What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets, the solution, and the orally disintegrating tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture . Store the orally disintegrating tablets in their sealed package, and use them immediately after opening the package. Store the tablets with a sensor at room temperature do not store in places with high humidity. Dispose of any unused aripiprazole solution 6 months after you open the bottle or when the expiration date marked on the bottle has passed, whichever is sooner.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
How Should This Medicine Be Used
Aripiprazole comes as a tablet, a solution , an orally disintegrating tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Apriprazole also comes as a tablet that contains a sensor device to take by mouth to be used in adults to provide information about how the medication is taken. Take aripiprazole at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take aripiprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not try to push the orally disintegrating tablet through the foil. Instead, use dry hands to peel back the foil packaging. Immediately take out the tablet and place the entire tablet on your tongue. Do not try to split the tablet. The tablet will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed without liquid. If necessary, liquid can be used to take the orally disintegrating tablet.
Swallow the tablets and the tablet with a sensor whole do not divide, crush, or chew.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of aripiprazole and gradually increase or decrease your dose depending on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience.
For Some People It Still Makes Sense To Stay On Antipsychotic Drugs When Trying To Conceive Or While Pregnant You Can Only Know Where You Fall If You Talk To Your Doctor
Its important to keep in mind that we dont have very detailed explanations of what the risks of these medications are weighed against the risks of the condition itself, Dr. Schaffir says.
For example, being unmedicated when you have bipolar disorder increases your odds of engaging in risky, life-threatening behavior during manic episodes and suicidal thoughts during depressive or mixed mood episodes, Michael Thase, M.D., professor of psychiatry and director of the Mood and Anxiety Program at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, tells SELF. The risks of taking certain medications must be balanced with the risks of untreated mania or depression, which can be considerable, he says. Same goes for schizophrenia.
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Can Abilify Be Crushed Split Or Chewed
Abilify oral tablets should be swallowed whole. They shouldnt be crushed, split, or chewed.
Aripiprazole, Abilifys generic drug, is available in other forms that may be easier to take if you have trouble swallowing pills. If youd like to know more about this generic medication, talk with your doctor.
Aripiprazole Unlikely To Pose Metabolic Risk During Pregnancy
Women who took aripiprazole during pregnancy did not show elevated metabolic risks when compared with the general population rate and, although they did show higher rates of pregnancy hypertension and more frequent instances of admission to a special care nursery or neonatal intensive care unit , these rates were higher for women who stopped taking aripiprazole before the third trimester than for those who continued taking the medication throughout pregnancy, according to a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Study investigators used data from hospitals with extensive records of diagnosis, exposures, complications, and outcomes during pregnancy. These data were gathered from the medical records of 2 tertiary maternity hospitals in Western Australia, which both have antenatal clinics for pregnant women with severe mental illnesses. Across these 2 hospitals, 26 women who took aripiprazole while pregnant were identified, 14 of whom ceased taking the medication before the third trimester and 12 who continued to take aripiprazole for the duration of the pregnancy.
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Antiepileptic Therapy For Bipolar Disorder
Several antiepileptic drugs are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, including valproic acid , carbamazepine , and lamotrigine . However, data on the fetal effects of these drugs come primarily from studies of women with seizures. It is not clear whether the underlying pathology of epilepsy contributes to the teratogenic effect of these drugs on the fetus.
Exposure to valproic acid during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects, craniofacial and cardiovascular anomalies, fetal growth restriction, and cognitive impairment. Carbamazepine exposure during pregnancy is associated with facial dysmorphism and fingernail hypoplasia. It is unclear whether carbamazepine use increases the risk of neural tube defects or developmental delay. Although these drugs are superior to lithium in the treatment of patients with mixed episodes or rapid cycling, they should be avoided during pregnancy.
The use of lamotrigine during pregnancy has not been associated with any major fetal anomalies and is an option for maintenance therapy in women with bipolar disorder.
Valproic acid use during lactation has been studied in 41 maternal-infant dyads only one infant was adversely affected with thrombocytopenia and anemia. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization consider valproic acid safe in breastfeeding women. Carbamazepine is ruled probably safe rare side effects include transient cholestatic hepatitis and hyperbilirubinemia.
Is Abilify Used To Treat Anxiety
Yes, sometimes Abilify is used off-label to treat anxiety. But keep in mind that Abilify isnt approved to treat anxiety. With off-label use, a drug thats approved for certain conditions is used for another condition.
For more information about how Abilify is used for anxiety, see the section Abilify Uses above. And if you have questions about whether Abilify may be helpful in treating your anxiety, talk with your doctor.
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How Does Zoloft Affect A Fetus
Some studies have indicated babies who are exposed to Zoloft in the womb may develop birth defects such as heart defects. However, most studies show that women who use Zoloft during pregnancy are just as likely to give birth to babies with birth defects as those who do not use Zoloft during pregnancy.
How To Take Abilify
Use Abilify exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Aripiprazole can be taken with or without food.
Swallow the regular tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it. Do not split the orally disintegrating tablet.
Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device .
Allow the orally disintegrating tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.
If you also use antidepressant medicine, do not stop using it suddenly or you could have unpleasant symptoms. Ask your doctor before stopping the antidepressant.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Aripiprazole liquid may be used for up to 6 months after opening, but not after the expiration date on the medicine label.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
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Are Latuda And Abilify The Same
Both Latuda and Abilify are atypical antipsychotics, or second-generation antipsychotics, approved for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, they come in different dosage forms and have different indications other than schizophrenia. Latuda treats depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder while Abilify treats manic episodes of bipolar I disorder. Latuda also needs to be administered with food while Abilify can be administered with or without food.
Withdrawal Symptoms Of Abilify
The withdrawal symptoms that may occur in people who suddenly stop taking Abilify arent known for sure. This is because there arent any human studies that show the withdrawal symptoms that may occur. Also, its not known how soon after stopping Abilify youll have withdrawal symptoms, or for how long theyll last.
However, in one case , after stopping Abilify cold turkey , a man had withdrawal symptoms. His symptoms included dizziness, nausea, anxiety, and muscle twitches. He also had insomnia .
This case points out that its important to avoid abruptly stopping Abilify. But keep in mind that this case only involved one person. So its not known how common withdrawal symptoms from Abilify might be in other people.
Additional withdrawal symptoms of Abilify may include:
- headache
- increased heart rate
Even though Abilify withdrawal hasnt been studied in humans, it has been seen in animal studies. However, animal studies dont always predict what will happen in humans.
Also, keep in mind that each persons body may react differently to medications. And depending on what other medications youre taking with Abilify, your withdrawal symptoms may be different than those listed above.
If you have questions about withdrawal symptoms from Abilify, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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What If I Miss A Dose
If you miss a dose of Abilify, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if its almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
If you have any questions about when to take your next dose of Abilify after a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And to help make sure that you dont miss a dose of the drug, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too.
Acog Guidelines On Psychiatric Medication Use During Pregnancy And Lactation
Am Fam Physician. 2008 Sep 15 78:772-778.
Guideline source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Literature search described? Yes
Evidence rating system used? Yes
Available at:
An estimated 500,000 pregnancies in the United States each year involve women who have or who will develop psychiatric illness during the pregnancy. The use of psychotropic medications in these women is a concern because of the risks of adverse perinatal and postnatal outcomes. However, advising these women to discontinue medication presents new risks associated with untreated or inadequately treated mental illness, such as poor adherence to prenatal care, inadequate nutrition, and increased alcohol and tobacco use.
Ideally, decisions about psychiatric medication use during and after pregnancy should be made before conception. The use of a single medication at a higher dosage is preferred over multiple medications, and those with fewer metabolites, higher protein binding, and fewer interactions with other medications are also preferred. All psychotropic medications cross the placenta, are present in amniotic fluid, and can enter breast milk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has categorized medications according to risk during pregnancy .
AAP = American Academy of Pediatrics FDA = U.S. Food and Drug Administration NA = not applicable.
Brand name no longer available in the United States.
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What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Abilify
Before taking Abilify, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you have or had:
- diabetes or high blood sugar in you or your family your healthcare provider should check your blood sugar before you start Abilify and also during therapy.
- seizures .
- low or high blood pressure.
- heart problems or stroke.
- pregnancy or plans to become pregnant. It is not known if Abilify will harm your unborn baby.
- If you become pregnant while receiving Abilify, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. You can register by calling 1-866-961-2388 or go to http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines that you take,including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Abilify and other medicines may affect each other causing possible serious side effects. Abilify may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how Abilify works.
Dosage For Manic And Mixed Episodes Related To Bipolar I Disorder
Abilify is approved for use in adults with manic and mixed episodes related to bipolar I disorder.
For this condition, the typical starting dosage of Abilify in adults is 15 mg once daily. If youre taking Abilify with either valproate or lithium, your doctor may recommend a starting dosage of Abilify of 10 mg to 15 mg once daily.
The typical maintenance dosage of Abilify in adults with bipolar I disorder is 15 mg once daily. However, up to 30 mg of Abilify daily may be used in some cases. And this is the maximum daily dose of Abilify for this condition.
Keep in mind that if youre taking lithium or valproate along with Abilify, the recommended dosages of Abilify are the same as those described above.
For information on Abilify dosage in children with bipolar I disorder, see the section Pediatric dosage below.
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Abilify Withdrawal And Dependence
Its possible that your body may become dependent on Abilify. But keep in mind that Abilify isnt a controlled substance.
With dependence, your body needs the drug in order to feel normal. Abilify may cause dependence because it affects hormones inside your brain. And once your body adjusts to the changes caused by Abilify, you may become dependent on the drug.
Because Abilify may cause dependence, its possible that youll have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the drug.
However, keep in mind that dependence of Abilify has not been studied in humans. So its not known for sure if everyone who takes the drug will become dependent on it.
Its important to talk with your doctor about Abilify withdrawal and dependence if you have a history of drug misuse. Because this medication may cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms, your doctor may recommend a different medication for you that has a lower risk of these complications.
Are There Any Studies On The Effects Of Abilify
Unfortunately there are no studies to verify the effects of Abilify on human development only animal studies. You must weigh the benefits of the medication against the possible risks to the fetus. It is best if you discuss this with the obstetrician and the prescribing doctor as they can help you weigh the benefits against the risks.
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Can I Take Abilify If Im Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause serious problems in the newborn. Tell your doctor right away if you get pregnant. Do not stop the medicine without your doctor’s advice.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of aripiprazole on the baby.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Why Is This Medication Prescribed
Aripiprazole is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia in adults and teenagers 13 years of age and older. It is also used alone or with other medications to treat episodes of mania or mixed episodes in adults, teenagers, and children 10 years of age and older with bipolar disorder . Aripiprazole is also used with an antidepressant to treat depression when symptoms cannot be controlled by the antidepressant alone. Aripiprazole is also used to treat children 6 to 17 years of age who have autistic disorder . Aripiprazole may help control irritable behavior such as aggression, temper tantrums, and frequent mood changes in these children. Aripiprazole is also used to treat children 6 to 18 years of age who have Tourette’s disorder . Aripiprazole is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.
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How Long Does It Take To Work
Abilify begins working within a few hours of when youve taken a dose of Abilify.
However, Abilify works best when theres a consistent amount of drug in your body. And Abilify reaches this point after youve taken a daily dose for about 14 days.
So you may have some symptom relief in the first day or so after your first dose of Abilify. But youll see the most benefit from the drug about 14 days after youve started taking it.
Latuda Vs Abilify: Differences Similarities And Which Is Better For You
Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ
Latuda and Abilify are brand-name prescription drugs used to treat schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech or behavior. In addition to schizophrenia, Latuda and Abilify can also treat other mental health conditions.
Both Latuda and Abilify are classified as atypical antipsychotics, or second-generation antipsychotics. They work in similar ways to help reduce symptoms of schizophrenia. While the exact way in which they work is unknown, these antipsychotic medications interact with dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain.
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