Aripiprazole: Drug Information

Generic name: Abilify Aripiprazole

Brand Name: Aria, Aridus, Arip-MT, Arive, Arza, Arzu, Asprito, Pipra-A

Drug Class: Antipsychotic

Uses of Aripiprazole:

Aripiprazole is used in the treatment of various mental disorders such as schizophrenia. It works by decreasing the abnormal excitement in the brain. This drug was discovered by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co Ltd in Japan . By 1995 it entered the Phase II trials for schizophrenic patients in Japan and was followed by phase II trials in 200 in Europe . In 2002, the drug received the approval of FDA and began to be marketed in the United States . Aripiprazole has a semi- antagonist effect at the D2 and 5-HT 1A receptors at the nerve synapse and a complete antagonist effect at 5-HT 2A receptors.

Indications and Dosage:

It is recommended that you take the medicine as directed by your physician and stick to your schedule. Aripiprazole can be taken with or without food as a whole tablet. Do not abruptly stop taking the medicine without prior consultation with your doctor as it may result in unwanted side effects or withdrawal symptoms.

Warning and Precautions:

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines or food.

\ Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, conduction abnormalities, cerebrovascular disease, hypotension, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, urinary retention, asthma, liver disease or thyroid disorder must take special caution when on the medicine and should notify their doctor of the same beforehand.

Safety of this medicine has not been established in pregnancy and lactation. Thus, pregnant and lactating women must notify their doctor before taking Aripiprazole.

Do NOT consume alcohol when on this medicine.

Avoid operating heavy machinery or driving while on Aripiprazole.

Drug Interactions:

Carbamazepine should not be taken with Aripiprazole as it could decrease the effectiveness of the medicine and lower blood level.

Medicines such as ketoconazole, quinidine, fluoxetine or paroxetine should not be co-administered with Aripiprazole as they can interfere with the elimination of the medicine, thereby, resulting in increased blood level.

Side Effects of Aripiprazole:

Some of the most common side effects of Aripiprazole include insomnia, headache, vomiting, somnolence, anxiety, dry mouth, blurred vision, tremors, hypertonia, akathisia, orthostatic hypotension, pain, nausea, abdominal pain, lightheadedness, sleepiness, agitation and abdominal pain.