Abilify | aripiprazole

Medication Class: Atypical antipsychotic
Manufacturer: Otsukaand Bristol Myers Squibb
Approval date: November, 2002

What is Abilify and how does it work

Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic that theoretically works by reducing the effect of neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin) in the brain by blocking their receptors. It also blocks the effect of histamine.

What does Abilify treat

• Schizophrenia (adults and pediatric)
• Acute treatment of bipolar disorder (adults and pediatric)
• Maintenance (long-term) treatment of bipolar disorder
• Used in combination with antidepressants for treatment of depression
• Agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar mania
• Irritability associated with autistic disorder

How effective is Abilify

• Abilify 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, or 30 mg once daily were better than placebo in reducing symptoms of schizophrenia in adults after 4-6 weeks of treatment. In a 26 week study patients who continued to receive Abilify were less likely to relapse than those who stopped their antipsychotic medication.
• Abilify 15 or 30 mg daily was more effective than placebo in treating manic episodes of bipolar disorder after 3 weeks.
• Abilify was more effective than placebo in reducing time to occurrence of bipolar symptoms in long term studies of patients previously stabilized on Abilify 15 or 30 mg daily.
• Abilify 2 to 20 mg daily combined with an antidepressant was better than placebo in reducing symptoms of depression in patients who had an inadequate response to 8-weeks of antidepressant treatment.
• Abilify 2 to 15 mg daily was more effective than placebo in reducing irritability in children (6 to 17 years old) with autistic disorder.

What are interesting facts about Abilify

• It is used for short and long-term treatment of bipolar disorder.
• It is used for treating depression.
• Used for managing autism.

How is Abilify dosed (dosage) and administered

Abilify tablets and solution are administered once daily with or without a meal.

Schizophrenia (Adults): 10 or 15 mg orally daily. Maximum dose is 30 mg daily. Doses greater than 10 or 15 mg daily were not more effective in clinical trials.

Schizophrenia (Pediatric): 10 mg orally daily. Maximum dose is 30 mg daily but this dose may not be more effective than the 10 mg daily dose.

Bipolar manic or mixed episodes (Adults): 10-15 mg orally daily. Maximum dose is 30 mg daily.

Bipolar manic or mixed episodes (Pediatric): 10 mg daily. Maximum dose is 30 mg daily.

Depression: 2-15 mg orally daily in conjunction with an antidepressant.

Irritability associated with autistic disorder: 5 to 15 mg orally daily.

Agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar mania: Recommended dose is 9.75 mg intramuscular injection. A dose range of 5 to 15 mg was evaluated in clinical trials. May repeat initial dose after 2 hours if needed. Maximum dose is 30 mg. Doses higher than 9.75 mg may not be more effective.

What are the side effects of Abilify

Common: drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, weight gain, fatigue, increased appetite, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, injection site reactions.

Serious: increased blood glucose, diabetes, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia (abnormal movements), low level of red and white blood cells, suicide, worsening depression, high blood pressure, low blood pressure when arising from a sitting or lying position, seizures, severe low blood pressure, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), stroke, fainting, difficulty swallowing.

Abilify drug interactions

• Ketoconazole, Diflucan (fluconazole), Sporanox (itraconzaole)
• Quinidine
• Carbamezepine
• May enhance the effect of blood pressure lowering medications

What is the cost of Abilify

Cost about $24 to $34 per tablet.

How to obtain prescription assistance for Abilify

For prescription assistance for Abilify visit Bristol Myers Squibb Life Lines of Care.

References: Abilify FDA Prescribing Information and Medication Guide

This medication summary is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider.

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