How is it used?

Abilify is used to treat agitation caused by schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, depression. Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic. It affects certain substances in the brain.

For what conditions or diseases is this medicine prescribed?

Treats Psychotic Problems, Bipolarity or for Antidepressants

Abilify is used to treat agitation caused by schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, depression. Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic. It affects certain substances in the brain.

DO NOT use Abilify if

• are allergic to any ingredient in Abilify.

Contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions can interact with Abilify. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you are allergic to medicines, foods or other substances
• if you have ever had heart problems (eg heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack), low blood pressure, blood vessel problems or stroke
• if you have a history of low levels of white blood cells, including low levels of white blood cells caused by any medicines
• if you have a history of seizures, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, depression or other mental or mood disorders, or suicidal thoughts or attempts
• if you have swallowing problems 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 have a history of diabetes or are very overweight.

Some medicines can interact with Abilify. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following

• Anticholinergics (eg benztropine, methescopolamine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased with Abilify.
• Benzodiazepines (eg, lorazepam), clarithromycin, imidazole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), quinidine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), or voriconazole, because they may increase the risk of side effects from Abilify
• Carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because they may decrease the effectiveness of Abilify
• Alpha blockers (eg terazosin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased with Abilify.

This may not be a complete list of all the interactions that can occur. Ask your doctor if Abilify can interact with other medicines you take. Consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medicine.

How should this medicine be used?

Use Abilify as directed by your doctor.

• Take Abilify by mouth with or without food.
• If you miss a dose of Abilify, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Ask your doctor any questions you may have about how to use Abilify.

What are the side effects that this medicine could cause?

Important safety information:

• Abilify can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or vertigo. These effects can be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medications. Use Abilify with caution. Don't drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using Abilify.
• Consult your doctor before using medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants) while you are using Abilify; can increase its effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines can cause drowsiness.
• Abilify can cause dizziness, vertigo, or fainting; alcohol, heat, exercise, or fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• DO NOT use more than the recommended dose or more often than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
• Symptoms can include fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat, and sweating. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
• Don't overheat or become dehydrated in hot weather or while you're active; you may suffer from heat stroke.
• Abilify can lower your body's ability to fight infection. Avoid contact with people with colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• Abilify can raise your blood sugar level or increase the risk of developing diabetes. High blood sugar can make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also cause you to blush, breathe faster, or have fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately.
• Diabetes patients: Abilify can affect your blood sugar level. Check blood sugar levels carefully. Ask your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Laboratory tests, including fasting blood sugar levels and complete blood cell counts, may be done while using Abilify. These tests can be used to monitor your condition or to check for side effects. Make sure you keep all your medical and lab appointments.
• Use Abilify with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Abilify should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and efficacy in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is not known whether Abilify can harm the fetus. If you become pregnant, see your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Abilify during pregnancy. It is not known if Abilify is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Abilify.

How is Abilify (Aripiprazole) stored?

Store Abilify at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Abilify out of the reach of children and away from pets.

what should I do in case of an overdose?

Important safety information:

• Abilify can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or vertigo. These effects can be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medications. Use Abilify with caution. Don't drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using Abilify.
• Consult your doctor before using medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants) while you are using Abilify; can increase its effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines can cause drowsiness.
• Abilify can cause dizziness, vertigo, or fainting; alcohol, heat, exercise, or fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• DO NOT use more than the recommended dose or more often than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
• Symptoms can include fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat, and sweating. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
• Don't overheat or become dehydrated in hot weather or while you're active; you may suffer from heat stroke.
• Abilify can lower your body's ability to fight infection. Avoid contact with people with colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• Abilify can raise your blood sugar level or increase the risk of developing diabetes. High blood sugar can make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also cause you to blush, breathe faster, or have fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately.
• Diabetes patients: Abilify can affect your blood sugar level. Check blood sugar levels carefully. Ask your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Laboratory tests, including fasting blood sugar levels and complete blood cell counts, may be done while using Abilify. These tests can be used to monitor your condition or to check for side effects. Make sure you keep all your medical and lab appointments.
• Use Abilify with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Abilify should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and efficacy in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is not known whether Abilify can harm the fetus. If you become pregnant, see your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Abilify during pregnancy. It is not known if Abilify is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Abilify.