What is Abilify: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Abilify

• Follow the instructions given by the prescribing doctor. Do not change the dose prescribed.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Please read it when each month’s prescription is filled.

• Abilify is taken by mouth once per day. 

• Doses can be taken with a meal or on an empty stomach.

• How to take Abilify tablets:

  • Swallow the Abilify tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, break, or divide the tablet.

• How to take Abilify disintegrating tablets:

  • Dry your hands before removing a tablet from the blister pack.

  • Peel back the foil to remove a tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil.

  • Carefully remove the tablet from the blister pack.

  • Immediately put the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve completely.

  • When it has dissolved, swallow a drink of water.

• How to administer Abilify oral solution:

  • Only use the calibrated oral syringe that comes with this medicine. If it is missing, ask a pharmacist for one.

• How to take Abilify Mycite:

  • Abilify Mycite tablets each have a built-in sensor.

  • Do not crush, chew, or divide the tablet.

  • The Mycite patch must be attached to the skin to detect the dose.

  • The dose usually takes 30 minutes to be detected. It could take as long as two hours.

• Abilify injections are only administered by healthcare professionals.

• Store Abilify tablets and Abilify oral solution at room temperature (68°F to 77°F) out of the reach of children.

What to do if you miss a dose of Abilify

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

• Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. 

• If the Abilify Mycite tablet is not detected on the app or portal after you take it, do not repeat the dose.

Abilify contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to aripiprazole.

Abilify warnings

• Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

• Your doctor may need to perform lab tests regularly to monitor your progress and the effects of the medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you have:

  • Heart or blood vessel problems

  • A history of stroke

  • High or low blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • A personal or family history of diabetes

  • A history of seizures

  • A history of bipolar disorder

  • A history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors

• Tell the doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: 

  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) a potentially life-threatening complication of taking antipsychotic medications

  • Involuntary facial and other movements, such as tardive dyskinesia

  • Impulsive or compulsive behaviors

  • Seizures

  • Low blood pressure when standing up or changing position

  • Increased risk of falls and injuries

  • Increased risk of infections due to low white blood cell counts

  • Increases in blood sugar levels

  • High cholesterol and triglycerides

  • Weight gain

  • Difficulty swallowing

• For some children, teenagers, and young adults, this medicine may increase mental or emotional problems. This may lead to thoughts of suicide and violence. Talk with your doctor immediately if you notice any thoughts or behavior changes that concern you. 

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, fuzzy thinking, or uncoordinated, leading to falls, fractures, or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

• When taking Abilify, you may be vulnerable to overheating. Be careful when you exercise or are outside in hot or humid weather. 

• Abilify disintegrating tablets contain aspartame and should not be taken by people with phenylketonuria (PKU).

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Keep Abilify securely out of the reach of children.

Abilify interactions

• To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use before taking Abilify.

• Tell other healthcare providers you are using Abilify before they prescribe new medications.

• Many drugs can interfere with the body’s ability to break down aripiprazole. Some of these drugs increase the risk of Abilify’s side effects; others decrease the effectiveness of Abilify. The list of these drugs is long, so make sure you give the doctor a complete list of medications you’re taking, particularly:

  • The anti-seizure drug carbamazepine

  • The antibiotics rifampin or clarithromycin

  • The antidepressants Prozac (fluoxetine) or Paxil (paroxetine)

  • The antifungal drugs ketoconazole and itraconazole

  • The heart medication quinidine

• Also, make sure that the doctor knows about any blood pressure medications or benzodiazepines that you’re taking.

Find more information about aripiprazole interactions to avoid here.