If you have certain mental health conditions, your medical professional may recommend that you take a prescription drug called Abilify.
Abilify is used to treat the following conditions:
- major depressive disorder in adults
- manic and mixed episodes linked to bipolar I disorder in adults and some children
- schizophrenia in adults and some children
- Tourette syndrome in some children
- irritability linked to autism spectrum disorder in some children
Abilify can be used in certain situations, which we explain in the “What do you use Abilify for?” section below.
Abilify details
Abilify’s classification (the group of drugs it belongs to) is an atypical antipsychotic drug. It contains the active drug aripiprazole.
Abilify comes in several forms:
- a tablet that you swallow, which is called Abilify
- a tablet that you swallow that contains a sensor to record when you’ve taken your doses, which is called Abilify Mycite
- an intramuscular injection (injection into a muscle) given by a medical professional, which is called Abilify Maintena
Throughout this article, we often use the term “Abilify” to describe all forms of the drug. For more details about how the forms of Abilify are alike and different, see the “Abilify vs. Abilify Mycite vs. Abilify Maintena” section below.
Abilify, Abilify Mycite, and Abilify Maintena are brand-name medications. Abilify tablets (without the sensor) are available as a generic drug called aripiprazole. Abilify Mycite and Abilify Maintena aren’t available as generic drugs.
Most medications, including Abilify, may cause side effects that can be serious or mild. To give you an idea of what might occur with Abilify, we’ve listed some of the medication’s more common side effects below. Keep in mind that we haven’t included all the potential side effects.
For more complete information about possible side effects of Abilify, you can talk with your medical professional or pharmacist. They may also be able to recommend tips on how to help prevent and ease side effects.
Note: Certain factors may affect a medication’s side effects. These factors can include other health conditions you may have, other drugs you may be taking, and your age. With Abilify, side effects can also depend on the form of the drug you take.
Mild side effects
Some of the mild side effects that Abilify may cause are listed below. For information about other mild side effects of the drug, we suggest that you talk with your medical professional or pharmacist. It may also be helpful to refer to the medication guides for Abilify tablets, Abilify Mycite, or Abilify Maintena.
Mild side effects that have been reported in studies* of Abilify include:
- weight gain or weight loss†
- sexual side effects†
- sleep problems, such as feeling sleepy or having insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep)
- upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
- nausea, vomiting, or constipation
- headache
- fatigue (lack of energy)
- dizziness
- blurry vision
- anxiety
Mild side effects of many drugs tend to lessen in a couple of days or a few weeks. But if you find that the side effects bother you, it’s recommended that you talk with your medical professional or pharmacist.
* To learn more about clinical studies of Abilify, you can see the prescribing information for Abilify tablets, Abilify Mycite, and Abilify Maintena.
† For details about this side effect, see “Side effects: A closer look” below.
Serious side effects
Abilify may cause serious side effects, but this isn’t common. If you do develop serious side effects while taking Abilify, be sure to call your medical professional immediately. If you feel as if you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Serious side effects that have been reported in studies* of Abilify include:
- uncontrollable or involuntary movements caused by conditions such as:
- akathisia (restlessness)
- tremors (shaking)
- tardive dyskinesia (movements you can’t control)
- extrapyramidal disorder (movement symptoms that can include those listed just above)
- trouble swallowing
- trouble coordinating movements or thinking clearly
- trouble controlling your body temperature
- seizures
- orthostatic hypotension (a sudden decrease in blood pressure when you stand after sitting or lying down), which can lead to falls
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare but possibly life threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs such as Abilify)
- low levels of certain types of white blood cells, including:
- feeling intense or uncontrollable urges to perform certain activities, such as:
- binge eating (eating unusually large amounts)
- gambling
- sexual urges
- shopping
- changes in metabolism, which can lead to:
- allergic reaction†
boxed warnings for increased risk of:
* To learn more about clinical studies of Abilify, you can see the prescribing information for Abilify tablets, Abilify Mycite, and Abilify Maintena.
† For details about this side effect, see “Side effects: A closer look” below.
Side effects in children
In certain situations, Abilify is used to treat the following conditions in children:
- manic and mixed episodes linked to bipolar I disorder
- schizophrenia
- Tourette syndrome
- irritability linked to autism spectrum disorder
Most side effects of Abilify in children are expected to be the same as the side effects in adults. But certain side effects may be more common in children than in adults. Examples include:
- changes in appetite, which may be increased or decreased compared to usual
- drooling
- fever
- tremors (shaking)
Importantly, Abilify has a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This risk is highest for children, adolescents, and adults ages 18 to 24. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see “Side effects: A closer look” just below.
Side effects: A closer look
This section provides a close-up look at key side effects of Abilify. More information about side effects in studies can be found in the prescribing information for Abilify tablets, Abilify Mycite, and Abilify Maintena.
Weight gain or weight loss
Weight changes are possible while taking Abilify. Weight gain was a common side effect in studies of the drug. Weight loss was less commonly reported.
Keep in mind that Abilify can cause changes in metabolism, which may lead to weight gain.
Tips for managing
If you have weight changes that are bothersome to you while you’re taking Abilify, you’re encouraged to talk with your medical professional. They can suggest healthy ways to manage your weight.
Sexual side effects
Abilify can cause sexual side effects, although these were rare in studies.
Possible sexual side effects of Abilify include:
- erectile dysfunction (inability to get or maintain an erection)
- changes in libido (sex drive, which may be higher or lower than what’s typical for you)
- priapism (a persistent and painful erection)
- trouble having an orgasm
- intense or uncontrollable sexual urges
Tips for managing
If you have sexual side effects with Abilify, we recommend that you talk with your medical professional. They can suggest ways to help you manage these side effects. In some cases, lowering your dosage may provide some relief. But it’s important to not change your dosage without first talking with your medical professional.
Allergic reaction
Many drugs, including Abilify, can cause an allergic reaction. But this was rare during clinical studies of Abilify.
Symptoms that can occur with a mild allergic reaction may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
A more severe allergic reaction may also occur, but this is rare. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which may cause trouble breathing. You may also experience swelling under your skin, often in your lips, eyelids, hands, or feet.
Tips for managing
If you have symptoms of an allergic reaction to Abilify, be sure to call your medical professional immediately. If you feel as if you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Boxed warnings
Abilify has
Increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia. Abilify shouldn’t be used to treat psychosis related to dementia in adults ages 65 and older.
Psychosis is a mental health condition that can cause hallucinations and delusions (false beliefs). Dementia is a condition that affects memory, communication, and thinking.
Antipsychotic drugs such as Abilify can raise the risk of death and stroke if used to treat psychosis related to dementia in older people. Symptoms of a stroke (blocked blood flow to the brain or a broken blood vessel in the brain) can include:
- confusion
- leg, arm, or facial weakness on one side of your body
- headache
- trouble seeing, walking, or speaking
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Certain antidepressant drugs, such as Abilify, may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This risk is highest for children, adolescents, and adults ages 18 to 24. It’s important to note that Abilify isn’t approved to treat depression in children ages younger 18 and younger.
This risk also applies if you’ve recently started taking Abilify or your dosage has been recently changed.
It’s recommended that you watch for certain changes in your mood while you’re taking Abilify. These include:
- anger
- anxiety
- irritability
- violence or aggression
- thoughts of harming yourself
Tips for managing
If you have symptoms of a stroke while taking Abilify, get emergency medical help right away. But you should not take Abilify if you’re age 65 or older and you have psychosis related to dementia. It’s recommended that you talk with your medical professional about other treatment options that may be a better fit.
It’s important to tell your medical professional about any mood changes you experience while taking Abilify. They can help determine whether the drug is right for you.
If you have any suicidal thoughts or behaviors while taking Abilify, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you’re not alone. Help is available right now:
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day at 800-273-8255.
- Text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
- The Trevor Project provides crisis support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Call their hotline at 866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678-678.
- Contact the teen-to-teen peer hotline, Teen Line, at 800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839863.
Not in the U.S.? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
Your medical professional will explain how much Abilify to take and how often. It’s important to follow the instructions your medical professional provides. Commonly used dosages are mentioned below, but always take the dosage your medical professional recommends.
Forms and strengths
Abilify comes in several forms:
- Abilify. This is a tablet that you swallow.
- Abilify Mycite. This is a tablet that you swallow. The tablet contains a sensor that records when you’ve taken your dose.
- Abilify Maintena. This is a powder that’s mixed into a liquid and given by a medical professional as an intramuscular injection (an injection into a muscle).
