Abilify is an antipsychotic medication. It works by altering the actions of brain chemicals.

Abilify is a medication used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia in adults and children over the age of 13.

Abilify is also used to treat bipolar I disorder (manic depression) in adults and children aged 10 and up, either alone or in combination with a mood stabilizer medication.

Adults with a major depressive disorder are treated with Abilify in conjunction with antidepressant medication.

Abilify is also used to treat Tourette's disorder and symptoms associated with autistic disorder in children over the age of six (irritability, aggression, mood swings, temper tantrums, and self-injury).

The use of Abilify in older adults experiencing psychosis linked to dementia is not approved.

Suicidal thoughts are common in those who are depressed or have mental health issues. When first starting a medication to treat depression, some young people may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts. If you experience any sudden changes in mood or behavior or suicidal thoughts, call your doctor right away.

If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking Abilify, call your doctor right away. Uncontrolled muscle movements, a fever with stiff muscles and a rapid heartbeat, as well as symptoms like numbness or weakness, a severe headache, and issues with vision, speech, or balance can all occur suddenly.

Do not abruptly stop taking antidepressant medication if you also take it.

If you are allergic to aripiprazole, you should not take Abilify.

Abilify, which is not approved for this use, may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions to ensure that this medication is safe for you:

• heart problems or a stroke;
• high or low blood pressure;
• diabetes (in you or a family member);
• seizures; or
• low white blood cell (WBC) counts.

Suicidal thoughts are common in those who are depressed or have mental health issues. When first starting a medication to treat depression, some young people may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts. Be mindful of any changes in your symptoms or mood. Your loved ones or caregivers should keep an eye out for any abrupt changes in your behavior.

This medication comes in a liquid form (oral solution), which contains sugar. If you have diabetes, let your doctor know before taking the oral solution for Abilify.

Aripiprazole may cause high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Check your blood sugar levels carefully if you have diabetes.

This medication's orally disintegrating tablet form may contain more than 3 milligrams of phenylalanine per tablet. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria before taking Abilify Discmelt (PKU).

Taking antipsychotic medication during the last three months of pregnancy may result in serious complications for the newborn. If you become pregnant, notify your doctor right away. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of aripiprazole on the baby.

Ask your doctor if you can breastfeed while taking this medication.

Take Abilify exactly as your doctor has instructed. Read all medication guides or instruction sheets and follow all directions on your prescription label. Your dose may be adjusted on occasion by your doctor.

Abilify can be administered with or without food.

Swallow the regular tablet whole, without crushing, chewing, or breaking it. The orally disintegrating tablet should not be split.

Carefully measure liquid medication. Use the provided dosing syringe or a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Only remove an orally disintegrating tablet from its package when you are ready to take it. Without chewing, place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve. Swallow the tablet several times as it dissolves. You can drink liquid to help you swallow the dissolved tablet if necessary.

Your doctor must monitor your progress on a regular basis.

If you also take antidepressant medication, do not discontinue it abruptly or you may experience unpleasant side effects. Before discontinuing an antidepressant, consult your doctor.

Store away from moisture and heat at room temperature. Abilify liquid can be used for up to 6 months after it has been opened, but not after the expiration date listed on the medicine label.

Take the medication as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is approaching. Take no more than one dose at a time.

Get your prescription filled before you run out of medication.

Seek emergency medical attention or dial 1-800-222-1222 for Poison Help.

Drowsiness, vomiting, aggression, confusion, tremors, fast or slow heart rate, seizure (convulsions), weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or coma are all possible overdose symptoms.

When rising quickly from a sitting or lying down position, be careful not to become lightheaded. Until you know how this medication will affect you, avoid driving or engaging in other risky activities. Drowsiness or vertigo can result in slips, trips, or serious injuries.

Steer clear of alcohol. Possible side effects include danger.

You might be more sensitive to extreme heat while taking Abilify. Avert getting too hot or dehydrated. Be sure to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather and physical activity.

If you have hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek emergency medical attention.

Notify your doctor right away if you experience new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have suicidal or self-harming thoughts.

If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:

• severe agitation, distress, or agitation;
• uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs;
• mask-like appearance of the face, difficulty swallowing, speech difficulties
• convulsions (seizures);
• severe nervous system reaction - very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you're going to pass out;
• fever, chills, sore throat, weakness, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin; or
• high blood sugar levels cause increased thirst, urination, dry mouth, and a fruity breath odor.

While taking this medication, you may experience increased sexual urges, unusual gambling urges, or other intense urges. If this happens, consult your doctor.

The following are some of the most common Abilify side effects:

• blurred vision;
• increased saliva or drooling;
• muscle stiffness;
• uncontrolled muscle movements, shaking, anxiety, feeling restless;
• weight gain;
• nausea, vomiting, constipation;
• increased or decreased appetite;
• headache, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat;

There may be additional side effects; this is not a comprehensive list. For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor. Call 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects to the FDA.

Taking Abilify with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow breathing can result in dangerous side effects or death.

It is not always safe to take multiple medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect the blood levels of other medications you take, potentially increasing side effects or making the medications less effective.

Aripiprazole can interact with a variety of medications. This includes prescription and OTC medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking.