Updated 05/10/2024Abilify, or the generic form, aripiprazole, is an antipsychotic drug that treats symptoms of mental health disorders likebipolar disorderandschizophrenia. This medicine belongs to a class of drugs known as dopamine receptor agonists, a novel class of antipsychotics. Abilify can be taken orally or injected. There are some commonAbilify side effectsto caution for, including drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.If you received advice from a medical professional to try Abilify, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about it. If you are curious to see if this prescription drug is right for you, Talkspace provides online psychiatrist appointments that can be accessed anywhere. Our licensed clinicians can prescribeAbilify online.In this article, we’re answering all your questions, fromwhat Abilify is used forto what are the common and severe side effects you should be aware of before starting it, to avoid an adverse reaction.

Updated 05/10/2024

Abilify, or the generic form, aripiprazole, is an antipsychotic drug that treats symptoms of mental health disorders likebipolar disorderandschizophrenia. This medicine belongs to a class of drugs known as dopamine receptor agonists, a novel class of antipsychotics. Abilify can be taken orally or injected. There are some commonAbilify side effectsto caution for, including drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.

If you received advice from a medical professional to try Abilify, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about it. If you are curious to see if this prescription drug is right for you, Talkspace provides online psychiatrist appointments that can be accessed anywhere. Our licensed clinicians can prescribeAbilify online.

In this article, we’re answering all your questions, fromwhat Abilify is used forto what are the common and severe side effects you should be aware of before starting it, to avoid an adverse reaction.

What is Abilify?

Abilify is what’s known as an atypical antipsychotic medication. It’s approved to treat symptoms of mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Abilify alters the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and dopamine, which regulate moods and emotions.

How does Abilify work?

Abilify prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Abilify from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get started

Abilify prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Abilify from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.

Abilify prescription online

Get an evaluation and prescription for Abilify from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.

How does Abilify make you feel?

Most people who take Abilify report feeling calmer. Other common side effects include nausea, weight gain or loss, headache, or restlessness. When starting treatment, some may experience side effects, including drowsiness or dizziness.

In addition to its calming effect on emotions, many people find that their ability to concentrate improves while taking Abilify, which can help them manage their day-to-day activities. If you’re curious about Abilify’s effects, you should talk to your doctor before starting treatment with this drug.

Abilify Uses

Many people wonder what Abilify is used for. Abilify is an effective medication for various mental health conditions.

“Abilify is indicated and approved for schizophrenia; return of manic and mixed episodes of bipolar; one disorder adjunct treatment for major depressive disorder; autistic disorder irritability symptoms; and Tourette’s disorder.”

Abilify for bipolar disorder

Abilify for depression

Abilify for schizophrenia

While more research is still needed,some studies suggestthat combination therapy — adding Abilify to traditional antipsychotics — may help improve positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia like delusions, hallucinations, social withdrawal or lack of motivation. Taking both drugs together can also help reduce the risk of relapse compared to using either medication alone.

Research also suggeststhat Abilify can be beneficial in reducing irritability associated with an autism spectrum disorder in children aged 6 – 17. It’s now FDA-approved, but due to its potential side effects, it should only be prescribed to pediatric patients after careful consideration between the medical professional and the patient/caregiver.

Off-label uses

While it is commonly used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, there are several Abilify uses that are off-label, too. Off-label use means a drug is being used in a way not specified in its original FDA approval.

Off-label use of drugs is legal when done under medical supervision and with informed consent from adult patients.

“Off-label use of this medication addresses some of the residual symptoms of some mood and anxiety disorders. Your psychiatrist would discuss with you the reason for adding that medication with your other prescriptions to address certain severe anxiety symptoms or not responding to ordinary medications.”

Pros & Cons of AbilifyPros of AbilifyOnce per day dosingCons of AbilifyFeelings of restlessnessSuitable for adults and childrenMight not be good if pregnantLess likely to cause weight gain than other antipsychoticsMight not be safe if breastfeedingLess sedation effectsCan cause serious side effects such as the increased risk of strokeLess likely to change blood sugar/cholesterol levelsHas been linked to compulsive behaviors such as gambling addiction.

Pros & Cons of Abilify

Pros of AbilifyOnce per day dosingCons of AbilifyFeelings of restlessnessSuitable for adults and childrenMight not be good if pregnantLess likely to cause weight gain than other antipsychoticsMight not be safe if breastfeedingLess sedation effectsCan cause serious side effects such as the increased risk of strokeLess likely to change blood sugar/cholesterol levelsHas been linked to compulsive behaviors such as gambling addiction.

Side Effects of Abilify

The most common side effects associated with Abilify include nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, and drowsiness. These symptoms usually disappear quickly as your body adjusts to the medication.

Additional potential side effects, including the risk of an allergic reaction, should be considered before starting treatment.

Abilify Dosage

You should talk to your doctor for medical advice about Abilify dosage information, since everyone responds differently to medications. Generally speaking, Abilify is available as a prescription drug in several forms, including tablets, orally disintegrating tablets (ODT), solution or liquid form, intramuscular injection (IM), and extended-release injectable suspension (XRIS). The most common doses range from 2 mg/day to 30 mg/day, depending on the treated condition.

How to Take Abilify

If you take Abilify tablets, do not crush, split, or break them. Do not chew them. Swallow them whole.