For details about how the different forms of Abilify are alike and different, see the “Abilify vs. Abilify Mycite vs. Abilify Maintena” section below.
Abilify tablets and Abilify Mycite tablets are available in the following strengths:
- 2 milligrams (mg)
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
The Abilify Maintena injection is available in two strengths: 300 mg and 400 mg per syringe or vial.
Dosage
In most cases, your medical professional will start you on a low dose of Abilify. Then they’ll monitor the effects of the drug to determine if your dose should be increased.
Abilify and Abilify Mycite dosages
Below are recommended dosages of Abilify tablets and Abilify Mycite for each condition they’re used to treat.
- Dosage for major depressive disorder (MDD). The usual starting dosage of Abilify for MDD is 2 mg to 5 mg each day. The maximum dosage for this use is 15 mg each day.
- Dosage for manic and mixed episodes linked to bipolar I disorder. The usual starting dosage of Abilify for bipolar I disorder is 10 mg to 15 mg each day. The maximum dosage of Abilify for bipolar disorder is 30 mg each day.
- Dosage for schizophrenia. The typical starting dosage of Abilify for schizophrenia is 10 mg to 15 mg each day. The maximum dosage for this use is 30 mg each day.
- Dosage for Tourette syndrome. The usual starting dosage of Abilify for Tourette syndrome in children is 2 mg per day. The maximum dosage for this use depends on the child’s body weight in kilograms (kg):*
- For children who weigh less than 50 kg (about 110 pounds), the maximum dosage is 10 mg each day.
- For children who weigh 50 kg or more, the maximum dosage is 20 mg each day.
- Dosage for irritability linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The typical starting dosage of Abilify for irritability related to ASD in children is 2 mg each day. The maximum dosage for this use is 15 mg each day.
* One kg is about 2.2 pounds.
Abilify Maintena dosage
Abilify Maintena is used in adults to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. The Abilify Maintena dosage for both of these uses is a 400-mg injection once per month. This is also the maximum dosage.
Below we provide answers to some commonly asked questions about Abilify.
Is Abilify used to treat anxiety and other conditions?
Abilify isn’t currently approved to treat anxiety, but it may be prescribed off-label for anxiety or other conditions. Off-label means using a drug for a condition it hasn’t been approved to treat.
In addition to anxiety, Abilify is sometimes used off-label to treat:
- aggressive behavior related to certain mental health conditions
- conduct disorder with or without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- delusional disorder
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
To learn more about using Abilify to treat anxiety and other conditions, you can talk with your medical professional or pharmacist.
What’s the half-life of Abilify?
The half-life of Abilify and Abilify Mycite tablets is about 75 hours. The half-life of Abilify Maintena is about 30 to 45 days, depending on your dose. A drug’s half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of a drug’s dose to leave your system.
Abilify’s half-life can be used to figure out how long Abilify stays in your system. It typically takes about five half-lives for a drug to leave your system entirely. So Abilify tablets and Abilify Maintena will stay in your system for about 16 days. And Abilify Maintena will stay in your system for about 150 days.
Does Abilify give you energy?
No, Abilify isn’t likely to give you energy. In fact, Abilify can cause sleepiness and fatigue (lack of energy) for many people.
If you have questions about what to expect with Abilify, you’re encouraged to talk with your medical professional or pharmacist.
How does Abilify work?
Abilify’s exact mechanism of action (the way the drug works in your body) isn’t known. But it’s thought that Abilify may affect certain chemicals in your brain called serotonin and dopamine. Higher levels of these chemicals may help improve your mood and help you manage your behaviors and thoughts.
If you have more questions about how Abilify works, you can talk with your medical professional or pharmacist.
Abilify comes in several forms:
- a tablet that you swallow, which is called Abilify
- a tablet that contains a sensor to record when you’ve taken your doses, which is called Abilify Mycite
- an intramuscular injection (injection into a muscle) given by a medical professional, which is called Abilify Maintena
If you’re prescribed Abilify or Abilify Mycite tablets, your medical professional will explain how to take them. It’s important to follow the instructions your medical professional provides. Abilify Maintena injections are given by a medical professional.
Tips for using Abilify
You’ll likely take Abilify or Abilify Mycite once per day. With Abilify Maintena, you’ll typically receive an injection once per month.
