Abilify (Aripiprazole) For Schizophrenia, Bipolar & Depression
Abilify is an add-on medicine for the treatment of depression disorder for patients who do not respond to treatment when antidepressant medicines alone are used. Abilify is a brand name drug, and Aripiprazole is the generic name of the drug. In addition to treating depression disorders, this medication is also used for the treatment of schizophrenia, manic depression, bipolar disorderand other psychotic conditions. This antipsychotic medicine works by altering the actions of the brain chemicals.
Abilify Side Effects:
Known side effects of Abilify can be classified into two categories, the minor side effects and more serious side effects that could require immediate consulting with your doctor or healthcare provider. Minor ones include:
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Having mild constipation or stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Trouble swallowing
Serious side effects would be the following:
- Stiffness in the muscles
- Jerky movements
- Sudden problems with balance, vision or speech
- Increased thirst
- Appetite loss
- Seizure
- Thoughts of passing out and hurting one's self
- Less frequent urination.
Although there were no serious or known withdrawal symptoms of Aripiprazole it is still best to seek medical advice before taking the drug as well as notifying your doctor once your recommended treatment period expires.
Important information about dosage and dispensing Abilify:
- The usual doctors recommend treatment period for patients taking Aripiprazole is once a day for 6 months.
- Those who take the Abilify Discmelt or the tablet form are advised to be careful not to remove the disintegrating tablet from the blister pack until ready for use.
- They are also cautioned not to swallow the medicine right away, but to allow it to dissolve inside the mouth first.
- Those who are taking the liquid form of the medicine should use a specialized spoon or measuring cup to avoid wrong dosage.
- Drinking a glass full of water is recommended after taking the medicine.
Abilify is known to increase the risks of being overheated and dehydrated so it is best to drink plenty of water frequently. The drug may cause side effects that may impair one's quick thinking and reactions so it is advised that patients should lessen driving and other activities that entails alertness. Alcohol may also increase other side effects so it should be avoided during the course of the treatment.
Warnings:
People who suffer from hyperglycemia or high blood sugar should not use this drug without talking to their doctors first. Those with liver disease, kidney disease, history of breast cancer or epilepsy should not use this drug.
Pregnant mothers or those planning on becoming pregnant should consult with their doctors before using this drug. It is not known whether Abilify is harmful to an unborn baby, therefore nursing mothers should seek their doctors advice first, as this medicine could be passed through the breast milk. Aripiprazole is FDA category C rated medication.
Same with all medicines, it is recommended that frequent visits to the doctor is needed so the patient's condition is properly monitored. Understand all the information regarding Abilify and follow instructions carefully so the drugs can effectively treat one's medical condition as well as to avoid life-threatening effects of the drug.