Generic Abilify, Aripiprazole

Aripiprazole is used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and mania.

Aripiprazole is known as an atypical antipsychotic. Aripiprazole works by acting on the dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, and Aripiprazole helps to stabilize the action of dopamine. This helps treat schizophrenia symptoms. Aripiprazole is also used in treating patients with bipolar disorder for episodes of mania, and helping to reduce aggression in certain patients with autism.

Patients who take Aripiprazole may suffer from such side effects;

Headache,
Fatigue,
Nausea,
Vomiting,
Blurred vision,
Increased saliva production,
Parkinsons,
Akathisia,
Dystonia,
Restlessness,
Dizziness,
Sleepiness,
Dyspepsia,
Constipation,
Tremor,
Anxiety,
Insomnia

Abilify is an anti psychotic medication that is use to treat signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder as well as schizophrenia. The generic name of this drug is aripiprazole. This medication is manufactured by SUN PHARMA. Other popular brand names are Arpizol and Asprito.

The main component of Abilify is aripiprazole. This is available in tablet form, oral solution, and even injection. It has a molecular weight of 448.38. Tablet forms are available in 2mg, 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, and even 30mg strength. Cornstarch, lactose monohydrate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, coloring agent like ferric oxide are the inactive ingredient of this drug.

Abilify is primarily use for the treatment of psychotic condition such as schizophrenia. It will take four to six weeks for the Abilify to take effect. This medication is also use to treat bipolar disorder specifically those of mixed and manic episode. It is also the drug of choice for major depressive disorder, autistic condition, and agitation as a result of bipolar and schizophrenia.

For adult schizophrenic patient, the recommended initial dose is 10 mg of Abilify or 15 mg taken orally with full or empty stomach. The dosing can be titrated gradually with two weeks interval. For bipolar patient, the suggested starting dose is 15 mg once a day. For paediatric patient mostly of 10 years old to 17 years old the initial dose would be 2 mg once a day.

Usage of Abilify is contraindicated to patient with known hypersensitivity reaction to aripiprazole and any of its mentioned components. This drug is also contraindicated to patient with cardiovascular disease, dementia, seizure, and dehydrated patient.

Precautionary measures should be given in dealing with elderly patient who is being treated with dementia psychosis. Patient under this disease condition while using Abilify greatly increases death. Hence, Abilify is not to be use by patient having dementia. Driving while under Abilify therapy is discouraged as this drug slows down mental alertness. Patient is also advice not to operate heavy machinery or equipment. Teenager patient should constantly be monitored for suicidal ideation like symptoms. Be watchful also of the involuntary movement such as tremors and drooling out of saliva as this is what you can normally observe for patient undergoing this therapy. Pregnant women and lactating mother should not take any forms of aripiprazole.

All drugs have side effect but its severity greatly depend on the patient tolerance to the medication. The reported side effects of using Abilify are nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, akathisia, insomnia, and headache. However if you have severe side effects please contact your health care provider right away. Examples of severe side effects are itchiness and allergic reaction like symptoms, chest tightness, fainting, involuntary movement of the hands and face, drooling out of saliva, puffing cheeks, lack jaw, irritability, mood swings, speech and vision impairment, swelling of upper and lower extremities, unable to control urinating, and increased diaphoresis.

Keep the medicine in a cool and dry place ideally 25 degree Celsius. Store the drug in a clean place away from direct light and moisture. Once the oral solution is opened discard it immediately if it reached six months period after opening. Do not put the drug into the bathroom. Keep the drug out of children's reach.