Until you know how Abilify affects you, it’s important to avoid tasks that require you to think clearly (such as driving). This is because Abilify can cause you to feel sleepy. Some activities can be dangerous if you do them while you’re sleepy. You’ll likely know after several doses whether Abilify will cause these effects for you.
Using Abilify with other drugs
Your medical professional may prescribe Abilify along with other drugs to treat your condition.
For example, when used to treat bipolar I disorder, Abilify may be prescribed in combination with:
- lithium (Lithobid)
- valproate
And when used to treat major depressive disorder, Abilify may be prescribed with other antidepressant drugs, such as:
If you have questions about using Abilify with other drugs, you’re encouraged to talk with your medical professional. They can recommend whether you should use Abilify in combination with other medications, such as:
- amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall XR)
- lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- quetiapine (Seroquel)
But before starting Abilify, it’s recommended that you tell your medical professional about all other drugs you take. Certain drugs can raise your risk for side effects from Abilify. Other drugs may also affect how Abilify works. Your medical professional can tell you which medications are safe to take with Abilify.
Frequently asked questions about using Abilify
Below we provide answers to some questions about how to use Abilify.
- How long does Abilify take to work? It may take a couple of weeks before you notice that Abilify is working to improve your symptoms.
- What’s the best time to take Abilify? You may take Abilify any time of day. Regardless of when you take it, it’s important to take each dose of Abilify around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body. With Abilify Maintena, your medical professional can recommend the best time to get your injections.
- What should I do if I miss a dose of Abilify? If you miss a dose of Abilify tablets or Abilify Mycite tablets, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time to take your next dose, skip your missed dose. Then take your next dose at its regular time. But if you miss an appointment for your Abilify Maintena injection, call your medical professional. They’ll help you reschedule your appointment and tell you what to do about your dosing schedule.
- Is Abilify meant for long-term use? Yes, in most cases. If your medical professional thinks the drug is working for you and if it isn’t causing bothersome side effects, you’ll probably use Abilify long term.
- Can you chew, split, or crush Abilify tablets? No, Abilify and Abilify Mycite should be swallowed whole. Don’t chew, split, or crush the tablets. If you aren’t able to swallow Abilify or Abilify Mycite tablets, talk with your medical professional or pharmacist.
- Should you take Abilify with food? You can take Abilify with food or without it.
What should you ask your medical professional?It’s common to have questions about your treatment plan for Abilify. Your medical professional is there to work with you and help address any concerns you have.
To help guide your discussion, here are some suggestions:
- Try writing down questions you have before your visit. For example, “How will using Abilify affect my mood, body, and lifestyle?”
- Think about asking a loved one or friend to come with you to your appointment. Having in-person support may help you feel more at ease.
- Keep in mind that if your medical professional says something that’s unclear, you can always ask them to explain it.
Working with your healthcare team may help you stay on track with your treatment. The team wants you to get the best care possible.
If you have certain mental health conditions, your medical professional may recommend that you take Abilify.
Abilify comes in several forms:
- a tablet that you swallow, which is called Abilify
- a tablet that contains a sensor to record when you’ve taken your doses, which is called Abilify Mycite
- an intramuscular injection (injection into a muscle) given by your medical professional, which is called Abilify Maintena
Each form of Abilify may be used to treat different conditions. We explain more about each of these conditions below.
Depression
Abilify and Abilify Mycite are used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), which is also called depression. Abilify Maintena isn’t used for MDD.
With MDD, you have symptoms of depression almost daily for at least 2 weeks. Symptoms may include:
- trouble concentrating
- loss of appetite
- mood changes
- weight changes
- loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- trouble sleeping
Manic and mixed episodes linked to bipolar I disorder
All forms of Abilify can be used to treat manic and mixed episodes linked to bipolar I disorder.
With bipolar disorder, you have extreme shifts in mood that may last for several days. These generally alternate between episodes of mania (extreme excitement and energy) and depression. Mixed episodes (also called mixed features) can describe:
- periods of mania that happen along with symptoms of depression, or
- periods of depression that happen along with symptoms of mania
Bipolar I disorder is diagnosed after you’ve had at least one episode of mania.
Schizophrenia
All forms of Abilify can be used to treat schizophrenia. This is a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and act.
With schizophrenia, you have at least two of the following symptoms for at least 1 month:
- delusions (false beliefs)
- hallucinations
- speaking in a confusing way, such as quickly switching topics
- lack of interest in activities such as school or work
- very disorganized behavior, such as being giddy, agitated, or unable to coordinate muscle movements
Abilify and children
Abilify tablets (without the sensor) are used to treat the following conditions in some children:
- manic and mixed episodes linked to bipolar I disorder in children ages 10 years and older
- schizophrenia in children ages 13 years and older
- Tourette syndrome in children ages 6 years and older
- irritability linked to autism spectrum disorder in children ages 6 years and older
Abilify Mycite and Abilify Maintena aren’t used in children.
For a brief explanation of bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia, see “What do you use Abilify for?” just above. The other conditions are described below.
Tourette syndrome
Tourette syndrome causes repetitive and involuntary movements. You may also make involuntary sounds that aren’t controlled easily.
For example, you may repeatedly blink your eyes or stick out your tongue. Or you may repeat or shout certain words and phrases.
Irritability linked to autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a mental health condition that can affect how you feel, think, and act. ASD can cause a wide variety of symptoms, such as trouble with:
- adapting to new routines
- expressing feelings or needs
- making eye contact
- relating to others
ASD can also cause irritability and other behavior changes. Abilify is used to treat irritability that can happen with this condition.
It’s possible that stopping Abilify use “cold turkey” (suddenly, without a gradual decrease) could cause withdrawal symptoms. These are negative effects that can occur after suddenly stopping a drug that your body has become used to.
Withdrawal symptoms weren’t reported in studies of Abilify tablets, Abilify Mycite, or Abilify Maintena. But there have been
The withdrawal timeline for Abilify isn’t known for sure. But possible symptoms you may have while “coming off” Abilify can include:
- anxiety
- fast heart rate
- flu-like symptoms, such as fever and chills
- headache
- lightheadedness
- nausea
- sweating
It’s important that you do not stop taking Abilify unless your medical professional says it’s safe for you to do so. When it’s time for you to stop taking the drug, they’ll tell you how to taper off Abilify.
With Abilify tablets and Abilify Mycite, your medical professional will likely lower your dosage slowly over time, until you reach the lowest dose of 2 mg. With Abilify Maintena, your medical professional will explain how your injections will be tapered off.
Before using Abilify, talk with your medical professional. Tell them about your health, any medical conditions you have, and other medications you take.
These considerations are discussed in more detail below.
Interactions
Taking certain drugs, foods, vaccines, and other substances with a medication may affect how that medication works. These effects are known as interactions.
Before you use Abilify, be sure to tell your medical professional about any other drugs you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications. It’s also important to mention any herbs, supplements, and vitamins you may use. Your medical professional or pharmacist can tell you about possible interactions these substances may have with Abilify.
Interactions with drugs or supplements
Abilify can interact with several types of drugs, including:
- blood pressure drugs
- drugs that cause sleepiness, such as:
- benzodiazepines
- cannabis (also known as marijuana or weed)
- drugs that decrease or increase the activity of an enzyme (protein) in your body called CYP2D6, such as these antidepressant drugs:
- quinidine
- drugs that decrease or increase the activity of an enzyme in your body called CYP3A4, such as:
- the antibiotic drug clarithromycin
- the antifungal drug itraconazole (Sporanox)
- the seizure drug carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
Keep in mind that we haven’t listed all types of drugs that may interact with Abilify. Your medical professional or pharmacist can provide more details as well as information about other possible interactions.
FDA boxed warnings
Abilify has
Abilify’s boxed warnings include:
- Increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia. Abilify is not approved to treat psychosis related to dementia in adults ages 65 and older. Antipsychotic drugs such as Abilify can raise the risk of death and stroke if used in this way.
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Antidepressants such as Abilify may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. This risk may also affect people who’ve recently started taking the drug or had a dosage change. Abilify isn’t approved to treat depression in children ages 18 and younger.
For details, see “Side effects: A closer look” in the “Does Abilify have side effects?” section above.
Other warnings
If you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health, Abilify may not be the right choice for you. Conditions that can make a drug unsafe to take may be called contraindications.
Before you use Abilify, discuss your health history with your medical professional. The list below includes some factors to consider.
- Diabetes. Abilify can cause changes in your metabolism, which can lead to high blood sugar. It’s important to tell your medical professional if you have diabetes before starting Abilify. They’ll likely recommend monitoring your blood sugar level more closely than usual while you’re taking the drug.
- Heart or blood pressure problems. Make sure to tell your medical professional about any heart problems you have before starting Abilify. Examples include any history of heart attack or heart failure, as well as current or previous use of blood pressure drugs. Abilify can cause orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure that happens when you go from sitting or lying down to standing). And you may have a higher risk for this side effect if you have heart problems. Your medical professional can determine whether it’s safe for you to take Abilify.
- Seizures. Seizures are a possible side effect of Abilify. Before taking Abilify, it’s recommended that you tell your medical professional if you’ve had any seizures. They can determine if it’s safe for you to take Abilify.
- Low white blood cell levels. Taking Abilify can lower your white blood cell levels. This can make you more likely to get an infection. If you have low white blood cell levels before starting Abilify, you may be at even higher risk for infection. Your medical professional can help determine whether Abilify is safe for you.
- Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Abilify or any of its ingredients, you should not take Abilify. Ask your medical professional what other treatments might be better choices for you.
Abilify and alcohol
There aren’t any known interactions between alcohol and Abilify. But drinking alcohol while taking Abilify may worsen certain side effects of the drug. Examples of these side effects include nausea, dizziness, and feeling sleepy.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your medical professional before starting Abilify. They can advise whether it’s safe for you to drink alcohol while you’re using Abilify.
Abilify use while pregnant or breastfeeding
It’s not known if Abilify is safe to use while pregnant. The drug hasn’t been studied in pregnancy. But Abilify is an antipsychotic drug. And this type of drug may cause side effects in infants if taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy.
Examples of possible side effects in infants include:
- agitation (acting bothered or restless)
- increased or decreased muscle tone (tension in the muscles)
- sleepiness
- tremors (shaking)
- trouble breathing
- trouble eating or refusal to eat certain foods
If you use Abilify during pregnancy, consider participating in the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications. This registry collects information about the safety of antipsychotic drugs (such as Abilify) when used during pregnancy. For more information, you can talk with your medical professional or visit the registry’s website. You can also call 866-961-2388.
It isn’t known if Abilify is safe to use while breastfeeding. If used while breastfeeding, Abilify may:
- pass into breast milk
- decrease milk supply, according to some reports
- cause trouble gaining weight in a breastfed child
Your medical professional can provide more information about Abilify use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
You may wonder how Abilify compares with alternatives such as:
- brexpiprazole (Rexulti)
- amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall XR)
- fluoxetine (Prozac)
- lurasidone (Latuda)
- quetiapine (Seroquel)
- cariprazine (Vraylar)
Abilify, Rexulti, Latuda, and Seroquel belong to a group of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. All of these drugs can be used to treat schizophrenia. In addition:
- Abilify, Rexulti, and Seroquel are used to treat forms of depression
- Abilify, Vraylar, Latuda, and Seroquel are used to treat forms of bipolar disorder
Adderall XR is a stimulant drug (a type of drug that speeds up messages between the brain and body). Both Abilify and Adderall XR may be used to treat forms of bipolar disorder and depression. For Adderall XR, these are off-label uses. Off-label means using a drug for a condition it hasn’t been approved to treat.
Prozac is a type of antidepressant drug called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Both Abilify and Prozac are used to treat forms of depression.
For more detailed comparisons, you can see these articles:
You can also talk with your medical professional or pharmacist for more information.
Abilify’s potential for misuse hasn’t been studied. (Misuse means taking a drug in a different way than how it was prescribed.)
Medications that have a high risk of misuse are sometimes regulated by the federal government. When this happens, these drugs are called controlled substances. But Abilify is not a controlled substance.
But it’s still possible for Abilify to be misused. Some people misuse Abilify to cause a “high” feeling. But misusing Abilify in this way can cause dangerous side effects or overdose.
To lower your risk of misuse with Abilify, be sure to take the drug exactly as your medical professional prescribes. They’ll work with you to help make sure you don’t misuse the drug.
Abilify comes in several forms. Throughout this article, we often use the term “Abilify” to describe all forms of the drug.
Each form of Abilify contains the active drug aripiprazole. But each form may be used to treat some different conditions. Below, we provide more details about how the different forms of Abilify are alike and different.
You can also talk with your medical professional for more information about Abilify tablets, Abilify Mycite, and Abilify Maintena. We explain more about the conditions they’re used to treat in the “What do you use Abilify for?” section above.
