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Drug Info

How long does Abilify take to work?

Some symptoms may improve in a few days, with full effects taking two to three months
Heidi Borst
By | May 19, 2025 Medically reviewed by Peter Lourgos, MD, JD
Person looking at their watch - How long does Abilify take to work?

Key takeaways

  • Abilify usually takes one to two weeks to start working, with full effects taking two to three months.

  • Onset may vary based on dosage, administration method, and individual metabolism.

  • Factors affecting how long Abilify takes to work include other medications, dietary habits, and co-existing health conditions.

In this article:

Abilify, the brand-name version of aripiprazole, is an atypical antipsychotic medication that’s FDA approved to treat mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and major depressive disorder when antidepressants don’t work. It can also be prescribed for irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder and Tourette syndrome, and may be used off-label for borderline personality disorder.

Typically, you’ll notice effects from Abilify about one to two weeks after starting treatment. That said, it can take two to three months to experience its full benefits.

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How long does it take for Abilify to work? 

You won’t feel Abilify’s effects immediately, but you may experience some improvements within a few days, especially for irritability, restlessness, or mood swings, explains Je Ajayi, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist at Connected Minds, LLC. It can take longer to feel the full benefits, especially for more serious symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, or deep depression. “Everyone responds a bit differently, and how fast it works depends on your condition and how your body processes the medication,” says Dr. Ajayi.

How Abilify works is interesting. “It helps balance chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters), mainly dopamine and serotonin, which affect mood, thinking, and behavior. It’s called a dopamine partial agonist, which means it doesn’t block dopamine completely—it helps adjust it up or down depending on what your brain needs,” Dr. Ajayi says. This balancing effect is why Abilify can treat both psychotic symptoms (like hallucinations) and mood issues (like depression or mania).

Abilify typically reaches a steady state within about 14 days of consistent dosing. This means that the level of the drug in the bloodstream stabilizes, allowing for more predictable effects.

However, it may take two to three months to see the full effects of the medication. The speed of onset can also differ depending on whether the medication is taken as a daily pill or via an injectable form, which may act more quickly. 

“It is typically started at higher doses for psychotic or manic symptoms and lower doses for depression. For psychosis and mania, it is offered in both oral tablet and injectable form,” says Jasmine Kaur, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist with Mindpath Health. The injectable can be administered monthly (Abilify Maintena) or every two months (Abilify Asimtufii), she adds. 

Abilify is most effective when taken consistently, as prescribed, as this allows for the medication to balance out in the system. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor its effectiveness.

What can affect how long Abilify takes to work?

Several factors can influence the onset of Abilify’s action, including:

  • Dosage: While you may experience faster effects with high doses than low doses, higher doses may also increase the risk of side effects. 
  • Form: Aripiprazole tablets work faster than a long-acting injection, but the injection keeps levels steadier over time, says Dr. Ajayi.
  • Metabolism: People metabolize medications at different rates, affecting how quickly they feel the effects. For example, Dr. Kaur points out that older adults may process the medication more slowly than younger patients.
  • Other health conditions: Other medical conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, may impact Abilify’s effectiveness.
  • Drug interactions: Allergy medications like diphenhydramine, loratadine, fexofenadine, chlorpheniramine, or cetirizine, and the dietary supplement St. John’s wort can interact with Abilify and should be avoided. “Other medications, especially those that affect liver enzymes (like certain antidepressants or antifungals), can either speed up or slow down how your body handles Abilify,” notes Dr. Ajayi.
  • Diet: Grapefruit juice and alcohol can affect the drug’s absorption. Taking Abilify with a high-fat meal may slow absorption, while taking it on an empty stomach may enhance its effects.

Common side effects of Abilify include:

  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Weight gain

To optimize the time it takes Abilify to work, take the medication exactly as directed by your prescriber. If you’re not feeling the desired effects, seek medical advice about dosage adjustments or alternative treatments.

What is the standard Abilify dosage?

The standard starting dosage of Abilify varies based on the condition being treated. Dr. Ajayi provides the following guidelines:

  • For symptoms of schizophrenia in adults, the typical starting dose is 10 mg to 15 mg once daily, with a maximum of 30 mg/day.
  • For bipolar disorder (manic episodes or mixed episodes), adults usually start at 15 mg daily, and for children (10–17 years), at 2 mg to 10 mg, increased slowly.
  • For major depressive disorder, Abilify is used as an add-on to an antidepressant at 2 mg/ day to 5 mg/day, with a max of 15 mg/day.
  • For autism-related irritability in children (6–17 years), the dose starts at 2 mg and is gradually raised based on response and side effects.
  • For Tourette’s disorder, children and teens usually start at 2 mg/day, with a range of 5 mg/day to 20 mg/day depending on age and weight.
  • Long-acting injection doses vary and are given by a healthcare provider every 4 to 8 weeks.

Who should avoid taking Abilify?

Dr. Kaur and Dr. Ajayi highlight several warnings and precautions to consider when taking Abilify, including:

  • Hypersensitivity: Patients with a known allergy to aripiprazole or other antipsychotic drugs should avoid taking the medication.
  • Dementia-related psychosis: Older patients with dementia-related conditions are at increased risk of death.
  • History of tardive dyskinesia: Antipsychotic medications can worsen symptoms of the movement disorder.
  • Severe liver impairment: Abilify may not be adequately metabolized in these patients, leading to increased drug levels and potential toxicity.
  • Severe renal impairment: Patients with severe kidney issues may not be able to clear the drug from their systems.
  • Cardiovascular issues: Those with heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart failure, or arrhythmias require careful monitoring due to potential cardiovascular side effects.
  • Seizure disorders: Abilify may lower the seizure threshold in individuals with seizure disorders like epilepsy.
  • Pregnancy and lactation: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before taking Abilify, as its safety is unknown.
  • Young adults and adolescents: There is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in younger individuals, so careful monitoring is necessary.
  • Diabetes or metabolic syndrome: Abilify may cause an increased risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

The bottom line

Abilify generally takes from a couple of days to two weeks to start improving symptoms, but it can take two to three months to experience its full effects. Factors such as dosage, method of administration, individual metabolism, and underlying health conditions can all influence how long it takes for the medication to work. Always discuss any concerns or questions with a healthcare professional to ensure the best treatment approach for you.