{"id":632564,"date":"2025-06-27T09:30:37","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T13:30:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632564"},"modified":"2026-04-21T23:01:49","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T03:01:49","slug":"aripiprazole-and-alcohol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/aripiprazole-and-alcohol\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you drink on aripiprazole?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aripiprazole<\/span><\/a>, also known by the brand name <\/span>Abilify<\/span><\/a>, is an atypical antipsychotic medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, major depressive disorder, and irritability associated with autism. It has a multifaceted mechanism of action, working by altering how certain natural substances in the brain operate. It is a partial dopamine agonist, which means it helps regulate dopamine receptors in the brain and improve symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Aripiprazole also impacts serotonin receptors, which can improve mood and reduce hallucinations or delusions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Typically, <\/span>aripiprazole<\/span><\/a> is used long-term to manage symptoms. If you used to drink occasionally before starting this prescription drug, you may be wondering if you are able to safely consume alcoholic beverages when taking it. Experts generally do not recommend drinking alcohol while on aripiprazole, though some people may find they are able to drink small amounts of alcohol occasionally without any side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Can you drink while taking aripiprazole?<\/span><\/h2>\n

“It\u2019s not generally recommended to drink alcohol while taking aripiprazole,” says Sylvie Stacy, MD, an addiction medicine specialist and chief medical officer of Rehab.com. “Drinking small amounts of alcohol while taking it isn\u2019t necessarily dangerous, but it comes with some risk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“Mixing alcohol with this antipsychotic medication can amplify side effects,” says <\/span>Sherma Morton, MD<\/span><\/a>, national medical director at Eleanor Health. For example, alcohol consumption can add to the sleepiness that some people experience while taking aripiprazole. On top of that, the effects of alcohol are amplified when combined with a drug like aripiprazole, so you may feel more drunk, faster.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alcohol affects people differently, so for some, a drink here and there won’t pose a problem. However, not everyone can tolerate the combination of alcohol and aripiprazole. “Others have felt unexpectedly drunk or nauseated after just a drink or two,” <\/span>Dr. Stacy<\/span><\/a> explains. “I have one memorable patient who assumed drinking would be fine in moderation. She ended up confused and emotionally reactive for two days afterward.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

What happens if you mix aripiprazole and alcohol?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The combination can intensify the effects of both substances and also undermine the mood stabilizing effects of aripiprazole in the following ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

Increased side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>side effects of aripiprazole<\/span><\/a> and of drinking alcohol are quite similar, so combining the two can mean experiencing some side effects at a more intense level.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Side effects of combining aripiprazole and alcohol can be drowsiness, dizziness, and a higher risk of blackouts,” cautions Dr. Stacy. “I\u2019ve heard of patients becoming much more impaired than they expected after just a couple of drinks.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“Both alcohol and aripiprazole affect your brain and central nervous system,” says Dr. Morton. “When combined, they can make you feel more tired, dizzy, or foggy than either would alone. That means your judgment, reaction time, and ability to think clearly can take a hit\u2014which could lead to dangerous situations, especially if you\u2019re driving or need to make quick decisions.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Mood changes<\/span><\/h3>\n

“Abilify affects how the brain processes dopamine and serotonin,” says Dr. Stacy. “Alcohol can influence those effects unpredictably, and it can mess with the stability people are trying to achieve by taking Abilify in the first place.” She further notes that alcohol can worsen agitation, mood swings, and paranoia in people with schizophrenia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Morton notes that combining aripiprazole and alcohol can also lead to additional adverse effects such as confusion, trouble concentrating, mood swings, or worsening anxiety or depression. “For younger people, the risk of suicidal thoughts may go up,” she says. “Add alcohol to the mix, and the chances of risky behavior or accidental injury rise significantly.”<\/span><\/p>\n

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