Common Use

Abilify is an adjunctive medication prescribed for treating major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, manic and mixed episodes linked to bipolar disorder in adults and pediatric patients. It is also used to manage irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents. While its exact mechanism of action remains unclear, Abilify functions as a partial agonist at the D2 and 5-HT1A receptors and as an antagonist at the 5-HT2A receptor. It has moderate affinity for histamine and alpha-adrenergic receptors but no significant affinity for cholinergic muscarinic receptors.

Dosage and Direction

Take Abilify once daily, with or without food. The typical starting dose is 10 to 15 mg, which may be adjusted based on the patient's response to achieve optimal results.

Precautions

• This medication is not approved for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of mortality.
• Antidepressants, including Abilify, may elevate the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in adolescents, particularly during dose adjustments or the initial treatment phase.
• Abilify is not approved for pediatric patients with depression.
• This medication can impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Avoid operating hazardous machinery or driving until you are certain Abilify does not adversely affect you.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding before starting this medication.
• Avoid alcohol consumption during treatment.
• Monitor for overheating and dehydration.
• Hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar) may occur; patients with diabetes mellitus should regularly check their blood sugar levels.

Contraindications

Breastfeeding and hypersensitivity to the medication.

Possible Side Effects

• Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, nervousness, sleeplessness, restlessness, tremors, cough, insomnia, lightheadedness, rash, runny nose, weakness, and weight gain.
• Serious but rare reactions include an increased risk of stroke or ministroke, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) characterized by fever, rigid muscles, and confusion, and tardive dyskinesia (TD) involving uncontrolled abnormal body movements.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all prescribed and over-the-counter medications, including herbal products, especially if you use:

• Alcohol, blood pressure medications, carbamazepine, fluoxetine, ketoconazole, paroxetine, or quinidine.

Carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, and phenobarbital decrease Abilify levels by stimulating liver enzymes like CYP3A4. Conversely, CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, cimetidine, verapamil, diltiazem, erythromycin, clarithromycin, nefazodone, ritonavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, and grapefruit juice increase Abilify levels. Quinidine, fluoxetine, and paroxetine inhibit CYP2D6, similarly raising Abilify levels. Patients with diabetes should monitor blood sugar carefully, as Abilify may elevate glucose levels.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is within 12 hours, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, somnolence, and tremor. Severe cases can involve acidosis, aggression, increased aspartate aminotransferase, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, coma, confusion, convulsions, elevated creatine phosphokinase, depressed consciousness, hypertension, hypokalemia, hypotension, lethargy, loss of consciousness, prolonged QRS or QT intervals, pneumonia aspiration, respiratory arrest, status epilepticus, and tachycardia.

Storage

Store at room temperature in a tightly sealed, dry container, away from children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for general purposes only and does not cover all possible directions, drug interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. We disclaim any responsibility for errors in this information or for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from its use or from self-treatment.