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Aripiprazole (Abilify®) is an atypical antipsychotic prescribed for patients with Bipolar I Disorder for the treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes, to keep symptoms from returning in patients with a recent manic or mixed episode who have been stabilized and then maintained for at least 6 weeks.

Mania is characterized by frenzied, abnormally excited, or irritated mood; mixed episodes by symptoms of mania and depression that happen together.

Aripiprazole is also used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia.

You might want to discuss Abilify, the newest of the atypical antipsychotics, with your doctor if you are having problems with side effects with your current medication or you don't feel it is controlling your symptoms.

How does it work?
Experts believe that Abilify works by adjusting dopamine, instead of completely blocking it, as other atypical antipsychotics do, as well as affecting serotonin. Abilify raises the level of these brain chemicals when there's not enough and lowers the level when there's too much.

How is it taken?
Aripiprazole comes as a tablet and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth, and an orally disintegrating tablet that dissolves quickly in the mouth. Abilify tablets are available in 2-, 5-, 10-, 15-, 20- and 30-mg strengths. Abilify DISCMELT® orally disintegrating tablets are available in 10-mg and 15-mg strengths. Abilify is also available as a 1 mg/mL oral solution.

It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take aripiprazole at around the same time every day. Take aripiprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. (Ask your doctor for instructions for taking the orally disintegrating tablet)

Take a missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How fast does it work?
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of aripiprazole and increase your dose after at least two weeks.

It may take two weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of aripiprazole. Continue to take aripiprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking aripiprazole without talking to your doctor.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Aripiprazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• agitation, restlessness, difficulty standing or sitting still (akathisia)
• sleep problems
• headache
• tremor
• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• lightheadedness
• nausea or vomiting

Other common side effects include nervousness, anxiety, heartburn, constipation, upset stomach or stomach pain, weight gain, loss of appetite, increased salivation, joint pain.

Some side effects may be reduced or avoided by either working up from a very low dose, which lengthens the time to experience results, or starting at a higher dose, backing down if sedation is a problem.

• seizures
• slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• chest pain
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• changes in vision
• unusual movements of your body or face that you cannot control
• high fever
• muscle stiffness
• confusion
• sweating
• rash
• hives
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

Aripiprazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you have suicidal thoughts, you should tell your healthcare professional right away.

What else should I know about Abilify?
Abilify may make it harder to lower your body temperature. Avoid overheating and be sure to drink plenty of water every day while you are taking this medication.

While taking Abilify, avoid drinking alcohol. Do not take it if you are breast-feeding.

Tell your healthcare professional if you have a history of seizures, or are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, and about all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking or plan to take. Tell him/her if you have or have ever had heart disease, heart failure, a heart attack, high or low blood pressure, a stroke, a mini-stroke, seizures, or if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had diabetes.

If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking aripiprazole.

What do users say about Abilify?

"It's been a miracle drug for me. It gave me back the energy and motivation I had before my depression. It evened out my moods and I could concentrate better."

"It's done a good job of reducing my paranoia, but my vision is blurry and I'm having akathisia [A restless need to move.]"

"It's been a long time since I've felt this good. It took a few weeks to kick in, but it seemed to work better the longer I took it. And I lost weight without even dieting."

"I have lost all emotion and ability to have "feelings." The drug has worked well for my symptoms and I will continue to take it. But I feel like my personality is gone."

"It has really helped control my mania and reduced my anxiety. I had trouble sleeping but that got better at a higher dose."

Edited for space and clarity.

Sources
MedlinePlus: U.S. National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health/Department of Health & Human Services
RxList
Bristol-Myers Squibb/Otsuka America Pharmaceutical

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