Abilify/Abilify Discmelt

Generic name: Aripiprazole

What is Abilify/Abilify Discmelt?

Abilify is an antipsychotic drug used for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents 13 to 17 years old. It is also used to treat manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder in adults and children and adolescents 10 to 17 years old. Abilify may also be used with antidepressants to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

What is the most important information I should know about Abilify/Abilify Discmelt?

Abilify is not approved for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis due to the risk of death.

If you or a family member notices new signs of nervousness, agitation, panic attacks, sleeplessness, irritability, aggressiveness, and other mood changes on a day-to-day basis, notify your doctor right away. These signs may be associated with an increased risk of suicidal thinking. People taking antidepressants should be monitored closely for changes in mood and/or behavior. Abilify is not approved for use in pediatric patients with depression.

Hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, may occur when taking Abilify. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels carefully.

If you have kidney and/or liver disease, you should be monitored closely while taking Abilify.

Report any sudden changes in temperature, heart rate (arrhythmia), or heart palpitations to your doctor, as these may be symptoms of a serious side effect. Also report any involuntary movements, seizures, or the inability to swallow while taking Abilify.

Who should not take Abilify/Abilify Discmelt?

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis should not receive Abilify.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Abilify/Abilify Discmelt?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Abilify. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or are recovering from a heart attack.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Bipolar Disorder

Adults: The initial dose is 15 milligrams (mg) daily, which can be increased to 30 mg daily if needed. Treatment may be as long as 6 weeks.

Children and adolescents 10 to 17 years old: The recommended dose is 10 mg daily, as monotherapy or adjuvant therapy with lithium or valproate. The initial dose is usually 2 mg daily, which may be increased to 10 mg daily over a period of 4 days.

Major Depressive Disorder

Adults: The recommended starting dose as add-on treatment for people already taking an antidepressant is 2 to 5 mg daily. The dose may be increased up to 15 mg daily if necessary.

Schizophrenia

Adults: The recommended starting dose is 10 to 15 mg daily. Dosage increases, if necessary, can be made 2 weeks after therapy has started.

Adolescents 13 to 17 years old: The recommended starting dose is 10 mg daily, which may be increased to 15 mg daily if needed.

How should I take Abilify/Abilify Discmelt?

Abilify tablets should be taken as one dose, with or without food, as directed.

For the Abilify Discmelt orally disintegrating tablets, use dry hands to remove the tablet, and place the entire tablet on your tongue. Tablet disintegration occurs rapidly in saliva. Although it is recommended to take the disintegrating tablet without liquid, you may do so if needed. Do not attempt to split the tablets.

What should I avoid while taking Abilify/Abilify Discmelt?

Because Abilify has the potential to impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills, use caution when operating machinery, including automobiles, until you know how Abilify affects you.

Avoid drinking alcohol during treatment with Abilify.

Avoid rapid movements, such as quickly rising from a seated or lying position. Side effects such as dizziness and fainting have been reported with Abilify due to a sudden change in heart rate or blood pressure when changing positions quickly.

Avoid strenuous exercise, or prolonged exposure to heat, since this could contribute to a rise in core body temperature, and dehydration.

Avoid excessive sugar intake if you have diabetes, since Abilify may elevate blood sugar levels.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Abilify/Abilify Discmelt?

If Abilify is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Abilify with the following: alcohol, blood pressure medication, carbamazepine, fluoxetine, ketoconazole, paroxetine, and quinidine.

What are the possible side effects of Abilify/Abilify Discmelt?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, nervousness, sleeplessness, restlessness, tremors

Can I receive Abilify/Abilify Discmelt if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Abilify during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Abilify/Abilify Discmelt?

Since Abilify is taken once daily, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is within 12 hours, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosing schedule. Never double the dose.

How should I store Abilify/Abilify Discmelt?

Store at room temperature.