What is Abilify prescribed for?

Abilify is used predominantly for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder but can also be used as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder, tic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), and irritability associated with autism.

How does Abilify work?

Abilify contains the active ingredient Aripiprazole, which belongs to a class of drugs called antipsychotics. It’s not known how Aripiprazole works exactly, but it’s thought that it helps regulate the amount of certain chemicals in your brain such as dopamine and serotonin. Managing the levels of these chemicals may help control certain conditions.

Before taking your prescribed Abilify Oral Solution dosage, read all the instructions that was provided by your pharmacist. Take Abilify orally once a day with a full glass of water. Abilify (Aripiprazole) can be administered with or without a meal. Make sure you take Abilify at the same time each day to create a routine for yourself and to ensure an even spread of the Aripiprazole dosage in your system. For optimal results take this medication on a regular basis. Do not change or increase your dose. You should continue taking this medication even if you feel well. 

Abilify (Aripiprazole) Oral Solution is used for long-term treatment. The dosage your doctor prescribes you depends on multiple factors such as: the severity of your condition, your age, the form of Abilify you take, your medical history. 

Abilify Oral Solution can interact with several other medications, so it is important that you take it as is prescribed. You should not suddenly stop taking this drug or change your dosage without consulting your doctor first. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause unwanted side effects such as facial tics, uncontrolled speech, or uncontrolled shaking.

Your Abilify or Aripiprazole dosage may contain medical and non medical ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction. Consult with your doctor about any known allergies before taking Abilify. Speak with your doctor about any known medical conditions relating to problems with blood flow to the brain, diabetes, heart problems, problems with your nervous system problems, low white blood cell count, problems swallowing, and troubles breathing while asleep. Tell your doctor about any current medications or supplementation to avoid interactions or unwanted side effects of Aripiprazole.

While taking the prescribed Abilify Oral Solution dosage you may feel dizzy, drowsy or experience blurred vision. Avoid driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery until you feel it is safe. Alcohol and Cannabis can exasperate these side effects. Additionally you can speak with your doctor about acceptable limits for these substances while taking Abilify.

There may be a higher risk of drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, tardive dyskinesia, and problems swallowing in older adults. These Abilify side effects could increase the chances of having a damaging fall.

Taking Abilify may cause you sweat less, and could put you at risk for heat stroke. Keep out of the sun and hot areas. Try to reduce hard physical work or over excreting yourself with exercise. Avoid hot tubs if possible. If you become overheated try to cool off by any available means. If you experience  headache, dizziness or mood/mental changes that linger, speak with your doctor right away.

Some Abilify Oral Solution side effects include:

Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, weakness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, tiredness, excess saliva or drooling, choking or trouble swallowing, blurred vision, headache, anxiety, weight gain, drowsiness, sleep problems (insomnia), constipation.

Other serious Abilify Oral Solution side effects are:

Suicidal thoughts, tardive dyskinesia (involuntary, repetitive movements), neuroleptic malignant syndrome, shaking (tremors), muscle spasms, fainting, mental/mood changes (such as increased anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts), trouble swallowing, restlessness (especially in the legs), mask-like expression of the face, seizures, signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat).  

If any side effects of Aripiprazole become unmanageable speak with your doctor or pharmacist for help in managing any side effects. For any serious side effects that occur speak with your doctor right away for further treatment options.

Q: What happens if I suddenly stop taking this medication?

A: A relapse in symptoms may occur depending on the severity of the condition, and you may experience side effects. You should speak to your doctor before you stop taking this medication.

Q: What is the best dosage to take for Abilify Oral Solution?

A: You doctor will be able to determine the best Abilify Oral Solution dosage from the initial diagnosis.

Q: How long does it take for this medication to become active?

A: It can take a few weeks before this drug has full effect. Continue to take this medication at the same time everyday to ensure a successful treatment.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: You should take the missed dose as soon as you realize you have forgotten. If the missed dose is closer to your next scheduled dose, take the next schedule and do not take a double dose.

Q: What is the best way to store this medication?

A: This medication is stored at room temperature, and should be kept away from children and pets. 

Q: How do I dispose of this medication?

A: Do not throw away this medication in wastewater. Some medications can be thrown away in dry waste, and some require a little preparation for disposal. If you are uncertain how to dispose of this medication speak with your pharmacist to safely dispose of any unwanted or experienced medication.

Q: Is this medication safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: Speak with your doctor about the risk associated with using this drug while pregnant. It is uncertain if this drug can pass into the breast milk of nursing mother. Consult your doctor to understand the risk in using this medication while breastfeeding.