Abilify (Aripiprazole) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 21, 2012

Abilify

Prescription Anxiety Medications »

What are anxiety medications and how do they work?

Anxiety is both a normal and useful response to potentially stressful or dangerous situations. It helps by increasing our awareness of what's going on around us and in other ways. For most people, the anxiety is short lived and normally goes away once the situation has passed. But that is not the case for an estimated 40 million adults in the United States who have some type of anxiety disorder and experience ongoing and unwarranted psychological distress. That distress may also manifest itself in physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, or chest pain.

Anxiety medications include multiple types of drugs that are used to treat the symptoms of anxiety disorders. The three most commonly prescribed types of anxiety medication are antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications -- also known as anxiolytics -- and beta-blockers. The first two types of anxiety medications work primarily by affecting the ba...

Read the Prescription Anxiety Medications article »

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Abilify Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

ARIPIPRAZOLE - ORAL

(AR-i-PIP-ra-zole)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Abilify

WARNING: There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as heart failure, pneumonia, stroke) when this medication is used in elderly patients with dementia. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with your doctor.

If you are using aripiprazole in combination with other medication to treat depression, also carefully read the drug information for the other medication.

USES: Aripiprazole is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia). It may also be used in combination with other medication to treat depression. Aripiprazole is known as an antipsychotic drug (atypical type). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).

This medication can decrease hallucinations and improve your concentration. It helps you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, feel less nervous, and take a more active part in everyday life. Aripiprazole can treat severe mood swings and prevent or decrease how often mood swings occur.

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using aripiprazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. If using the oral solution, measure the dose carefully using a medicine spoon or cup. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor may gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

If you are using the rapidly dissolving tablets, dry your hands before peeling back the foil on the blister pack to carefully remove a tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet on the tongue, allow it to dissolve completely, then swallow it with saliva. Do not crush, split, or break the tablet before taking it. Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until just before taking. No water is needed to take this medication.

Do not take this medication more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster, but the risk of serious side effects will be increased.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Take this medication as prescribed even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.