Abilify

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? Tell your health care provider about all your medical conditions and medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies. They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Dehydration
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• History of brain tumor, head injury, or stroke
• Parkinson's disease
• Previous heart attack
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
• An unusual or allergic reaction to aripiprazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

This information helps your provider make informed decisions about your treatment plan. Also, inform them if you have a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) or tardive dyskinesia (TD). How should I use this medicine? Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dose or stop taking it without consulting your health care professional.

Administration: Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals, ideally at the same time each day.

Dosage: The dosage will vary depending on your condition and response to treatment. Follow the directions on the prescription label carefully. Do not take more medicine than directed.

Duration of Treatment: Continue taking this medicine for as long as your doctor prescribes it, even if you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor.

Use in Children: Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, seizures, and muscle stiffness.

What if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take double or extra doses to make up for a missed dose. What may interact with this medicine? Some medications can interact with this medicine, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or decreasing its effectiveness. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications.

• Carbamazepine
• Charcoal
• Erythromycin
• Fluoxetine
• Grapefruit juice
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Paroxetine
• Quinidine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also, tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine. What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Regular Check-ups: Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. They will monitor your condition and adjust your treatment as needed.

Time to See Effects: It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Be patient and continue taking it as prescribed.

Do Not Stop Suddenly: Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Monitor for Worsening Depression and Suicidal Thoughts: Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also, watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of antidepressant treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

Dizziness and Drowsiness: You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Body Temperature Regulation: This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated or dehydrated from exercise. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

Blood Sugar Monitoring: If you notice an increased hunger or thirst, different from your normal hunger or thirst, or if you find that you have to urinate more frequently, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible. You may need to have your blood sugar monitored. This medicine may cause changes in your blood sugar levels. You should monitor your blood sugar frequently if you are a diabetic.

Colds, Diarrhea, and Allergies: Do not treat yourself for colds, diarrhea, or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine? Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Breathing problems
• Confusion
• Feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• Fever or chills, sore throat
• Increased hunger or thirst
• Increased urination
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain, spasms
• Problems with balance, talking, walking
• Restlessness or need to keep moving
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
• Trouble swallowing
• Uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements
• Unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight gain

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Where should I keep my medicine?

Storage: Store this medicine at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect it from moisture and light.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Disposal: Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Ask your pharmacist about the proper way to dispose of medications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

A: It is best to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase dizziness and drowsiness.

Q: How long does it take for this medicine to start working?

A: It may take several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Be patient and continue taking it as prescribed.

Q: What should I do if I experience side effects?

A: If you experience side effects that are bothersome or do not go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Q: Can I take this medicine with other medications?

A: Some medications can interact with this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking.