Abilify

Description

Abilify (generic name: Aripiprazole; brand names include: Arizol / Arlemide / Brisking / Ilimit / Irazem) is an atypical antipsychotic.

Abilify is indicated for:

Use as an add-on treatment to antidepressants for major depressive disorder in adults.
Treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults and in pediatric patients 10 to 17 years of age.
Treatment of schizophrenia in adults and in adolescents 13 to 17 years of age.

Abilify is the first medication approved by the FDA to help improve symptoms of depression in adults when added to an antidepressant. If you have unresolved symptoms of depression, Abilify may help you get additional symptom relief. In clinical trials with add-on Abilify, some patients experienced a significant improvement in symptoms of depression as early as 1 to 2 weeks.

Abilify has been shown to help improve a range of symptoms associated with schizophrenia, which may include:

hearing voices;
thinking unclearly;
having uncomfortable or disturbing thoughts;
feeling confused;
lacking interest in the things you previously enjoyed.

Abilify is proven to help manage symptoms of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder I and to reduce the risk of manic relapse.

On average, in clinical studies, Abilify did not elevate prolactin, cholesterol or fasting glucose levels.

Recommendations

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Abilify exactly as directed.

Take Abilify by mouth with or without food. Abilify tablets should be swallowed whole and washed down with a glass of water. Taking the medicine at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.

Take Abilify on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. It may take 2 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of Abilify. Continue to take Abilify even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Abilify without talking to your doctor.

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. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking Abilify.

No dosage adjustment is required for patients 65 years of age and above.

Make sure you keep cool in hot weather and keep warm in cool weather. Abilify may affect the way your body reacts to temperature changes. It may prevent sweating, even during heatwaves.

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

Precautions

Before you start to take Abilify, tell your doctor or pharmacist if:

you have an allergy to Abilify or other medicines;
you have problems with your heart or blood vessels, including low blood pressure;
you have epilepsy; diabetes mellitus; Alzheimer's disease or dementia;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: aripiprazole.