What Is Abilify Used For?

Uses

Abilify, known generically as aripiprazole, is a medication that’s primarily used to treat certain mental/mood disorders. You might hear about it being used for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and Tourette’s syndrome. Here’s a breakdown of how it helps with these conditions:

• Schizophrenia: In adults and sometimes in teenagers, Abilify helps reduce symptoms like hearing voices, seeing things that aren’t there, and being suspicious.
• Bipolar Disorder: It’s used to treat manic or mixed episodes, which are periods of unusually high mood or irritability.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Abilify is often added to other antidepressants to enhance their effectiveness, especially when someone’s current medication isn’t working well enough on its own.
• Tourette’s Syndrome: For children and teenagers, Abilify can help control tics – those sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that people with Tourette’s experience.

Aripiprazole works in your brain, affecting certain chemicals called neurotransmitters. It helps to balance these chemicals, which can significantly improve symptoms of the conditions mentioned above.

How to Use Abilify

When you’re prescribed Abilify, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Here are some general guidelines:

• Dosage: The dosage depends on your condition, your response to treatment, and any other medications you might be taking. So, always take it exactly as your doctor tells you.
• Taking the Medication: Usually, you take Abilify once a day with or without food. Try to take it at the same time every day to help keep a steady level in your system.
• Liquid Form: If you have the liquid form, measure your dose carefully with the special measuring device that comes with it. Don’t use a regular household spoon, as you might not get the right amount.
• Missed Doses: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s nearly time for your subsequent dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Avoid doubling up doses.

Side Effects

Like all medications, Abilify can have side effects. Some common ones include:

• Milder Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, feeling restless, sleepiness, and weight gain.
• Serious Side Effects: If you experience symptoms like severe restlessness, shaking, muscle stiffness, confusion, high fever, or irregular heartbeat, you should contact your doctor right away.
• Rare but Serious: In rare cases, Abilify can cause an intense urge to gamble, binge eat, shop, or have sex. If you notice these urges, talk to your doctor immediately.

Remember, your doctor prescribed Abilify because they believe the benefits for you outweigh the risk of side effects. Most people using this medication do not experience severe side effects.

Precautions

Before starting Abilify, it’s crucial to tell your doctor:

• Allergies: If you’re allergic to aripiprazole or any other medications.
• Medical History: Especially any history of heart problems, stroke, diabetes, and conditions related to the nervous system.

Avoid alcohol while taking Abilify, as it can increase some side effects like drowsiness.

Interactions

Abilify can interact with other medications, changing how your medications work or increasing the risk for serious side effects. Here are some important points:

• Other Medications: Always inform your doctor about all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal products.
• Specific Drug Interactions: Some medications that may interact with Abilify include certain antidepressants, antifungals, and HIV medications.