Abilify
Aripiprazole
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Abilify
Abilify belongs to atypical antipsychotic group of drugs. How the drug acts is not clearly known though like all other atypical antipsychotic drugs they act in more than one way. This is also a reason for the popularity of atypical antipsychotic drugs in psychiatric patients.
Therapeutic Uses of the Product
Abilify is one of the commonly used drugs in treatment of agitation in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Abilify is commonly used in acute schizophrenia, chronic schizophrenia and acute mania.
Direction of use of Abilify
Due to large number of side effects Abilify should be used as your doctor tells you to use. Instructions are also given in the label on the medicine and can be followed. Abilify is should be taken once a day and can be taken with food or with out food. If you have any problem in understanding instruction of use of Abilify, than do not hesitate to call the doctor or health care provider.
If you are taking Abilify in doctor's clinic or hospital it is usually given as injection. As injection Abilify is given as deep intramuscular injection in deltoid or gluteal region. Abilify is never given in vein or below skin.
Abilify injection should not be used if it contains particles or suspended matter, if it is cloudy or discolored or the vial is damaged or cracked.
Keep Abilify, the syringes with needles out of reach of children. Always use disposable syringe and disposable needles. Follow local rules for disposal of the materials like syringe, needles and other materials.
Dose of Abilify, if Missed
If a dose of Abilify is missed than take it as soon as you remember, if you have agitation. Two doses should not be taken at a time and the dose should never be more than prescribed. Contact doctor/health care provider if you are in confusion.
How to Store
Abilify should be stored at room temperature, and away from direct sun light. The container where Abilify is stored should be dry. Keep Abilify out of reach of children and pets.
More Information About Abilify
If you are not getting desired result than consult your doctor. The drug should not be shared with anybody and should only be used by the person for whom it has been prescribed.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking
Abilify should not be used if you are allergic to it. If you are allergic to Abilify you should always inform doctor about your allergy.
Some medical conditions may be aggravated if Abilify is taken and in some medical conditions Abilify should not be taken, they are:
- if you are breast feeding, pregnant or planning to be pregnant
- if you are allergic to some medicines like sulfonamides, certain foods
- if there is family history of diabetes mellitus or you are obese
- if you have history of cardiovascular problems like congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, cardiac arrhythmia etc.
- if you have history of dementia, seizures, depression, suicidal tendency or any other mental disorder
- if you are suffering from low blood pressure, dehydration and on medication for hypertension
Some medicines may interact with Abilify they are:
- increase the risk of side effects, benzodiazepines like lorazepam, imidazole antifungals like ketoconazole, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetin, quinidine
- reduce the effectiveness of Abilify, phenytoin (anti epileptic), rifampin (anti tuberculosis drug), carbamazepine
- terazosine's side effects may increase due to Abilify
- anticholinergics should not be taken while on Abilify, because the risk of cholinergic overactivity like high pulse rate, high blood pressure, sweating, tremor etc.
Possible Adverse Effects of Abilify
The following are the possible side effects of Abilify:
- headache, insomnia, somnolence (talking during sleep), abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, blurring of vision, abnormal dreams, orthostatic hypotension, weight gain Medical attention should be sought if there are any of the following side effects:
- chest pain, fainting, symptoms of severe allergic reaction like difficulty in breathing, tightness in chest, rash, pruritus, swelling of face, lip tongue etc.
- fever, very fast or slow heart beat, increased sweating, thirst, urination or appetite
- loss of coordination, anxiety, agitation, hostility, urinary incontinence, restlessness, seizure, shortness of breath, suicidal tendency,
- involuntary movements of jaw, arms, legs, tongue, face etc. generalized weakness and tiredness, muscle tremor, muscle weakness, muscle stiffness
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