Aripiprazole - Common brand: Abilify

What aripiprazole is for

Aripiprazole is a medicine called an antipsychotic.

It can be used to:

• treat schizophrenia and psychosis
• treat and prevent extremely high moods (mania) in people with bipolar disorder

How to take aripiprazole

Aripiprazole can be taken as:

• tablets that you swallow with water
• tablets that melt on your tongue (orodispersible)
• a liquid (oral solution) that you swallow – this comes with a spoon or syringe for you to measure the correct dose

Take your aripiprazole at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food, but do not mix the liquid medicine into other food or drink.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

Treatment with aripiprazole is usually long-term. You’ll usually need a check-up every year to make sure the medicine is still suitable for you.

Sometimes you may be given aripiprazole as an injection. A nurse or doctor will give you the injection every 1 or 2 months.

If you miss a dose of aripiprazole

If you forget to take a dose of aripiprazole, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much aripiprazole

Taking an extra dose of aripiprazole can be dangerous.

How to stop taking aripiprazole

Keep taking aripiprazole for as long as your doctor advises you to.

Do not stop taking it suddenly because it may cause withdrawal symptoms.

If your doctor advises you to stop taking it, your dose will usually need to be reduced gradually. Always follow your doctor's advice.

Side effects of aripiprazole

Like all medicines, aripiprazole can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of aripiprazole include:

• headaches
• feeling dizzy
• feeling sleepy or very tired, or having difficulty sleeping
• difficulty pooing (constipation)
• indigestion, feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
• feeling anxious or restless
• blurred vision

If you feel sleepy, dizzy or have blurred vision after taking aripiprazole, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.

Serious side effects

Aripiprazole can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of aripiprazole include:

• high blood sugar and diabetes – symptoms include feeling very thirsty, needing to pee a lot, feeling very tired and losing weight without trying
• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – which can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
• a fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, muscle stiffness and feeling confused or agitated – these are signs of serious conditions called serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• feeling unable to stay still, or uncontrollable jerking or twisting movements
• impulse control problems, such as an urge to gamble, binge eat, shop uncontrollably, or engage in risky sexual behaviour
• very low mood and having suicidal thoughts

Who can and cannot take aripiprazole

Most adults can take aripiprazole.

It's sometimes also prescribed for children aged 13 years or older.

But aripiprazole is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effect from aripiprazole or another antipsychotic medicine
• you or someone in your family has diabetes
• you or someone in your family has heart disease
• you've ever had a blood clot or a stroke
• you have epilepsy or another condition that can cause seizures (fits)
• you've ever had a problem with gambling

Before taking aripiprazole, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and aripiprazole

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Aripiprazole can sometimes be used while breastfeeding if the benefits outweigh the risks.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects of medicines you're using, but speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if:

• your baby is unusually sleepy or restless
• your baby is not feeding as usual or not gaining weight as expected

Do not sleep in the same bed (co-sleep) with your baby if you've taken aripiprazole or any other medicine that makes you sleepy or drowsy, as it can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Pregnancy and aripiprazole

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or you get pregnant while taking aripiprazole.

Aripiprazole can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.

Your baby may need extra checks during pregnancy, and you'll usually be advised to give birth in hospital so your baby can be closely monitored after you've given birth.

Find out more about taking aripiprazole during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking aripiprazole with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with aripiprazole.

These include:

• antidepressants
• medicines to lower your blood pressure
• some medicines for fungal infections
• some medicines for HIV
• some epilepsy medicines, such as carbamazepine
• medicines for migraines such as sumatriptan and amitriptyline
• medicines that can make you sleepy, such as promethazine
• strong painkillers such as tramadol
• the herbal remedy St John's wort

Before taking aripiprazole, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with aripiprazole

You can eat and drink as normal while taking aripiprazole, but it's best not to drink alcohol because it can increase the risk of side effects.