Abilify tablets
Abilify tablets are a brand-name medication. They’re also available as a generic drug called aripiprazole. (A generic drug is a copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.)
Your medical professional may prescribe Abilify tablets to treat the following conditions in certain situations:
- major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
- manic and mixed episodes linked to bipolar I disorder in adults and some children
- schizophrenia in adults and some children
- Tourette syndrome in some children
- irritability linked to autism spectrum disorder in some children
Abilify Mycite
Abilify Mycite is a brand-name medication. It isn’t available in a generic form.
Abilify Mycite tablets contain a sensor that records when you’ve taken your doses. After you swallow the tablet, the sensor sends a signal to a patch you’ll wear on your abdomen (belly). The patch is connected to an app on your smartphone. After the sensor sends a signal to the patch, the app records that you’ve taken your dose of the drug.
The sensor breaks down in your body after you take the tablet. It’s made of natural ingredients. To learn more about how Abilify Mycite works, you can view this video on the drug manufacturer’s website.
Abilify Mycite is only approved for use in adults. The drug is not used in children. Your medical professional may prescribe Abilify Mycite to treat the following conditions in certain situations:
- MDD
- manic and mixed episodes linked to bipolar I disorder
- schizophrenia
Abilify Maintena
Abilify Maintena is a brand-name medication. It isn’t available in a generic form.
Abilify Maintena comes as a powder inside of a vial or prefilled syringe. The powder is mixed with liquid to form what’s called a suspension. This is then given by a medical professional as an intramuscular injection (injection into a muscle). You won’t give yourself injections of Abilify Maintena.
Abilify Maintena is only approved for use in adults. The drug isn’t used in children. Your medical professional may prescribe Abilify Maintena to treat the following conditions in certain situations:
- manic and mixed episodes linked to bipolar I disorder
- schizophrenia
Abilify is a prescription drug. The costs of prescription medications may depend on several factors, such as your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you use.
If you’re wondering how to pay for Abilify, you can talk with your medical professional or pharmacist. You may also want to visit the websites for Abilify tablet, Abilify Mycite, and Abilify Maintena to see if support options are available.
It’s important that you don’t take more Abilify than your medical professional recommends. Taking more than the recommended dosage can lead to severe side effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- aggressive behavior
- changes your kidney and liver function, as shown on blood tests
- confusion
- convulsions (movements you can’t control) or tremors (shaking)
- feeling sleepy
- heart problems, such as abnormal heart rhythm or changes in blood pressure
- loss of consciousness
- slowed or stopped breathing
- vomiting
What to do in case you take too much Abilify
If you believe you’ve taken too much Abilify, call your medical professional right away. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. If your symptoms are severe, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the closest emergency room.
If you still have questions about Abilify after reading this article, we recommend that you talk with your medical professional. Together, you can decide if Abilify might be a good choice for you.
You can also discuss other treatments, forms of support, and resources that may benefit you. We’ve listed some helpful suggestions below.
Additional treatment options
While you take Abilify, additional treatments or remedies may help you better manage your condition. These can include:
- deep breathing exercises
- establishing a daily routine
- meditation
- psychotherapy, such as family therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy
- using a weighted blanket
Finding support
Whether you’re looking for a therapist, support group, or information about how to afford therapy, these resources may help:
- how to find a therapist
- online counseling search through BetterHelp
- online support groups
- how to afford therapy
Other resources
To receive weekly information about mental health, you may want to sign up for the Psych Central newsletter. You’ll find stories directly from other people about their mental health journey as well as the latest information about treatments.
Q:
I’ve heard that Abilify can cause trouble with regulating my body temperature. Are there any things I should avoid doing or consider doing to help manage this side effect?
Anonymous patientA:
While taking Abilify, it’s important to avoid getting overheated or dehydrated. This is due to the drug’s risk of causing trouble with body temperature regulation.
The following may help you avoid problems with your body temperature while taking Abilify:
- drinking plenty of water
- avoiding too much exercise or intense exercise, especially when you first start taking Abilify
- staying out of the sun and avoiding extreme heat, such as by staying inside and avoiding heavy clothing during hot weather
Other medications you may take can increase your risk for problems with body temperature while taking Abilify. A medical professional such as a pharmacist can review your medications to see if any may interact with Abilify.
Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBAAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Disclaimer: Psych Central has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.