Abilify (Aripiprazole) is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions) in adults and teenagers 13 years of age and older. It is also used alone or with other medications to treat episodes of mania or mixed episodes (symptoms of mania and depression that happen together) in adults, teenagers, and children 10 years of age and older with bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). Aripiprazole is also used with an antidepressant to treat depression when symptoms cannot be controlled by the antidepressant alone. Aripiprazole is also used to treat children 6 to 17 years of age who have autistic disorder (a developmental problem that causes difficulty communicating and interacting with others). Aripiprazole may help control irritable behavior such as aggression, temper tantrums, and frequent mood changes in these children. Aripiprazole is also used to treat children 6 to 18 years of age who have Tourette's disorder (a condition characterized by the need to perform repetitive motions or to repeat sounds or words). Aripiprazole is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.Aripiprazole (Generic) is available for purchase. 

Aripiprazole comes as a tablet, a solution (liquid), and an orally disintegrating tablet (tablet that dissolves quickly in the mouth) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take aripiprazole at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take aripiprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not try to push the orally disintegrating tablet through the foil. Instead, use dry hands to peel back the foil packaging. Immediately take out the tablet and place the entire tablet on your tongue. Do not try to split the tablet. The tablet will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed without liquid. If necessary, liquid can be used to take the orally disintegrating tablet. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of aripiprazole and gradually increase or decrease your dose depending on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience. Aripiprazole may help control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. It may take 2 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of aripiprazole. Continue to take aripiprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking aripiprazole without talking to your doctor.

Aripiprazole may cause side effects including:

• headache
• nervousness
• dizziness, feeling unsteady or having trouble keeping your balance
• heartburn
• constipation
• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• weight gain
• increased appetite
• increased salivation
• pain, especially in the arms, legs, or joints

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. 

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:

• signs of an allergic reaction- rash; hives; itching; swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightening of the neck muscles; tightness in the throat
• seizures
• slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• chest pain
• changes in vision
• unusual movements of your body or face that you cannot control
• high fever
• muscle stiffness
• falling
• confusion
• sweating

Aripiprazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Q: Why is Abilify prescribed?

A: Abilify is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar l disorder.  

Q: Does Abilify have a generic alternative?

A: Aripiprazole (Generic) is available at a lower price than the brand name.

Q: How long until I see the effects of Abilify?

A: It may take 2 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of aripiprazole. 

Q: Are there any known drugs that interact with Abilify?

A: Taking Abilify with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor of all the current medicines (including over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal products) you are taking, plan to take, or stop taking.  

Q: What if I miss a dose of Abilify?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets, the solution, and the orally disintegrating tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).