{"id":632780,"date":"2025-07-21T09:30:08","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T13:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632780"},"modified":"2025-08-11T14:19:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T18:19:20","slug":"why-take-aripiprazole-in-the-morning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/why-take-aripiprazole-in-the-morning\/","title":{"rendered":"When is the best time to take aripiprazole?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aripiprazole<\/span><\/a> is an FDA-approved medication used to treat mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia, and Tourette’s Syndrome. Also known by the brand name <\/span>Abilify<\/span><\/a>, this atypical antipsychotic medication balances dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain to help regulate mood, behavior, and thoughts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s sometimes used <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> to treat a range of other anxiety disorders, agitation from dementia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and eating disorders. \u201cIn clinical practice, it\u2019s sometimes prescribed as an adjunct for treatment-resistant depression,\u201d says Daniel Tan, MD, MPH, founder of ADHD ONE. Aripiprazole is most commonly prescribed as a once-daily oral tablet, available in low doses of 2 mg up to higher doses of 30 mg. There is also a long-acting injectable formulation, sold under the brand name Abilify Maintena, that is given once a month. Oral aripiprazole has mild stimulating properties, so taking this drug in the morning could help reduce the risk of insomnia later in the day.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t

Save up to 80% on Aripiprazole with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tAripiprazole 5 mg (30 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23663 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Food\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$11.30\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Walmart\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$12.93\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Aripiprazole prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

When is the best time to take aripiprazole?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Everyone has a unique brain chemistry that can affect what time of day it is best to take a medication, says Jared Heathman, MD, a Houston-based psychiatrist. Here\u2019s what to consider when you\u2019re discussing why to take aripiprazole in the morning versus at night with your provider:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Morning<\/span><\/h3>\n

Aripiprazole can have energizing effects. If you feel invigorated after your daily dose, morning is likely best for you. \u201cSome patients experience energy and motivation from aripiprazole, which could cause insomnia if taken at night,\u201d <\/span>Dr. Heathman<\/span><\/a> explains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a hard-and-fast rule, but if someone\u2019s feeling wired or agitated after taking it at night, switching to a morning schedule often improves tolerance,\u201d <\/span>Dr. Tan<\/span><\/a> agrees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nausea is a common side effect of this medication. If it affects you, taking it with a light breakfast of toast or yogurt can help alleviate that queasy feeling, Dr. Tan says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Night<\/span><\/h3>\n

For some, the same medication can have the opposite effect. Drowsiness is a possible reaction to aripiprazole. If you feel lethargic, rather than alert, timing your dose before bed makes the most sense. \u201cIf it makes you sleepy, take it at night,\u201d Dr. Heathman says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What if I miss a dose of aripiprazole?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Life happens. When your daily routine is interrupted, it\u2019s easy to miss a dose of aripiprazole. If you accidentally forget your daily pill, it\u2019s important to take it as soon as you remember\u2014unless it is almost time for your next dose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule,\u201d says <\/span>Randall Turner<\/span><\/a>, DO, psychiatrist and medical director with Able to Change Recovery in California. \u201cDo not double up. Taking two doses at once can increase the risk of side effects, such as restlessness or feeling jittery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

If you frequently miss doses, simple tools like alarm reminders on your phone can help you stay on track with your medication schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n

How long does it take for aripiprazole to start working?<\/span><\/h2>\n

For most people, <\/span>aripiprazole<\/span><\/a> starts to take effect within one to three weeks. However, it can take several weeks, sometimes up to six, to reach its full benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPeople with depression who are using it as an add-on to antidepressants might notice mood improvements sooner than those being treated for psychosis, but everyone responds a little differently,\u201d Dr. Turner says. Several factors can affect how quickly the drug starts working or how quickly you begin to feel better.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t