Overview: Aripiprazole is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, Tourette’s disorder, and irritability associated with autism. It comes in several dosage forms, including an oral liquid, tablet, and orally disintegrating tablet. Common side effects include restlessness, sleepiness, nausea or vomiting, and constipation. Aripiprazole can affect your alertness or coordination. It can also affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature. Try to avoid getting overheated, stay hydrated, and wear light and breathable clothing while you are using aripiprazole.

Uses

What is aripiprazole used for?

Aripiprazole is commonly used to treat the following conditions.

Aripiprazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

See also: Abilify Asimtufii, Abilify Maintena, Aristada, and Opipza

How does aripiprazole work (mechanism of action)?

Aripiprazole belongs to a group of medicines called second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics. It is thought to work by balancing brain chemicals called serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are known to affect thoughts and mood.

How is aripiprazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Abilify

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 mg/mL oral solution
  • 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg oral tablets
  • 10 mg, 15 mg orally disintegrating tablets

How should I store aripiprazole?

Aripiprazole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. 

Oral Liquid. After opening the oral liquid bottle, you can use it for up to six months. After that, it should be thrown away. Do not use it after the expiration date shown on the bottle.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of aripiprazole?

The most common side effects of aripiprazole are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on your age and the condition being treated. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Restlessness (akathisia)
  • Movement problems, tremor, or muscle stiffness
  • Sleepiness or tiredness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • More saliva than usual or drooling
  • Dizziness
  • Constipation
  • Change in appetite or weight gain
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Anxiety
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms

There may be other side effects of aripiprazole that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of aripiprazole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of aripiprazole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Aripiprazole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking aripiprazole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Aripiprazole or other medicines used to treat depression may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of children, teenagers, or young adults. The risk is higher in the first few months of taking the medicine or when the dose is changed. Depression or other serious mental health conditions are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. If you or your child is about to harm themselves, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Antipsychotic medicines, like aripiprazole, can cause a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS can lead to death. Stop taking aripiprazole and contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • High fever
  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
  • Confusion 
  • Changes in your breathing or heart rate
  • Increased sweating

Uncontrolled Movements. Aripiprazole can cause some people to have movements that they cannot control. This condition, called tardive dyskinesia (TD), can cause jerky movements of the face, tongue, or body. TD can be permanent. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of TD.

  • Tongue sticking out
  • Lip smacking or puckering
  • Grimacing
  • Rapid eye blinking
  • Jerking or twisting motion of the arms, legs, or trunk

Metabolism Problems. Aripiprazole can cause high blood sugar levels or diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and weight gain. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood work and weight. Call your healthcare provider if you gain weight or develop the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Unusual or Compulsive Behaviors. Aripiprazole can cause some people to have strong unusual and uncontrolled urges (compulsions), including gambling, sex, shopping, or eating. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you or someone you know notices that you have new or worsening strong urges or behaviors.

Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension) and Falls. Aripiprazole may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a seated or lying position. This may increase your risk of falling. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak

Blood Disorders. Aripiprazole can cause blood disorders, such as low white blood cell levels (leukopenia,  neutropenia, or agranulocytosis). Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood work. Stop taking aripiprazole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Aripiprazole can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how aripiprazole affects you.

Seizures. Some people who have used aripiprazole have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking aripiprazole and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Body Temperature Regulation. Aripiprazole can affect your ability to regulate your body temperature. This could make you become very hot, especially in hot weather or after exercising a lot. You should drink water and avoid overheating and dehydration. Call your healthcare provider right away if you are severely ill and have the following symptoms.

  • Excessive or no sweating
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling very hot
  • Feeling thirsty
  • Not able to pee

Trouble Swallowing. Aripiprazole can cause trouble swallowing (dysphagia), which can increase your risk of choking while eating or drinking. Eat small amounts of food, and chew your food well. Get emergency help if you are choking or have food stuck in your esophagus that is not passing.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use aripiprazole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take aripiprazole.

  • Aripiprazole
  • Abilify
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific aripiprazole products they stock.

What should I know about aripiprazole before using it?

Do not take aripiprazole unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share aripiprazole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep aripiprazole out of the reach of children.

Do not chew, cut, or crush aripiprazole oral tablets or orally disintegrating tablets.

If you are prescribed aripiprazole orally disintegrating tablets, do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until you are ready to take it. You should peel back the foil to open the blister pack. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Make sure your hands are dry when handling the tablets. Place the tablet on your tongue and let it melt. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure how to take your medicine. 

If you are prescribed aripiprazole oral liquid, use the dosing cup that comes with the product to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

Aripiprazole oral liquid may contain sucrose and fructose, which are types of sugars. Ask your pharmacist if you need to know the ingredients in your medicine.

Do not stop taking aripiprazole without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping the medicine too quickly may cause other symptoms.

Because aripiprazole can make it hard for you to regulate your body temperature, try to avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated. Drink plenty of water, limit your exposure to the heat and sun, do not overexercise, and wear light and breathable clothing.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from aripiprazole. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using aripiprazole?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if aripiprazole is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following.

Psychosis Related to Dementia. There is a higher risk of death, stroke, or ministroke in older adults who take aripiprazole or another antipsychotic and have memory loss or psychosis related to dementia. Aripiprazole is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis.

Phenylketonuria (PKU). Aripiprazole orally disintegrating tablets contain phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for people with phenylketonuria (PKU). Tell your healthcare provider and your pharmacist if you have PKU and are prescribed aripiprazole orally disintegrating tablets.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Aripiprazole may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking aripiprazole, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Aripiprazole used later in pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of certain problems in your newborn. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant while taking aripiprazole. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use aripiprazole while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking aripiprazole, you can register with the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications by calling 866-961-2388 or at womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry. This registry collects safety information about the use of psychiatric medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Aripiprazole passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take aripiprazole while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does aripiprazole interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between aripiprazole and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect aripiprazole. Drinking alcohol while taking aripiprazole could increase your risk of sleepiness, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing. 

Does aripiprazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking aripiprazole.

  • Ketoconazole, itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Clarithromycin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • Paroxetine or fluoxetine, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, and others) or phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • A benzodiazepine, such as clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium and others), or lorazepam (Ativan and others), which is a medicine used for anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures
  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • Quinidine, which is a medicine used to treat heart rhythm problems
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of aripiprazole. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with aripiprazole. Always check with your healthcare provider.

 

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much aripiprazole?

If you or someone else has used too much aripiprazole, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of aripiprazole?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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