Aripiprazole is used to treat some types of mental illness such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects. Aripiprazole is also called Abilify.
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What is aripiprazole?
Aripiprazole is used to treat some types of mental illness such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (previously manic depression). It does not cure these conditions, but is used to help ease the symptoms and help you on your recovery path. It can help improve symptoms such as extreme mood swings of bipolar disorder, the experience of hearing voices (hallucinations), ideas that distress you and don't seem to be based in reality (delusions), and difficulty in thinking clearly (thought disorder). Aripiprazole belongs to a group of medicines called antipsychotics. Read more about antipsychotic medication. In New Zealand aripiprazole is available at tablets.
Dose
- The usual dose of aripiprazole is 10 to 15 milligrams once a day.
- Some people may need higher doses.
- Your doctor may start you on a low dose and increase it slowly over a few weeks.
- Always take your aripiprazole exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much aripiprazole to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.
How to take aripiprazole
- Timing: Take your aripiprazole dose once a day, at the same time each day. You can take aripiprazole with or without food.
- Avoid alcohol while you are taking aripiprazole. Drinking alcohol while taking aripiprazole can cause drowsiness and affect concentration, putting you at risk of falls and other accidents. It can also cause agitation, aggression and forgetfulness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only small amounts and see how you feel. Do not stop taking your medication.
- Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
- Keep taking aripiprazole every day. It usually take a few weeks to start working and it can take several months before you feel the full benefits. Do not stop taking aripiprazole suddenly as your symptoms may return if stopped too early; speak to your doctor or nurse before stopping.
Precautions while taking aripiprazole
Before starting aripiprazole
- Do you have any heart problems such as an irregular heartbeat or low blood pressure?
- Do you have Parkinson’s Disease or epilepsy?
- Do you have diabetes or problems with high cholesterol?
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Are you taking any other medicines, including medicines you can buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines?
If any of these apply, it’s important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start aripiprazole. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care, that your pharmacist will tell you about.
While taking aripiprazole
- Weight: let your doctor know if you notice that you are putting on a lot of weight, especially when you first start taking aripiprazole
- Blood tests and other monitoring: aripiprazole may cause changes in your blood glucose level, your cholesterol level and in your heart function. To keep an eye out for these effects, your doctor will check your physical health. You will have your weight measured regularly. You may also need to have blood tests to check your kidneys, liver, cholesterol and glucose levels. You may also have your blood pressure measured and an ECG test to check your heart rate.
Side effects
Like all medicines, aripiprazole can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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| * For more information on side effects, see the Medsafe consumer information leaflet Aripiprazole Sandoz. ** Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product |
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Interactions
Aripiprazole interacts with many other medications and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting aripiprazole or before starting any new medicines.
Learn more
The following links have more information on aripiprazole. Be aware that websites from other countries may contain information that differs from New Zealand recommendations:
Med-ucation medication benefits & side effects Talking Minds, NZ
Aripiprazole Medsafe Consumer Information Sheets (NZ)
Aripiprazole Patient Info, UK
References
- Aripiprazole New Zealand Formulary
- Antipsychotic drugs New Zealand Formulary
- Prescribing atypical antipsychotics in general practice BPAC, 2011
- Managing patients with dementia: What is the role of antipsychotics? BPAC, 2013