| | Medication Information:
***UPDATED***
Aripiprazole (generic) ~ Abilify (brand) Classification: Antipsychotic.
Common Usage: Aripiprazole is indicated for the treatment of
schizophrenia in adults. The safety and efficacy of aripiprazole has not been
established in pediatric patients (younger than 18).
Common Doses:
The recommended starting dose of aripiprazole in adults is 10 or 15 mg/day taken
once daily. Dosage increases should not be made earlier than two weeks
after starting aripiprazole. Doses above 15 mg mg/day have not been shown
to be more effective than doses of 10 or 15 mg/day. Important
Side Effects: The most common side effects associated with
aripiprazole include headache, weakness, fever, nausea, vomiting, constipation,
anxiety, insomnia, lightheadedness, somnolence, a sense of restlessness, tremor,
rhinitis, coughing, coughing, rash and blurred vision.
Aripiprazole and other antipsychotic medications have been associated in rare
cases with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potentially fatal, but
treatable condition. Symptoms of NMS include excessive activity, muscle
rigidity, altered mental status and fever.
A syndrome of abnormal involuntary movements of the mouth, tongue, and
extremities which are potentially irreversible, called tardive dyskinesia (TD),
has also developed in some patients taking antipsychotic medications, usually
later in treatment.
If you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant or are a nursing mother,
the potential benefits of this drug must be weighed against the possible
hazards. Discuss the issues in advance with all of your health care
providers.
This is not a complete list of all known or potential adverse effects.
Notify your prescriber or pharmacist of any symptoms that have started since you
began taking this medication, changing its dose, or adding or changing other
medication or diet. Take care when performing any tasks (for example,
driving or operating machinery) that requires your attention until you have
experience with this drug and are confident you can perform the task safely. Interactions with Other Medications: Ketoconazole (Nizoral) may increase
the levels of aripiprazole in the blood stream, and the dose of aripiprazole
should be decreased when the two medications are taken together. Quinidine
(Quinidex) may increase the levels of aripiprazole in the blood stream, and the
dose of aripiprazole should be decreased when the two medications are taken
together. Carbamazepine (Epital) may decrease the levels of aripiprazole
in the blood stream, and the dose of aripiprazole should be reduced when
carbamazepine is discontinued.
This is not a complete list of all known or potential drug interactions.
To help prevent problems, always make sure that your pharmacist and all
prescribers know about all medications you are taking, including
over-the-counter drugs; dietary herbal supplements; folk or home remedies; or
unusual foods, drinks, or dietary habits. CommonDosages: The recommended starting dose of aripiprazole is 10 or 15
mg/day taken once daily. Dosage increases should not be made earlier than
two weeks after starting aripiprazole. Doses above 15 mg/day have not been
shown to be more effective than doses of 10 or 15 mg/day. Identification: Aripiprazole is available as Abilify in 10-, 15-, 20-
and 30-mg tablets. The 10-mg tablets are pink, modified rectangular and
debossed with "A-008" on one side and "10" on the other. The 15-mg tablets
are yellow, round and debossed with "A-009" on one side and "15" on the other.
The 20-mg tablets are white, round and debossed with "A-010" on one side and
"20" on the other. The 30-mg tablets are pink, round and debossed with
"A-011" on one side and "30" on the other. Storage: Store this medication at normal room temperature (59° F to 86°
F) in a tightly closed, light- and moisture-resistant container. If you
have difficulty opening child-resistant containers, your pharmacist can provide
a container that is easier to open. Keep the medication out of direct
sunlight and avoid storing it in a warm or humid area - such as the bathroom or
kitchen - to prevent deterioration. To prevent accidental poisoning, keep
all medications out of the reach of children. Do not take an expired
medication. Do not transfer medication from one container to another.
Carefully discard discontinued medication where children cannot find it. Edited by
Henrietta L. Leonard M.D. ASERVICE OF…. Psychopharmacology Update
Note: These guidelines are for general information only.For more specific information, consult your physician orpharmacist. |
