What is Aripiprazole: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Aripiprazole

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

• Please read the Medication Guide that comes with this medicine.

• Please read the Instructions for Use if one is included with the medicine.

• Take only one dose daily. 

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

• How to take aripiprazole tablets:

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

  • Store aripiprazole tablets at room temperature out of the reach of children.

• How to take aripiprazole orally 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.

  • Gently remove the tablet.

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

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

• How to administer aripiprazole oral solution:

  • Measure doses with the calibrated oral syringe that comes with this medicine. Do not use kitchen measuring devices or tableware.

  • Store aripiprazole oral solution at room temperature out of the reach of children. 

  • Dispose of the bottle and any remaining medicine if it’s been stored for longer than six months.

• How to take aripiprazole oral film:

  • Wash and dry your hands.

  • Each film comes in a sealed pouch. 

  • You may need to take more than one film when taking a dose. If so, open and take only one film at a time.

  • Open the pouch at the dotted line.

  • Gently remove the film from the pouch.

  • Do not tear or divide the film.

  • If the film tears or dissolves, throw it away and start with a new pouch.

  • Put it on your tongue right away and close your mouth.

  • Allow it to completely dissolve before swallowing. Do not swallow or chew the film.

  • Do not rinse out your mouth after the film dissolves.

  • If a second film is needed, it can be opened and taken after the first film has completely dissolved.

  • Wash and dry your hands when finished.

  • Store apiprazole oral films in their unopened pouches at room temperature.

• How to take Abilify Mycite:

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

  • Set up the smartphone app and make sure it’s connected to the web portal before taking the tablet.

  • The Mycite patch must be attached to the skin to detect the dose. Do this before taking the tablet.

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

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

• Aripiprazole injections are given by healthcare professionals.

What to do if you miss a dose of Aripiprazole

• 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.

Aripiprazole contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

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

Aripiprazole warnings

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

• The prescribing doctor needs regular office visits and blood tests to monitor the progress of treatment and spot possible side effects. Keep all appointments.

• Before taking aripiprazole, tell the prescriber about all your medical conditions, particularly:

  • Heart problems

  • Blood vessel or circulation problems

  • Stroke

  • High or low blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • Diabetes or high blood sugar (including diabetes in the family)

  • Any history of seizures

  • Any history of bipolar disorder

  • Any history of suicidal thoughts or attempts

• Tell the prescriber if you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

• Aripiprazole can cause many serious problems, so patients or their caregivers should be familiar with the warning signs. These potentially serious adverse effects include: 

  • 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

  • Changes in blood sugar levels

  • High cholesterol and triglycerides

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

  • Weight gain

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Worsening of depression

  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) a serious complication of taking antipsychotic medications

• For some children, teenagers, and young adults, antipsychotics can worsen depression and bring on thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Contact the prescriber immediately about any worrisome changes in thoughts or behavior.

• Aripiprazole can make people drowsy, dizzy, uncoordinated, and unable to think clearly, increasing the risk of accidents, falls, and injuries. Do not drive or do any other hazardous activity until you know how this medicine affects you. 

• Aripiprazole can make people lightheaded and faint when standing up or changing position. Stand or sit up slowly. Sit down if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

• Aripiprazole interferes with the body’s ability to maintain body temperature, so people taking the drug are vulnerable to heat exposure and dehydration. Be careful when you exercise, or you are outside in hot or humid weather. Drink plenty of fluids.

• People on aripiprazole sometimes lose control over compulsive behaviors like gambling, binge eating, or shopping. Report any compulsive behaviors or uncontrollable urges to the prescriber. 

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

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. The prescriber will need to slowly decrease the dose before it can be stopped completely.

• Keep aripiprazole securely out of the reach of children.

Aripiprazole 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 aripiprazole, particularly:

  • Blood pressure drugs

  • Benzodiazepines

  • Heart rhythm drugs

  • Barbiturates

  • Carbamazepine, clarithromycin, fluoxetine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, paroxetine, rifampin

• Inform the prescriber before you start a new prescription or over-the-counter medication. 

• Do not drink alcohol when taking aripiprazole.

Find more information about aripiprazole interactions to avoid here.