Aripiprazole
About Aripiprazole
Aripiprazole is an oral prescription medicine used to treat conditions that affect how you think, feel, or behave. Doctors commonly prescribe it to help manage schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. It works by balancing certain chemical messengers in the brain to improve mood, thoughts, and behaviour.
For this medicine to work effectively, it is important to take it consistently every single day at the same time. You can take it with or without food. Along with taking your medicine, maintaining a stable daily routine, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular sleep can help you achieve the best results.
While taking Aripiprazole, some people may experience mild side effects like drowsiness, headache, or nausea. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you notice more serious signs, such as uncontrollable muscle movements, severe stiffness, a high fever, or sudden changes in your mood.
Do not take this if you have had a severe allergic reaction to it in the past. Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis should not take this medicine due to serious health risks. Before starting, tell your doctor if you have a history of heart problems, diabetes, seizures, or a low white blood cell count.
This medicine can interact with alcohol, smoking, and other drugs, such as certain blood pressure medicines or anti-seizure drugs, which can change how it works or increase side effects. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure this medicine is safe for you.
Uses of Aripiprazole
• Schizophrenia: Aripiprazole is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children aged 13 years and older. It helps manage negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as lack of emotion, social isolation, poor attention, and memory loss.
• Bipolar I Disorder (Manic Depression): Aripiprazole is used alone or in combination with mood stabilizers (like valproate or lithium) to treat acute episodes of mania (abnormally elevated mood) in adults and children aged 10 years and older. It helps stabilize mood and reduce irritability and hyperactivity.
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) - As Adjunctive Therapy: Aripiprazole is used in combination with antidepressants to treat MDD when antidepressants alone are not effective. It helps improve mood, energy levels, and overall functioning.
• Tourette Syndrome (TS): Aripiprazole is used to reduce the severity and frequency of tics (sudden, uncontrollable vocal sounds or movements) in children over 6 years with TS.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Aripiprazole is used to manage the symptoms of ASD in children over 6 years, such as mood swings, irritability, aggression, tantrums, and self-injurious behaviour.
• Maintenance Treatment: Aripiprazole is used for long-term management of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to prevent relapse or worsening of symptoms.
Medicinal Benefits
Aripiprazole helps improve mental health by balancing chemical messengers in the brain and supporting emotional stability. It can help manage symptoms of certain mental health conditions, improving daily functioning and overall quality of life.
- Helps Improve Mood and Emotional Wellbeing: By restoring the balance of brain chemicals, Aripiprazole helps reduce symptoms such as persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, and emotional distress, supporting a more stable mood.
- Supports Control of Mood Swings: For individuals with conditions involving significant mood fluctuations, Aripiprazole helps reduce the frequency and severity of extreme mood changes, promoting greater emotional stability and day-to-day functioning.
- Enhances Daily Functioning: By improving mood, reducing anxiety, and supporting clearer thinking, Aripiprazole helps individuals participate more comfortably in work, social interactions, and everyday activities. When used as an add-on treatment for depression, it may provide additional symptom relief when antidepressant therapy alone is not sufficient.
Directions for Use
- Aripiprazole can be taken with or without food, as advised by the doctor.
- It is usually taken once daily or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow Aripiprazole as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Aripiprazole
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach
- Feeling sleepy, tired, or having trouble sleeping
- Restlessness or a feeling like you cannot sit still
- Slight weight gain or an increased appetite
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Uncontrolled, rhythmic movements of your face, tongue, mouth, or limbs
- Severe muscle stiffness, high fever, sweating, confusion, and fast heartbeats
- Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up quickly
- Difficulty swallowing
- New or worsening thoughts of hurting yourself
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, and difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Pay close attention to any sudden changes in mood, behaviour, or thoughts of self-harm, especially during the first few weeks of starting this medicine.
- Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing dangerous tasks until you know how this medicine affects your alertness.
- Tell your dentist or surgeon that you are taking Aripiprazole before undergoing any medical procedures.
- Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as this medicine can affect your body's temperature regulation.
- If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels regularly, as this medicine can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions
- Blood pressure medicines: Combining Aripiprazole with drugs that lower blood pressure may increase the risk of dizziness or fainting when standing up.
- Sedatives and sleep aids: Taking this medicine with other drugs that cause drowsiness, such as allergy medicines, sleep aids, or strong pain relievers, can cause severe sleepiness.
- Liver enzyme inhibitors or inducers: Certain antifungals (like ketoconazole) or antidepressants (like fluoxetine) can raise levels of Aripiprazole in your body, while some anti-seizure medicines (like carbamazepine) can lower them. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose.
Drug-Food Interactions
- Grapefruit: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interfere with how your body processes this medicine, potentially increasing side effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions
- Dementia: Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis must not take this medicine, as it increases the risk of stroke and death.
- Seizure disorders: Use with caution if you have a history of seizures, as this medicine may increase the likelihood of having one.
- Diabetes: This medicine can raise blood sugar levels, requiring close monitoring if you have diabetes or a family history of the condition.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Aripiprazole, as it may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or difficulty concentrating.
Pregnancy
unsafeAripiprazole is a Category C pregnancy drug. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, as it may cause extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Aripiprazole, as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause adverse effects in the baby.
Driving
unsafeAripiprazole may cause dizziness or vision problems, such as blurred vision. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel dizzy or have vision disturbances after taking Aripiprazole.