Additional Considerations

Before beginning any new medication, substance and drug interactions should always be discussed with your healthcare provider.  This is especially true here, as Abilify uses can interact negatively with certain types of medicine, including antidepressants, antifungals, antibiotics, heart rhythm medications, and more. In addition, some herbal supplements may also have negative interactions when taken alongside Abilify.

Interactions

Several drugs can interact with Abilify. Do not take Abilify with other medications that can slow your breathing or make you drowsy. Be sure to tell your doctor what else you take so they can help you time your doses — some medications should not be taken at the same time as Abilify.

Abilify can have a severe interaction with Wellbutrin (bupropion). Moderate interactions can occur with the following (and others, this list is not exhaustive) drugs:

Limit or avoid consumption of alcohol when taking Abilify.

Warnings

Most importantly, if you are taking Abilify, be cautious of stopping cold turkey.Abilify withdrawalsymptoms can become severe. Make sure to talk to a doctor first before starting or stopping any new medication.

Abilify AlternativesWhile Abilify can effectively treat mental health disorders, someAbilify alternativesmay work better.AntidepressantsAntidepressants are medications commonly prescribed to treat depression and anxiety.Common antidepressants include:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)These medications can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety. Interested in these alternatives? Learnhow to get antidepressantsto help treat your mental health condition.Mood StabilizersMood stabilizers are a medication typically used to treat bipolar disorder. They can help reduce the intensity of manic episodes and stabilize mood swings between mania and depression.Commonly prescribed mood stabilizers include:Lithium carbonateValproic acidCarbamazepineLamotrigineOxcarbazepineTopiramateGabapentin enacarbilLurasidone hydrochlorideAtypical AntipsychoticsAtypical antipsychotics are a newer class of antipsychotic drugs with fewer side effects than traditional antipsychotics. They still provide similar efficacy in treating psychosis-related symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions.Examples of atypical antipsychotics include:RisperidoneOlanzapineQuetiapineZiprasidoneBenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are another medication often prescribed for anxiety disorders or insomnia due to their sedative properties which help with relaxation and sleep onset latency issues.Some common benzodiazepines include:AlprazolamDiazepamChlordiazepoxideClonazepamLorazepamTemazepamOxazepam

Abilify Alternatives

While Abilify can effectively treat mental health disorders, someAbilify alternativesmay work better.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are medications commonly prescribed to treat depression and anxiety.

Common antidepressants include:

These medications can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety. Interested in these alternatives? Learnhow to get antidepressantsto help treat your mental health condition.

Mood Stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are a medication typically used to treat bipolar disorder. They can help reduce the intensity of manic episodes and stabilize mood swings between mania and depression.

Commonly prescribed mood stabilizers include:

Atypical Antipsychotics

Atypical antipsychotics are a newer class of antipsychotic drugs with fewer side effects than traditional antipsychotics. They still provide similar efficacy in treating psychosis-related symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions.

Examples of atypical antipsychotics include:

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are another medication often prescribed for anxiety disorders or insomnia due to their sedative properties which help with relaxation and sleep onset latency issues.

Some common benzodiazepines include:

Online Abilify Prescription Through Talkspace PsychiatryIf you’re struggling with mental health issues, Abilify might be an excellent solution to consider. It can help managesymptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, among other conditions.Ouronline psychiatryservices can provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your needs. Our experienced and qualified team of mental health professionals is here to guide and support you in managing mental health conditions so you can live a healthier life. We also make telehealth and medication accessible if you have insurance coverage and affordable if you are worried aboutAbilify’s cost without insurance. Get connected with an online psychiatrist at Talkspace for help.

Online Abilify Prescription Through Talkspace Psychiatry

If you’re struggling with mental health issues, Abilify might be an excellent solution to consider. It can help managesymptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, among other conditions.

Ouronline psychiatryservices can provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your needs. Our experienced and qualified team of mental health professionals is here to guide and support you in managing mental health conditions so you can live a healthier life. We also make telehealth and medication accessible if you have insurance coverage and affordable if you are worried aboutAbilify’s cost without insurance. Get connected with an online psychiatrist at Talkspace for help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Abilify

What is Abilify most commonly prescribed for?

Abilify, or aripiprazole, is primarily prescribed to treat several mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. By balancing certain chemicals in the brain, it helps manage symptoms like mood swings, delusions, and depression.

What does Abilify do for you?

Is Abilify a good drug for anxiety?

While Abilify is not primarily prescribed for anxiety, it can be used off-label to help manage severe anxiety symptoms that are not responsive to conventionalanxiety medications. It’s important to discuss this option with a healthcare provider, as they can provide tailored advice based on your specific health needs.

What is the number one side effect of Abilify?

Can Abilify cause weight gain?

Yes, weight gain can be a side effect of Abilify, though it is generally less likely compared to other antipsychotics. Monitoring your diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help manage potential weight gain.

Does Abilify calm you down?

While taking Abilify, you’ll often feel calmer and more in control of your emotions. It helps to stabilize mood and can reduce feelings of agitation or distress, particularly in conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Is Abilify the same as Xanax?

No, Abilify and Xanax are not the same. Abilify is an antipsychotic used primarily to treat mood disorders and schizophrenia, while Xanax is a benzodiazepine that is most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. They work in different ways and are often prescribed for different reasons.

Sources:

Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.

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