Abilify

Abilify

     * Generic Name: aripiprazole
     * Brand Name: Abilify


     * What is aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?
     * What are the possible side effects of aripiprazole (Abilify,
       Abilify Discmelt)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?
     * How should I take aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?
     * What should I avoid while taking aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify
       Discmelt)?
     * What other drugs will affect aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify
       Discmelt)?
     * Where can I get more information (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?

What is aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?

   Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic medication. It works by
   changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

   Aripiprazole is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such
   as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder (manic depression).
   It is not known if aripiprazole is safe or effective in children
   younger than 13 with schizophrenia, or children younger than 10 with
   bipolar disorder.

   Aripiprazole is also used together with other medicines to treat major
   depressive disorder in adults.

   Aripiprazole is also used in children 6 years or older who have
   Tourette's disorder, or symptoms of autistic disorder (irritability,
   aggression, mood swings, temper tantrums, and self-injury).

   Aripiprazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify
Discmelt)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * severe agitation, distress, or restless feeling;
     * twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips,
       tongue, face, arms, or legs;
     * mask-like appearance of the face, trouble swallowing, problems with
       speech;
     * seizure (convulsions);
     * thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;
     * severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high
       fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats,
       tremors, feeling like you might pass out;
     * low blood cell counts--sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever,
       chills, sore throat, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, red
       or swollen gums, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble
       breathing; or
     * high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination,
       hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin,
       weight loss.

   You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other
   intense urges while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor if this
   occurs.

   Common side effects may include:
     * weight gain;
     * blurred vision;
     * nausea, vomiting, changes in appetite, constipation;
     * drooling;
     * headache, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired;
     * anxiety, feeling restless;
     * sleep problems (insomnia); or
     * cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore
       throat.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about aripiprazole
(Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?

   Aripiprazole is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to
   dementia. Aripiprazole may increase the risk of death in older
   adults with dementia-related conditions.

   Some young people have thoughts about suicide when taking medicine for
   a major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders. Stay alert
   to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening
   symptoms to your doctor.

   Abilify Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Schizophrenia: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

   Schizophrenia Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Schizophrenia Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking aripiprazole
(Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?

   You should not take aripiprazole if you are allergic to it.

   Aripiprazole is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to
   dementia. Aripiprazole may increase the risk of death in older adults
   with dementia-related conditions.

   To make sure aripiprazole is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have:
     * liver or kidney disease;
     * heart disease, high or low blood pressure, heart rhythm
       problems;
     * high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the
       blood);
     * a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
     * a history of heart attack or stroke;
     * seizures or epilepsy;
     * trouble swallowing;
     * a personal or family history of diabetes; or
     * a history of obsessive-compulsive disorder, impulse-control
       disorder, or addictive behaviors.

   Some young people have thoughts about suicide when taking medicine for
   a major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders. Your
   doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or
   other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or
   symptoms.

   The liquid form (oral solution) of this medication may contain up to 15
   grams of sugar per dose. Before taking aripiprazole oral solution,
   tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

   Aripiprazole may cause you to have high blood sugar
   (hyperglycemia). If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels
   on a regular basis while you are taking aripiprazole.

   The orally disintegrating tablet form of this medication may contain
   over 3 milligrams of phenylalanine per tablet. Before taking
   Abilify Discmelt, tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria.

   Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may
   cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms,
   breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or
   stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other
   problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you
   become pregnant, do not stop taking aripiprazole without your doctor's
   advice.

   If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry.
   This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any
   effects of aripiprazole on the baby.

   Aripiprazole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You
   should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
   recommended.

   Do not take aripiprazole for longer than 6 weeks unless your doctor has
   told you to.

   Aripiprazole can be taken with or without food.

   Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
   special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
   dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

   To take the orally disintegrating tablet (Abilify Discmelt):
     * Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it.
       Open the package and peel back the foil. Do not push a tablet
       through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
     * Use dry hands to remove the tablet and place it in your mouth.
     * Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth
       without chewing. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow
       the dissolved tablet.

   Use aripiprazole regularly to get the most benefit. Get your
   prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

   You should not stop using aripiprazole suddenly. Stopping suddenly may
   make your condition worse.

   Your doctor will need to check your progress while you are using
   aripiprazole.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Aripiprazole
   liquid may be used for up to 6 months after opening, but not after the
   expiration date on the medicine label.

   Abilify Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Schizophrenia: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

   Schizophrenia Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Schizophrenia Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?


   Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, vomiting, aggression,
   confusion, tremors, fast or slow heart rate, seizure (convulsions),
   trouble breathing, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?

   This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
   you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting
   up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
   Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls, fractures, or other
   injuries.

   Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

   Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids,
   especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to
   become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking
   aripiprazole.

What other drugs will affect aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?

   Taking aripiprazole with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your
   breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask
   your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine,
   prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety,
   depression, or seizures.

   Many other drugs can interact with aripiprazole. This includes
   prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal
   products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your
   doctor about all your medications and any you start or stop using
   during treatment with aripiprazole.

Where can I get more information (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about aripiprazole.
     __________________________________________________________________

   Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
   children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
   medication only for the indication prescribed.
   Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by
   Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
   but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
   herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
   use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
   therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United
   States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
   Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
   recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
   resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
   for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
   supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill,
   knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a
   warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be
   construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe,
   effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume
   any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the
   aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is
   not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions,
   warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If
   you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
   doctor, nurse or pharmacist.