Abilify (Aripiprazole)

Abilify is used for treating agitation caused by schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic. Exactly how Abilify works is not known. It affects certain substances in the brain.

Do not use Abilify if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Abilify.

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of heart problems (eg, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, recent heart attack), low blood pressure, blood vessel problems, or stroke
• if you have a history of seizures, dementia, Alzheimer disease, depression or other mental/mood disorders, or suicidal thoughts or attempts
• if you have trouble swallowing or a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
• if you are dehydrated, have low blood volume, or are taking medicine for high blood pressure
• if you or a family member has a history of diabetes or you are very overweight

• Anticholinergics (eg, benztropine, methscopolamine) because the risk of overheating may be increased
• Benzodiazepines (eg, lorazepam), imidazole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), quinidine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), or voriconazole because they may increase the risk of Abilify 's side effects
• Carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because they may decrease Abilify 's effectiveness
• Alpha-blockers (eg, terazosin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Abilify

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• abnormal dreams; blurred vision; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; increased saliva production; lightheadedness; nausea; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weight gain .

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thinking; chest pain; confusion; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; increased sweating; increased thirst, urination, or appetite; involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth, jaw, arms, legs, or back (eg, puffing of cheeks, puckering of mouth, chewing movements); loss of control over urination; loss of coordination; mental or mood changes (eg, anxiety, depression, hostility); muscle tremor, jerking, or stiffness; one-sided weakness; seizures; severe restlessness; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or attempts; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; trouble swallowing; trouble walking; unusual bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes.

Abilify is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.