Abilify uses, doses, side effects, and precautions

Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Abilify

Abilify: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What Is Abilify?

Abilify is a trademarked brand name for aripiprazole. Abilify belongs to a family of drugs called antipsychotics. Like the name says, antipsychotic drugs work to counter the effects of psychosis. Abilify is used to treat severe mental conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This drug may also be used with other medicines in the treatment of depression. Abilify comes as a tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet, or as a syrup/solution.

What Are The Uses Of Abilify?

The main uses of Abilify include the following:

Treatment of Schizophrenia
Treatment of mixed episodes associated with Bipolar Disorder
Management of Depression and related symptoms
Treatment of Depressive Disorder
Treatment of irritability associated with Autistic Disorder
Treatment of Tourette’s Disorder

What Are The Side Effects Of Abilify?

Some of the commonly observed side effects of Abilify in adults include:

Nausea

Vomiting

Sedation

Constipation

Headache

Blurred vision

Fatigue

Dizziness

Anxiety and insomnia

Restlessness

Mild tremors

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe symptoms. Contact our medical experts at Yashoda Hospitals to learn more about the drug Abilify.

Frequently Asked Questions about Abilify

No, Abilify does not cause weight loss. Instead, it may cause weight gain in some individuals. This drug causes significantly less weight gain than most other antipsychotics.

No, do not break, crush or split the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. Always follow your doctor's instructions or the direction as per the label. If the tablet has a sensor, then extra care should be taken while consuming.

No, Abilify generally works by balancing your dopamine and serotonin levels. So it will not make you feel high. If you are concerned about ' feeling high' while taking Abilify, talk with your consulting physician.

No, Abilify will not increase your alertness and energy level. They tend to be more sedative in nature. This drug will help you to reduce the psychotic symptoms and help to stabilize your mood.

Yes, Tardive Dyskinesia(an involuntary body movement disorder) is one of the severe side effects caused by long-term use of the drug Abilify. But this side effect is rare, and your doctor will try to prescribe Abilify in a manner that is most likely to minimize the occurrence of Tardive Dyskinesia.

Avoid or limit the use of alcohol, grapefruit, and marijuana while on Abilify medication. Abilify may also interact with some common medicines. So always take advice from your doctor if you are on any other medication. Avoid getting overheated and dehydrated while on Abilify.

No, generally, Abilify does not cause aggressive behavior, but like other antipsychotics, they may cause aggressive behavior. It is an uncommon side effect that is seen, especially during the start of treatment.
As soon as aggressive behavior is observed while you are on Abilify treatment, consult with your physician. Make sure to take the dosage the doctor prescribed for you.

No, Abilify is not a controlled substance. Abilify may cause dependence or withdrawal symptoms in some patients but relatively low potential compared with other antipsychotic drugs. Tell your doctor if you observe any sign of abuse.

No, Abilify is not a narcotic and does not come under the category of narcotic drugs. It is an antipsychotic drug. That means this medicine will help reduce psychotic symptoms like disordered thinking, irritation, hallucination, and delusions.

Yes, Abilify can help you calm down and makes your mind and thoughts more stable. Doctors may use Abilify with other medicines to calm people agitated due to schizophrenia and irritability associated with autistic disorder.