Generic name: Aripiprazole
Availability: By prescription only
Drug Class: Antipsychotics, 2nd Generation (Atypical Antipsychotics); Antimanic Agents
What Is the Use of Abilify?
Abilify (aripiprazole) is a psychotropic drug (anti-psychotic) that alters brain chemical activity used to treat schizophrenia, mania, depression, bipolar disorders, autistic disorder, and some irritable behavior disorders. Generic Abilify is not available in the U.S., but is available in other countries under the name aripiprazole.
Abilify Oral Tablets, Orally-Disintegrating Tablets, and Oral Solution are prescription medicines used to treat:
- Schizophrenia
- Manic or mixed episodes that happen with bipolar I disorder
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) when ABILIFY is used with antidepressant medicines
- Irritability associated with autistic disorder
- Tourette's disorder
Abilify Injection is a prescription medicine used to treat:
- Agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar mania
What Are Common Side Effects of Abilify?
Common side effects of Abilify include:
- dizziness
- lightheaded
- drowsiness
- weakness
- lightheadedness
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach upset
- tiredness
- excess saliva or drooling
- choking or trouble swallowing
- blurred vision
- headache
- anxiety
- weight gain
- drowsiness
- sleep problems (insomnia)
- constipation
Suicidal thoughts are may occur in some patients, especially children, teens, and young adults. Tell your doctor if this occurs. Other serious side effects of Abilify include:
- tardive dyskinesia (involuntary, repetitive movements)
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- shaking (tremors)
- muscle spasms
- fainting
- mental/mood changes (such as increased anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts)
- trouble swallowing
- restlessness (especially in the legs)
- mask-like expression of the face
- seizures
- signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat)
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Professional Indications: What is Abilify Used to Treat?
Abilify Oral Tablets, Orally-Disintegrating Tablets, and Oral Solution are indicated for the treatment of:
- Schizophrenia
- Acute Treatment of Manic and Mixed Episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder
- Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
- Irritability Associated with Autistic Disorder
- Treatment of Tourette's Disorder
Abilify Injection is indicated for the treatment of:
- Agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar mania
Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Abilify (aripiprazole).
Patient Usage: How Does Abilify Work In the Body?
Abilify is an anti-psychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.
Abilify is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression). It is also used together with other medications to treat major depressive disorder in adults.
Abilify is also used to treat irritability and symptoms of aggression, mood swings, temper tantrums, and self-injury related to autistic disorder in children who are at least 6 years old.
Abilify may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Read the entire detailed patient monograph for Abilify (aripiprazole).