Aripiprazole

💊 What is Aripiprazole used for?

• •Schizophrenia
• •Irritability associated with autistic disorder
• •Tourette's disorder

How it works

How it is usually taken

• •The label says aripiprazole is taken by mouth once a day, and it can be taken without regard to meals (with or without food). Take it exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist about how and when to take it.

Comes as

• •Tablets: 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg

⚠️ Aripiprazole side effects

🛑 Who should not take Aripiprazole, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You are allergic to aripiprazole or any of its ingredients.
• 🚨The label says aripiprazole is contraindicated in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to aripiprazole. Reactions have ranged from itching or hives to anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction).

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your provider if you have or had diabetes or high blood sugar, in you or your family. The label says your provider should check your blood sugar before you start and during treatment.
• •Tell your provider if you have or had seizures (convulsions).
• •Tell your provider if you have low or high blood pressure.
• •Tell your provider if you have heart problems or have had a stroke.
• •Tell your provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• •Tell your provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
• •Tell your provider if you have a low white blood cell count.
• •Tell your provider about all medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• •The label notes that elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis have a higher risk of death, and that the label does not approve aripiprazole for them.

🔀 Aripiprazole with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Strong CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitors (for example itraconazole, clarithromycin, quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine): these can raise aripiprazole levels. The label says the dose may need to be reduced.
• •Strong CYP3A4 inducers (for example carbamazepine, rifampin): these can lower aripiprazole levels. The label says the dose may need to be increased.
• •Certain blood pressure medicines (antihypertensives): aripiprazole may increase their effect. The label says to monitor blood pressure.
• •Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam: the combination caused more sleepiness and more drop in blood pressure than either drug alone. The label says to monitor sedation and blood pressure.
• •The label says no dose change is needed with famotidine, valproate, lithium, or lorazepam based on pharmacokinetic studies.
• •Antidepressant medicines can interact with other medicines, so tell your provider about everything you take. Do not start or stop any medicine without talking to your provider first.

Alcohol and food

The label says aripiprazole can be taken without regard to meals. The label excerpt provided does not give specific alcohol guidance.

🤰 Aripiprazole in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says it is not known if aripiprazole will harm an unborn baby. Human studies have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse outcomes. Babies exposed during the third trimester may have movement symptoms or withdrawal symptoms after delivery. Animal studies at high doses showed fetal harm. The label encourages a pregnancy registry for atypical antipsychotics: 1-866-961-2388 or http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/

Breastfeeding

The label says aripiprazole passes into breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take aripiprazole.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store tablets at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F), with short excursions permitted to 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F).

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says that deliberate or accidental overdoses have been reported. No deaths were reported with aripiprazole alone. One adult who took a very large amount recovered fully, and children who swallowed large amounts had no deaths. If you think someone has taken too much, get medical help right away.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Aripiprazole

• How should I take aripiprazole, and what should I do if I miss a dose?
• How often will my blood sugar and blood pressure be checked while I take this medicine?
• What changes in mood or behavior should I report to you right away?
• Which of my current medicines could interact with aripiprazole?
• Is aripiprazole safe for me if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
• What side effects should I watch for, such as movement problems or a low white blood cell count?

❓ Aripiprazole: frequently asked questions