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Aripiprazole
Brand Name: Abilify
Overview
Abilify is the brand name for aripiprazole, a new atypical antipsychotic that was
FDA approved in November 2002.
Abilify is chemically different from other atypical antipsychotic medications such
as Clozaril, Geodon, and Risperdal. It is a dopamine partial-agonist meaning that
Abilify can stimulate dopamine receptors when little dopamine is available and block
dopamine receptors when there is too much dopamine present causing the receptor
stimulation to become more balanced.
Abilify’s effects are often dramatic and seen within a few days, but it may take weeks
to work in other cases.
Why
is this drug prescribed?
Abilify is FDA approved for the treatment of psychosis in adults. It is mostly used
to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, including early-onset bipolar disorder in
children, though it is not FDA approved for use in children.
It is also used to treat symptoms of aggression and psychosis associated with dementia,
especially due to Alzheimer’s disease
Warnings
and Precautions
Abilify may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Patients should not drive or engage in
other activities that may be dangerous if these side effects are present.
Alcohol increases many of Abilify’s side effects. Alcohol should be avoided when taking
this medication.
It may be easier to become dehydrated and overheated when taking Abilify, patients
should avoid very hot environments, including saunas, and should drink plenty of
non-caffeinated fluids.
For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Abilify’s effects during pregnancy are not known,
so extreme caution is recommended. It is not known if Abilify passes into breast milk;
breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medication.
Contraindications
Abilify should not be used for people with an allergy to this medication or any of its
inactive ingredients.
Precautions
Abilify may be used with caution in people with the following conditions:
- Elderly – older patients may be more sensitive to Abilify’s effects.
- A history of seizures – Abilify may increase the chances of having seizures.
- Heart disease, including previous heart attacks or strokes.
Adverse
Reactions
Abilify is much less likely than older antipsychotics such as Thorazine to cause
EPS or extrapyramidal symptoms such as reduced muscular control and Tardive Dyskinesia.
Abilify may cause the following reactions:
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Constipation (occasionally severe enough to justify ending Abilify therapy )
- Akathisia (restlessness or muscular quivering)
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Weakness
- Rash
- Fever
- Blurred vision
- Change in weight (less common than in other atypical antipsychotics)
- Esophageal dysmotility (difficulty swallowing)
Rarely:
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) including high fever, confusion, changes in blood pressure, sweating, muscle breakdown, and kidney failure.
- Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), whose symptoms include involuntary and uncontrolled muscle movements.
Most side effects are reduced or nearly absent after the first week.
Interactions
with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs or substances that may interact with Abilify include:
- Tegretol (carbamezapine) may reduce blood levels of Abilify. The dosage of Abilify may need to be increased, even doubled, if both medications are being taken, but only when directed by a physician.
- Trileptal (oxycarbezapine) may reduce blood levels of Abilify. The dose of Abilify may need to be increased if both medications are being taken, if directed by a physician.
- Prozac (fluoxetine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), and Paxil (paroxetine): these medications may increase blood levels of Abilify and the dosage of Abilify is usually decreased by half when one of these or another, similar antidepressant is also being taken.
- Nizoral (ketoconazole) antifungal, especially common in HIV and AIDS patients.
- Quinidine -an anti-malarial
- Blood pressure / hypertension medications – may increase Abilify’s side effects, especially dizziness.
Sources
http://www.drugstore.com/pharmacy/prices/drugprice.asp?ndc=59148001135&trx=1Z5006
http://www.bipolarchild.com
http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/druginfo/abilify.HTM
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