What is Aripiprazole?
Aripiprazole is a prescription drug which comes in four oral dosage forms i.e, a pill, an orally disintegrating tablet and a solution. It's also available as an injectable solution that can only be delivered by a healthcare professional. Abilify (oral tablet) and Abilify MyCite are brand-name medications that contain aripiprazole (oral tablet with sensor). Generic versions of the standard oral tablet and the orally disintegrating tablet.
Aripiprazole Uses
Aripiprazole is a drug that is used to relieve the effects of schizophrenia. It's also used to treat symptoms of mania and depression in adults and children with bipolar disorder. Aripiprazole is also used in conjunction with an antidepressant to treat depression when the antidepressant alone is ineffective. The medication is also used to treat autism disability and can help regulate irritable behaviour such as hostility, temper tantrums, mood swings and Tourette's disease. It belongs to the class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. This works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.
Aripiprazole Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Aripiprazole are:
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Weight gain
- Changes in appetite
Some of the serious side effects of Aripiprazole are:
- Rashes
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of eyes
- Difficulty in breathing
- Seizures
- Tightening of neck muscles
Aripiprazole can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. If you are facing any of the above serious side effects. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems.
Precautions
Before taking Aripiprazole talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using the drug talk with your doctor if you have any past medical history such as problems with blood flow in the brain, diabetes, heart problems, nervous system problems, obesity, low white blood cell count and swallowing problems.
How to use Aripiprazole?
Aripiprazole is available in the form of a tablet, a solution (liquid), and an orally disintegrating tablet (tablet that dissolves rapidly in the mouth). It's taken once a day, with or without food. The drug is also available as a tablet with a sensor system that can be taken by mouth and offers information on how the drug is taken in adults. Pushing the orally disintegrating tablet through the foil is not a good idea. Take the tablet out of your mouth and put the whole tablet on your tongue. The tablet dissolves easily and can be swallowed without water.
Dosage of Aripiprazole
Generic
Aripiprazole
- Form: oral tablet (2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg)
- Form: orally disintegrating tablet (10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg)
Brand: Abilify
Form: oral tablet (2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg)
Brand: Abilify MyCite
Form: oral tablet with sensor (2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg)
Dosage for schizophrenia
Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years): 10 to 15 mg once a day
Dosage for bipolar I disorder
Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years): 15 to 30 mg once a day
Dosage for major depression in people already taking an antidepressant
Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years): 2 to 5 mg once a day
Dosage for irritability caused by autistic disorder
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older): 2 mg per day
Dosage for Tourette syndrome
Child dosage (ages 6 to 18 years):5 to 10 mg per day depending on the weight of the child.
Overdose
It's possible that you have dangerously high levels of the opioid in your system. An overdose of this medication can cause the following symptoms: sleepiness, vomiting and tremor. If you think you have taken too much of this drug then consult with your doctor immediately.
Missed dose
As soon as you know, take your dose. Take just one dose if you recall it just a few hours before the next scheduled dose. Never try to make up for missed doses by taking two at once. This could have dangerous consequences.
Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions
For people with Heart conditions
This drug's safety and effectiveness in people with some heart problems has yet to be determined. Unstable heart disease or a recent history of stroke or heart attack are examples of these conditions. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have heart disease.
For people with Epilepsy
If you have a history of epilepsy, contact your doctor and see if this medicine is right for you. If you have a disease that raises the risk of seizures, such as Alzheimer's dementia, talk to your doctor.
For people with low white blood cell count
This medicine will lower your white blood cell count. Your doctor will keep an eye on you for signs of the problem. They'll also perform routine blood checks. If you have a low white blood cell count when taking this medication, the doctor will prohibit you from taking it. Before beginning treatment with this drug, tell your doctor if you have a history of low white blood cell counts.
Pregnant Women
If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, speak to your doctor. Only use this drug if the potential advantage outweighs the potential risk. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Breastfeeding
This medication can move into breast milk and cause side effects in a breastfed infant. If you are breastfeeding your infant, talk with your doctor. It's possible that you'll have to choose between stopping breastfeeding and stop taking this drug.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Aripiprazole vs Alprazolam
Aripiprazole |
Xanax |
|---|---|
| Aripiprazole is a prescription drug which comes in four oral dosage forms i.e, a pill, an orally disintegrating tablet and a solution. | Alprazolam is a prescription medication that is available as brand name drugs called Alprazolam Intensol, Xanax, or Xanax XR. |
| Aripiprazole is a drug that is used to relieve the effects of schizophrenia. It's also used to treat symptoms of mania and depression in adults and children 10 years and older with bipolar disorder. | Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It can be used to relieve symptoms of anxiety or anxiety related to short-term depression. |
Some of the common side effects of Aripiprazole are:
|
The most common side effects of Alprazolam are:
|
