Abilify Prescription Drug Information
Abilify (aripiprazole) is an antipsychotic drug which acts on chemical balance patterns in the brain. Abilify, highly recommended and prescribed in many countries for various psychological conditions, may also be prescribed for conditions that are not listed in the medication guide. For maximum benefit and avoidance of unwanted side-effects, Abilify should only be taken as prescribed by a physician.
Indication/Usage: Abilify is prescribed to treat various psychological conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), bipolar mania, and mixed manic/depressive episodes and may be prescribed in combination with other antipsychotic drugs to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Abilify is also indicated for psychological conditions such as irritability, mood swings, aggression, anger, and irritability and self-injury associated with autism in children 6 years old and older.
Dose, Administration and Dosage forms: Abilify is available in the form of tablets and oral solution. Tablets, differentiated by color and size, are available in 5mg (blue), 10mg (pink), 15mg (yellow), 20mg (white), and 30mg (pink) strengths, while oral solution is available as 1 mg/mL strength. Abilify is usually prescribed in once-daily dosages, depending on the severity of the disorder, with a typical starting dose of 10-15 mg daily. The dose may be reduced or increased for optimum results. Abilify can be taken with or without food and should be stored at room temperature (15-30oC or 59-86o F).
Mechanism of action: As with other antipsychotic drugs, Abilify's mechanism of action is still unknown; however, the proposed mechanism is mediated via a combination of effects on different receptors. It shows a partial agonistic activity at D2 and 5-HT1A receptors as well as antagonistic activity at 5-HT2A receptors evidencing antipsychotic activity.
Side effects and safety profile: Abilify's safety profile and side-effects are moderate as compared to other antipsychotic drugs. Non-serious and easily tolerable side-effects associated with Abilify may include headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, insomnia, drowsiness, agitation, and anxiety. Common side-effects of Abilify are weight gain, weight loss, loss of appetite, and extreme sweating. Dizziness, high blood pressure, chest pain, high blood glucose, speech problems, and urinary incontinence may present in a rare number of cases. Major side effects associated with Abilify are seizures, rapid heartbeat, and dyspnea.
Warnings and Contraindications: Before taking Abilify, patients should disclose their full medical history with the prescribing physician. Elderly patients presenting with dementia symptoms should not take Abilify due to the risks of pneumonia, heart failure or sudden death. Patients with fever, muscle stiffness, rapid heart rate, severe headaches, and vision and speech problems should not take Abilify. Taking Abilify may cause think pattern and balance impairment. People who take Abilify should avoid driving and should not drink alcohol. Physicians should be made aware of any other medications patients may be taking that could cause drowsiness, such as allergy medicines, narcotics, and sleeping pills.
To take Abilify safely, the patient must inform the physician of any major health issues with the liver or kidney, high blood pressure, impaired heart rhythm, history of heart attacks, stroke, breast cancer, seizures, and diabetes.
Abilify is an antipsychotic medication that is used to treat mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. When used in combination with another antidepressant, this medication can also be used to lessen the symptoms associated with major depression and can also treat autistic disorder in children. When used as directed, Abilify can help to reduce the occurrence of mood swings and hallucinations, in addition to improving concentration and reducing anxiety and nervousness.
Since dopamine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters found within the brain, are believed to be imbalanced in individuals affected by mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, Abilify works by achieving balance of these neurotransmitters, so that they are not present in amounts that are either too low or high.
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