Medication Monday: Abilify

Today's drug is abilify.
 Generic name is aripiprazole
Classification: antipsychotic

Abilify (aripiprazole) is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

Abilify is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression). It is also used together with other medications to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

Abilify is also used to treat irritability and symptoms of aggression, mood swings, temper tantrums, and self-injury related to autistic disorder in children who are at least 6 years old.

Abilify may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Abilify is not for use in psychotic conditions that are related to dementia. Abilify may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

Stop using Abilify and call your doctor at once if you have the following symptoms: fever with stiff muscles and rapid heart rate; uncontrolled muscle movements; symptoms that come on suddenly such as numbness or weakness, severe headache, and problems with vision, speech, or balance. Abilify may impair your thinking or reactions.

Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Abilify. Before you take this medicine, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Abilify. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated.

Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking Abilify.

To make sure you can safely take Abilify, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver or kidney disease;
• heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems;
• a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
• a history of heart attack or stroke;
• a history of breast cancer;
• seizures or epilepsy;
• a personal or family history of diabetes; or
• trouble swallowing.

Take Abilify exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Do not take Abilify for longer than 6 weeks unless your doctor has told you to.

Abilify can be taken with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

To take aripiprazole orally disintegrating tablets (Abilify Discmelt):

• Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
• Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.
• Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
• Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Use Abilify regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store Abilify tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Abilify liquid should be stored in the refrigerator and can be used for up to 6 months after opening.

Abilify may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Abilify. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking Abilify.