Antipsychotic Medications Anti-psychotic Drugs aripiprazole, Abilify

Antipsychotic: aripiprazole, Abilify

Generic Name: aripiprazole
Brand Name(s): Abilify
Common Use: Antipsychotic

Common uses
This medicine is used to treat schizophrenia. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, carbamazepine, azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), alpha-blockers (e.g., doxazosin, prazosin), medicines for treating high blood pressure (e.g., "water pills" or diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Inform you doctor or pharmacist if you take medicines that cause drowsiness, including medicines for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), other psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, or tricyclics like amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, or antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including heart disease (e.g., history of heart attacks or chest pain, heart failure, irregular heart rhythm), history of stroke, dehydration, seizures, Alzheimer's disease, swallowing problems (e.g., history of aspiration), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Cautions
IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Avoid alcoholic beverages. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand up slowly (especially when you first start using this medicine or if your doctor changes your dose). THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE SWEATING, DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heatstroke may occur. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include vomiting, fever, lightheadedness, dizziness, change in weight, blurred vision, or drowsiness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience uncontrolled muscle movements (especially of the face or tongue), severe muscle stiffness, irregular or unusually fast heartbeat (especially with fever and increased sweating). AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE IS UNLIKELY, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include persistent vomiting or persistent drowsiness.

Additional information
Use this medicine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

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