Abilify (ariprazole)
ABILIFY (aripiprazole) – an atypical antipsychotic drug commonly used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar and other disorders. The mechanism of action for aripiprazole is unknown. However, it has been proposed that aripiprazole exerts its behavioral effects through a combination of partial agonist activity at D2 and 5-HT1A receptors and antagonist activity at 5-HT2A receptors.
FDA approved uses:
1. Treatment of schizophrenia.
2. Acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder as monotherapy and as an adjunct to lithium or valproate.
3. Maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder both as monotherapy and as an adjunct to lithium or valproate
4. Adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).
5. Treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder.
6. Acute treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder.
Available dosage forms: Tablets – 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 mg. Orally disintegrating tablets 10 and 15 mg. Oral solution 1 mg/ml. Injection 9.75 mg/1.3 ml single-dose vial.
Usual dosage: Adult schizophrenia 10-15 mg/day. Adolescent schizophrenia 2 mg/day to start, up to 10 mg/day recommended. Monotherapy for adult bipolar mania 15 mg/day. Adjunctive therapy for adult bipolar mania 10-15 mg/day to start, up to 15 mg/day recommended. Pediatric bipolar patients, either as monotherapy or adjunct start 2 mg/day up to 10 mg/day recommended. Adjunctive treatment of MDD in adults 2-5 mg/day start up to 5-10 mg/day recommended. Irritability associated with autistic disorder in pediatric patients 2 mg/day start up to 5-10 mg/day recommended. Agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar mania in adults 9.75 mg/1.3 ml injected intramuscularly.
Contraindications: Abilify should not be prescribed to patients with known hypersensitivity (allergy).
Special Warnings: Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. ABILIFY is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. Children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants for major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders are at increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior.
Adverse reactions (side effects) of these medications: Various side effects have been reported depending on the age of the patient and the condition being treated. However, the most common side effects of Abilify include akathisia, extrapyramidal disorder, somnolence, tremors, sedation, restlessness, insomnia, fatigue, blurred vision, salivary hypersecretion, dizziness, constipation, nausea, vomiting and lethargy.
Common drug interactions: Aripiprazole has been reported to interact with ketoconazole, itraconazole and other strong inhibitors of CYP3A4; fluoextine, quinidine, paroxetine and other strong inhibitors of CYP2D6; carbamazepine and other strong CYP 3A4 inducers.
Special instructions for patients: Take exactly as directed by physician, at least one hour before a meal. Tell the doctor or other health care provider about any other medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbals and non-prescription medications as these may interact with aripiprazole. Avoid getting over-heated or dehydrated. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how these medications will affect you.
Full prescribing information may be found at the manufacturer ‘s official website Abilify.com or at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website at Aripiprazole FDA Label Information
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