Liver
cautionTake Aripiprazole with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Aripiprazole with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeAripiprazole is not recommended for children below 13 years due to the increased risk of adverse effects. However, please consult a doctor before giving Aripiprazole to children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay hydrated: This medicine can make it harder for your body to cool down. Drink plenty of water and avoid becoming overheated, especially during hot weather or intense exercise.
- Monitor your weight and blood sugar: Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to help manage potential weight gain and blood sugar changes.
- Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol can worsen side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and confusion.
- Stand up slowly: To prevent dizziness or fainting, take your time when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Special Advise
- Elderly patients more than 65 years with dementia-related psychosis treated with Aripiprazole can be at an increased risk of death.
- Aripiprazole is not prescribed and approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis.
- Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behaviour changes has been observed in children, adolescents, and young adults taking Aripiprazole, so close monitoring for worsening and the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviours is required.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Schizophrenia: It is a mental disorder that affects a person's ability to feel, think and behave clearly. Mania is a mental condition that causes intense excitement, high energy, and delusions (misbeliefs). Mania may occur due to a lack of sleep or sleep pattern changes, high levels of stress, and alcohol intake. Seek medical help immediately if you have any self-harming or suicidal thoughts.
Bipolar disorder: It is also called manic depression, associated with extreme mood swings ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. The symptoms of bipolar disorder include mania (high energy and excitability) and depression (loss of interest, hopelessness, low energy). Bipolar disorder involves lifelong treatment.
Depression: It is a mental condition characterised by a low mood and a loss of interest in activities. People affected by this condition are often unsociable and try to keep isolated from other social activities.
Tourette syndrome (TS): It is a neurological condition characterised by sudden, involuntary, and repetitive movements or vocalisations known as tics. Various factors, including fatigue, stress, and excitement, can trigger tics. TS typically begins around age 6, with symptoms becoming more noticeable by the age of 10.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): It is a neurological condition that impacts brain development, affecting how a person perceives others and engages in social interactions. This can lead to difficulties with communication and forming social connections.
FAQs
Aripiprazole is used to treat mood disorders like schizophrenia, irritability linked with autism, and Tourette's syndrome. Besides this, it also helps in managing mental depression along with other antidepressant medicines.
Aripiprazole contains Aripiprazole, an antipsychotic that works by inhibiting the dopamine receptors in the brain and preventing their overactivity. Thereby, helps in controlling the positive symptoms (such as hallucinations, misbeliefs and unfriendliness) of schizophrenia. Also, Aripiprazole improves the activity of dopamine receptors in other areas of the brain and helps in controlling negative symptoms (such as social isolation, lack of emotion, poor attention and memory loss) of schizophrenia. Therefore, Aripiprazole improves behaviour and thoughts, enhances social life, and helps one comfortably perform daily activities.
No, you are not recommended to take Aripiprazole with ibuprofen as co-administration of these medicines may increase the risk of fits and increase the levels of Aripiprazole in the blood, leading to increased adverse effects. However, please consult a doctor before taking Aripiprazole with other medicines.
Aripiprazole is not recommended for dementia (loss of memory or other mental abilities) patients, especially in elderly people, as it may cause severe adverse effects, including stroke. Therefore, it is advised to inform your doctor if you have dementia or a history of stroke before taking Aripiprazole.
Yes, Aripiprazole may cause high blood sugar levels. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is recommended while taking Aripiprazole, and you should inform your doctor if you have diabetes before starting Aripiprazole. However, if you experience dry mouth, increased thirst or urination, or a fruity breath odour, please consult a doctor, as these may be signs of high blood sugar.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Aripiprazole without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Aripiprazole for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. If you experience any difficulty while taking Aripiprazole, please consult your doctor so that the dose can be gradually reduced.
Yes, Aripiprazole is a mood stabiliser. It helps calm the mood and treats mood-related problems.
Aripiprazole may cause priapism (prolonged and painful erection) in some people. Please consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
Elderly patients more than 65 years old with dementia-related psychosis treated with Aripiprazole can be at an increased risk of death. Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behaviour changes has been observed in children, adolescents, and young adults taking Aripiprazole, so close monitoring for worsening and the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviours is required.
Avoid intake of grapefruit juice with Aripiprazole as it may reduce the effect of Aripiprazole. Also, avoid alcohol consumption with Aripiprazole as it may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness or difficulty concentrating. Do not drive if you feel dizzy or have vision disturbances after taking Aripiprazole.
Consult the doctor if you are diabetic, as Aripiprazole may cause high blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is advised.
Aripiprazole may cause side effects like drowsiness, headache, tiredness, akathisia (inability to sit still), difficulty sleeping, light-headedness, indigestion, shaking, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and increased saliva production. Most of these side effects of Aripiprazole do not require medical attention and typically resolve on their own over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Some people may experience weight gain while taking this medicine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help manage this. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about weight changes.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness, and the risk of other side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.
This depends on how the medicine affects you. If it makes you feel sleepy, your doctor may suggest taking it at bedtime. If it makes you feel restless or alert, taking it in the morning may be better. Talk to your doctor for advice.
Taking this medicine during the third trimester of pregnancy may cause side effects in the newborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits.
An inability to sit still or a feeling of inner restlessness can sometimes occur. Do not stop the medicine; instead, talk to your doctor, who may adjust your dose or suggest a way to manage this.
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