iPsychology

Abilify® ( Aripiprazole )

Abilify® ( Aripiprazole ) is a prescription medicine for the treatment of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia affects over two million Americans and is thought to be caused by an imbalance of key chemicals in the brain. Although a cure has yet to be found, with medicines like Abilify, your symptoms can improve.

Abilify® ( Aripiprazole ) is a prescription medicine indicated for:

• the treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder,
• maintaining efficacy in patients with bipolar disorder with a recent manic or mixed episode who had been stabilized and then maintained for at least 6 weeks.

Although a cure has yet to be found, Bipolar I Disorder is a treatable condition. With a treatment plan that includes medicine, education, and psychotherapy, many people with Bipolar I Disorder can move forward.

In clinical studies with Abilify, manic symptoms improved for many patients within several days. Of course, different people respond to medicines differently. It's important that you give Abilify a chance to start working, and to continue to talk with your healthcare provider about how you're feeling.

The exact way Abilify ( or any other medicine for Bipolar I Disorder ) works is unknown. However, experts believe that Abilify works by adjusting dopamine, instead of completely blocking it, as well as affecting serotonin.

Strengths:
Oral Solution: 1 mg / mL. For patients who must limit their sugar intake, ABILIFY Oral Solution contains sugar.
Tablets: 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg strengths.

ABILIFY DISCMELT orally disintegrating tablets are available in 10-mg and 15-mg strengths.

Normal dosage:

If under 18 years of age, DO NOT USE!

• 18 to 60 years of age, 10mg to 30mg daily.
• Over 60 years of age, lower dosage, increased cautiously.
• Dosages: Actual dosage must be determined by a physician.

Dosage Depends on Disorder:

• Oral ( For Schizophrenia ):
  Start : 10 mg to 15 mg daily administered on a once-a-day schedule.
  Increases : After 2 weeks Up to 30 mg daily administered on a once-a-day schedule if needed.
  Maximum : 30 mg in 24 hours.
• Oral ( For Bipolar Disorder ):
  Start : 30 mg daily administered on a once-a-day schedule.
  Decreases : To 15 mg daily administered on a once-a-day schedule.
  Maximum : 30 mg in 24 hours.
  

Problems with:
Liver Function:
Kidney Function: N/A.

Testing:
Before taking:
While taking:

Take: With or without food.

Full Benefits: 2 to 6 weeks .

Missed Dose(s): Take if within one hour ;if over an hour skip and then continue on your normal schedule. Never Take a Double Dose

To Stop Use: Do not stop without consulting your physician and never abruptly. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in your dose.

Abilify® ( Aripiprazole ) is not a controlled substance.

Overdose symptoms include: Vomiting, somnolence, and tremor. Other clinically important signs and symptoms observed in one or more patients with aripiprazole overdoses ( alone or with other substances ) include acidosis, aggression, aspartate
aminotransferase increased, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, coma, confusional state, convulsion, blood creatine phosphokinase increased, depressed level of consciousness, hypertension, hypokalemia, Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Remember: Keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children; never share your medicines with others and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Warnings

Elderly patients, diagnosed with psychosis as a result of dementia ( for example, an inability to perform daily activities as a result of increased memory loss ), and who are treated with atypical antipsychotic medicines including ABILIFY, are at an increased risk of death when compared to patients who are treated with a placebo ( sugar pill ). ABILIFY is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.

• Do not stop taking abruptly.
• Do not give this drug to anyone who is psychotic.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• The habit-forming potential is low.
• Do not stop taking this drug abruptly.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
• depression or suicidal thoughts.
• mania.
• bipolar disorder.
• any psychiatric condition.
• if you have a history of seizures.

Do not use if:

• you had negative reactions to this drug in the past.
• you have a history of drug dependence.
• you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• you are breast-feeding.
• you are under eighteen, and only in small doses with very close monitoring if over sixty.

Inform Physician if:

Lightheadedness or faintness caused by a sudden change in heart rate and blood pressure when rising quickly from a sitting or lying position (orthostatic hypotension) has been reported with ABILIFY.

Medicines like ABILIFY can affect your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should not drive or operate hazardous machinery until you know how ABILIFY affects you.

Since medicines like ABILIFY can impact your body's ability to reduce body temperature, you should avoid overheating and dehydration.

Medicines like ABILIFY have been associated with swallowing problems (dysphagia). If you had or have swallowing problems, you should tell your healthcare provider.

If you have suicidal thoughts, you should tell your healthcare provider right away.

Abilify® ( Aripiprazole ) Symptoms or Effects

Common: constipation, an inner sense of restlessness or need to move (akathisia), headache, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, sleepiness, lightheadedness, and tremor.

Rare:

See physician NOW:

• Very high fever, rigid muscles, shaking, confusion, sweating, or increased heart rate and blood pressure. These may be signs of a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare but serious side effect which could be fatal
• Abnormal or uncontrollable movements. These may be signs of a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia which may be permanent
• Elderly: An increased risk of stroke and ministroke has been reported in a clinical study of elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
• Diabetes, risk factors for diabetes (for example, obesity, family history of diabetes), or unexpected increases in thirst, urination, or hunger. Increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), in some cases serious and associated with coma or death, have been reported in patients taking medicines like ABILIFY. Ask your healthcare provider about the need to monitor your blood sugar level before and during treatment

Serious side effects can occur with any antipsychotic medicine, including ABILIFY.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any conditions or side effects, including the following:

• Very high fever, rigid muscles, shaking, confusion, sweating, or increased heart rate and blood pressure. These may be signs of a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare but serious side effect which could be fatal
• Abnormal or uncontrollable movements. These may be signs of a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia which may be permanent
• Elderly: An increased risk of stroke and ministroke has been reported in a clinical study of elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
• Diabetes, risk factors for diabetes (for example, obesity, family history of diabetes), or unexpected increases in thirst, urination, or hunger. Increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), in some cases serious and associated with coma or death, have been reported in patients taking medicines like ABILIFY. Ask your healthcare provider about the need to monitor your blood sugar level before and during treatment