse reactions such as indigestion (heartburn), stomach or joint pain, constipation, blurred vision and nasal congestion.
Extrapyramidal Symptoms
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) refer to a group of side effects caused by antipsychotic drugs such as Abilify. These effects are dose-related and occur in up to 16 percent of adults. Some examples of EPS include characteristics of Parkinsons' disease as well as the symptom of akathisia. Parkinson's is characterized by well-known symptoms of tremors and rigidity; as extrapyramidal symptoms, tremors occur in approximately 5 percent of adults and rigidity is found in about 4 percent of adults. Another extrapyramidal symptom, akathisia, is a movement disorder consisting of an inner restlessness that produces the behavioral compulsion to be constantly moving, even while sitting. Akathisia can be observed, for example, when someone is unable keep still and fidgets, rocks, moves legs, etc., while sitting down; this symptom occurs in anywhere from 8 to 13 percent of patients.
Weight Changes
Weight fluctuations can be a major issue of concern for many individuals. Therefore, before beginning Abilify, one needs to be aware that gaining weight may be a possibility. In clinical trials with schizophrenic patients, weight gain occurred in up to 30 percent of patients; moreover, it was found to occur more frequently in those with a body mass index, or BMI, greater than 23. Therefore, options such as dose adjustments need to be discussed in advance with the physician, especially if weight is an issue of concern.
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