Drug Notes

Aripiprazole (By mouth)

Aripiprazole (ar-i-PIP-ra-zole)

Treats schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and Tourette syndrome. Also treats irritability associated with autism.

Brand Name(s):

Abilify

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet, Dissolving Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Tablet: Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
• Disintegrating tablet: Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how aripiprazole works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Carbamazepine, clarithromycin, fluoxetine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, paroxetine, quinidine, rifampin
  • Benzodiazepine or sedative medicine (including lorazepam)
  • Blood pressure medicine

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, heart failure, heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, high or low blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of seizures, heart attack or stroke.
• For some children, teenagers, and young adults, this medicine may increase mental or emotional problems. This may lead to thoughts of suicide and violence. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any thoughts or behavior changes that concern you. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of bipolar disorder or suicide attempts.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a neurologic disorder than can be life-threatening
  • Tardive dyskinesia (muscle movements you cannot control)
  • Changes in blood sugar levels
  • Unusual changes in behavior, such as gambling urges, binge or compulsive eating, or compulsive shopping, or sexual urges
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
• You may get overheated more easily while you are using this medicine. Be careful when you exercise or you are outside in hot or humid weather. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). The disintegrating tablet contains phenylalanine.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Anxiety, irritability, nervousness, restlessness, or trouble sleeping
• Compulsive behavior or intense urges you cannot control
• Confusion, unusual behavior, depressed mood, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Increased hunger or thirst, change in how much or how often you urinate
• Jerky muscle movements you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Seizures
• Sweating, uneven heartbeat, or muscle stiffness
• Unusual tiredness or sleepiness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, drooling
• Unusual weight gain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017