by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: September 08, 2010   Last Updated: September 10, 2010

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medication prescribed in schizophrenia, psychoses and bipolar mania. Its common brand name is Abilify®. This drug is also effective in controlling agitation and disturbed behavior in schizophrenia.

How it acts?

Schizophrenia and other psychoses are caused by problems in brain chemistry. Aripiprazole alters and corrects the brain chemistry so patient’s psychotic features disappear.

Since this drug is an atypical antipsychotic, side effects are less than the typical antipsychotics. Older typical anti psychotics usually block only the dopamine receptors and it causes more side effects. Aripiprazole blocks both the dopamine and serotonin receptors in certain brain areas. Additional serotonin block seems to be counteracting the dopamine side effects.

What are the common preparations available?

Aripiprazole is available as tablets, injections and orally disintegrating tablets. Injections are given to disturbed psychiatric patients. Orally disintegrating tablets are also given in disturbed patients who cannot swallow tablets. It is also can be given by mixing into the food/beverages of non-compliant patients.  

What are the common indications?

Schizophrenia: - In this condition patients get delusions and hallucinations. This drug can be given to control schizophrenia. But it must be taken for at least for two weeks to see an effect.

Bipolar mania: - In bipolar disorder, a patient's mood becomes unusually high or low. In bipolar mania, patients get a high mood associated with over spending, over talkativeness and various grandiose delusions and hallucinations.

What the doctor should know before prescribing?

If the patient has depression, dementia, seizure disorder, liver disease, kidney disease, stroke and diabetes mellitus, then he/she must discuss with the doctor before taking this medication. The doctor should know whether the patient is pregnant or breast feeding. This medication should not be used in mothers who are breast feeding their babies.

What are the general advice for patients?

This medication can be taken without regard to meals. This medication should not be shared with other people. Taking alcoholic beverages can increase certain side effects.

What are the common side effects?

Gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea and vomiting are the most common. Increased heart rate is another side effect. Some patients may get sleep disturbances with this medication. Akathesia (inability to keep the feet in one place) can occur with Aripiprazole. Some patients can get tremors. Headache is another side effect. Blurred vision is also common.

Less commonly patients can get depressed with this medication. This medication can increase the suicidal risk of susceptible individuals.

Sources

British National Formulary

AHFS Drug information

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