Understanding Aripiprazole: Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Warnings
Aripiprazole is available in various oral forms, including tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and a solution. It’s also offered as an injectable solution administered by healthcare professionals.
Brand-name versions like:
- Abilify
- Abilify MyCite
The latter features a sensor, containing aripiprazole. Generic alternatives exist for the standard oral tablet and orally disintegrating tablet.
Aripiprazole Uses
Aripiprazole is prescribed for
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder, including both manic and depressive symptoms
- Treatment-resistant depression (as an adjunct with antidepressants)
- Managing irritability associated with autism
- Managing symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome.
It’s also used to manage irritability associated with autism and Tourette’s syndrome. Belonging to atypical antipsychotics, it alters brain activity by affecting natural substances.
Aripiprazole Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Aripiprazole are:
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Weight gain
- Changes in appetite
Some of the serious side effects of Aripiprazole are:
- Rashes
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of eyes
- Difficulty in breathing
- Seizures
- Tightening of neck muscles
Aripiprazole may lead to serious side effects and health issues. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Precautions
Before taking Aripiprazole, discuss with your doctor:
- Any allergies or past medical history
- Issues with blood flow
- Diabetes
- Heart problems
- Nervous system disorders
- Obesity
- Low white blood cell count
- Swallowing difficulties
How to use Aripiprazole?
Aripiprazole is available in tablet, liquid, and orally disintegrating tablet forms, typically taken once daily with or without food. There’s also a tablet with a sensor system for monitoring intake in adults. Avoid pushing the orally disintegrating tablet through the foil; instead, place the whole tablet on your tongue, where it dissolves easily and can be swallowed without water.
Dosage of Aripiprazole
Generic
Aripiprazole
- Form: oral tablet (2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg)
- Form: orally disintegrating tablet (10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg)
Brand: Abilify
- Form: oral tablet (2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg)
Brand: Abilify MyCite
- Form: oral tablet with sensor (2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg)
Dosage for schizophrenia
Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years): 10 to 15 mg once a day
Dosage for bipolar I disorder
Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years): 15 to 30 mg once a day
Dosage for major depression in people already taking an antidepressant
Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years): 2 to 5 mg once a day
Dosage for irritability caused by autistic disorder
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older): 2 mg per day
Dosage for Tourette syndrome
Child dosage (ages 6 to 18): 5 to 10 mg per day, depending on the child’s weight.
Overdose of Aripiprazole
If you suspect an overdose of this medication, which can lead to symptoms like sleepiness, vomiting, and tremors, seek immediate medical attention.
Missed dose
Take your missed dose as soon as you remember, but only one dose if it’s close to the next scheduled dose. Avoid taking two doses at once to make up for missed ones, as this can be dangerous.
Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions
For people with Heart conditions
This drug’s safety and effectiveness in people with some heart problems has yet to be determined. Unstable heart disease or a recent history of stroke or heart attack are examples of these conditions. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have heart disease.
For people with Epilepsy
If you have a history of epilepsy or conditions that increase seizure risk, such as Alzheimer’s dementia, consult your doctor before taking this medication.
For people with low white blood cell count
This medication can reduce your white blood cell count. Your doctor will monitor you for any signs of this issue and conduct regular blood tests. If you have a history of low white blood cell counts, inform your doctor before starting treatment.
Pregnant Women
If pregnant or planning pregnancy, consult your doctor before using this medication. Use only if benefits outweigh risks, and contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking it.
Breastfeeding
This medication can pass into breast milk, potentially causing side effects in nursing infants. Discuss with your doctor if breastfeeding, as you may need to decide between discontinuing breastfeeding or the medication.
Storage
Direct exposure to heat, air, and light can damage your medication and lead to harmful effects. Store the drug in a safe place, away from children’s reach, ideally at room temperature between 68-F and 77-F (20-C and 25-C).
Aripiprazole vs Alprazolam
| Aripiprazole | Alprazolam |
|---|---|
| Aripiprazole is a prescription drug which comes in four oral dosage forms i.e, a pill, an orally disintegrating tablet and a solution. | Alprazolam is a prescription medication that is available as brand name drugs called Alprazolam Intensol, Xanax, or Xanax XR. |
| Aripiprazole is a drug that is used to relieve the effects of schizophrenia. It’s also used to treat symptoms of mania and depression in adults and children 10 years and older with bipolar disorder. | Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It can be used to relieve symptoms of anxiety or anxiety related to short-term depression. |
Some of the common side effects of Aripiprazole are:
|
The most common side effects of Alprazolam are:
|
