Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Aripiprazole

Aripiprazole: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What Is molecular of Aripiprazole?

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat a spectrum of mania and schizophrenia. It is a quinoline derivative that can stabilise dopamine D2 and has antagonistic activity on serotonin  5-HT1A2 receptors. It is a drug metabolite and second-generation antipsychotic drug having a formula C23H27Cl2N3O2 that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration approved on Nov 15, 2020. It is sold under the brand names Abilify, Arilan, arize, aripat, rizota, scizopra, apicord, etc.

What Are the Uses of Aripiprazole?

Some uses and benefits of aripiprazole are:   

  • Used in treatment of several symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, delusions, incoherent speech, lack of motivation, and delusions.
  • Long treatment of a bipolar disorder. 
  • As any additive treatment  of major depressive disorders.
  • To treat autism disability.
  • Irritable behaviour such as temper tantrums, hostility.
  • In treating Tourette’s disease.

   For optimal benefits, you must take this medication as prescribed by the physician in its recommended dosage.

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    What Are the side-effects of Aripiprazole?

    At the onset of treatment (first two or three weeks) of consuming aripiprazole agitation, restlessness may be more but will gradually wear off. If it stays on ,consult our doctors at Yashoda Hospital.

    Some of the common side effects of aripiprazole  tablets include:

    • Akathisia(restlessenes)
    • nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Nausea
    • Blurred vision
    • Headache
    • Increased saliva secretion
    • Dermatological side effects such as rash, exanthematous rash and itch
    • Skin pigmentation
    • Photosensitivity
    • Hair loss(Alopecia)
    • Vasculitis
    • Epidermal necrolysis
    • Dry mouth
    • Extreme tiredness and sleepiness
    • Dizziness
    • Fast heartbeat
    • Increased appetite and weight gain
    • Pain in abdomen
    • Twitching of muscles
    • Constipation
    • Lightheadedness

    Serious side effects include

    • Allergic reactions like rashes
    • Stroke in elder patients
    • Chances of early death in elderly patients on prolonged use

    For more information on the dosages and precautions necessary for consuming aripiprazole, contact our medical experts at Yashoda Hospitals.

    What is Aripiprazole

    Uses of Aripiprazole

    Side effects of Aripiprazole

    References

    1. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01238
    2. https://reference.medscape.com/drug/abilify-maintena-aristada-aripiprazole-342983

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Aripiprazole

    Alcohol consumption is to be avoided or limited during treatment with aripiprazole. One of the side effects of aripiprazole is dizziness. When taken with alcohol, the side effects are increased. It also alters judgement and thinking. Research says that sedative effects associated with alcohol are increased, and euphoric effects decrease when the drug and alcohol are taken together.

    Abrupt stoppage of this medicine causes imbalances in chemicals in the brain and causes withdrawal symptoms. Once on this medication, the brain gets accustomed to different levels of dopamine. To stop it, take the help of a doctor. Gradual reduction of dosage is usually administered. The rate of stoppage is decided based on the severity of the condition and the patient’s health.

    Aripiprazole, in some cases, is known to cause hair loss. Antidepressants generally cause hair loss. However, this is temporary and is reversible. Once the medication stops, hair fall also gradually reduces.

    Aripiprazole does make one high. This drug activates dopamine receptors in the brain, and all pathways are activated that make one high. This activation leads to heightened euphoria. Pathological obsessive-compulsive disorders such as shopping, binge eating, increased sexual behaviour, gambling, and other orgasmic activity get heightened.

    Aripiprazole usually does not cause weight gain in adults, but children and adolescents may gain weight when in their course of treatment. It increases appetite and hence results in weight gain. A well-known case is of a 30-year-old lady who developed hair loss while on medication for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

    Aripiprazole alters hormone levels in the brain. During medication, this drug makes you drowsy, as in the case of any psychotic drug. But the FDA approves of this drug being used to treat insomnia and is not the first line of treatment for it. However, it is possible to advance sleep rhythm and help treat people with delayed sleep phase syndrome.

    Older patients suffering from dementia are not recommended to take Aripiprazole. Studies have that they have a greater risk of developing stroke or ministroke during medication. Increased chances of death have also been observed. The FDA disapproves of treating behavioural problems with this drug. Children below 18 are also not recommended to be on this drug as there are more side effects than benefits. It is not advisable as medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers.

    Yes, Aripiprazole is similar to Xanax. Aripiprazole is a second-generation antipsychotic drug and used in the treatment of severe mental conditions. It is administered in many forms like tablets, as a liquid, dissolved in the mouth, or taken intramuscularly as injections. The drug is available under a brand name such as Xanax, Xanax XR, Alprazolam, Intensol.

    Aripiprazole, under the Controlled Substance Act(CSA), is not a controlled substance. It is an antipsychotic drug with lesser side effects than many of the other known psychotics. However, teenagers on this medication are known to display suicidal ideation. It is used along with other medications to treat severe depression.

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