Abilify (Aripiprazole) – A typical Antipsychotic Prescription Medication

Abilify (aripiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic that modulates dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain, effectively treating schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, irritability in autism, Tourette’s syndrome, and adjunctively for major depressive disorder.

Product Overview
Brand Name: Abilify
Form: Oral tablets, disintegrating tablets, and oral solution

Pack Size: Depends on prescription
Otsuka Pharmaceutical / Bristol‑Myers Squibb

Drug Class: Atypical (second‑generation) antipsychotic

Schedule: Prescription Only Medicine (Schedule 4, Australia)

Note: Prescription and monitoring by a healthcare professional are required.

Aripiprazole – dopamine D₂ partial agonist; serotonin 5‑HT₁A agonist and 5‑HT₂A antagonist

Abilify

Aripiprazole Tablets (generic)

Abilify Maintena / Asimtufii (long-acting injectables)
Aripiprazole uniquely balances dopamine and serotonin:

Acts as a partial agonist at D₂/D₃ and 5‑HT₁A receptors

Acts as an antagonist at 5‑HT₂A receptors

This dual action reduces psychotic and manic symptoms while minimizing movement-related and metabolic side effects
Medical News Today
Abilify is approved to treat:

Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents (≥13 years)
NCBI
Bipolar I disorder (acute mania/mixed episodes, ≥10 years)
Medical News Today

Adjunct therapy for Major Depressive Disorder in adults

Irritability in autism spectrum disorder (6–17 years)
Verywell Mind
Tourette’s disorder in children/adolescents (6–18 years)
FDA Access Data
Schizophrenia: Start at 10–15 mg daily; typical maintenance 15 mg; max 30 mg.

Bipolar Mania: Usually 15 mg daily; titrate to 30 mg as needed.

Adjunct MDD: 2–5 mg to start; adjust up to 15 mg

Schizophrenia (13–17): Start 2 mg, titrate slowly to 10–30 mg daily

Bipolar I (10–17): Similar dosing to adults
MedlinePlus
Autistic Irritability (6–17): Dosing based on weight; professionals monitor.
Mayo Clinic
Administration: Once daily, with or without food. Disintegrating form dissolves on tongue.

Common Side Effects (up to 10% incidence):
Insomnia, agitation, headache
Anxiety, restlessness
Nausea, constipation, dizziness, weight gain
MedlinePlus

Uncommon to Rare (0.1–1% or less):
Extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia
FDA Access Data
Metabolic effects: hyperglycemia, diabetes, dyslipidemia
Hematologic issues: neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
Cardiovascular: orthostatic hypotension, QT prolongation, palpitations
Impulse-control disorders: gambling, binge eating, hypersexuality

Rare but severe: neuroleptic malignant syndrome, seizures, suicidal ideation
Medical News Today

Monitoring: weight, glucose, lipids, WBC counts. Watch for impulse-control urges.
Black Box: Increased mortality in elderly with dementia-related psychosis

Avoid abrupt discontinuation; taper gradually due to long half-life (75–94 h)
Verywell Health
Caution: heat intolerance and decreased sweating
WebMD
Monitor diabetics for blood sugar changes
TIME

Avoid in severe CNS depression or comatose states
CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inducers/inhibitors significantly alter blood levels

Other CNS depressants: additive sedation/hypotension

Antihypertensives: additive hypotension

Caution when combined with other metabolic risk medications

Class: Atypical Antipsychotic (Third‑Generation
Schedule: S4 – Prescription Only (Australia)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How soon does Abilify work?
Initial benefits may appear in 1–2 weeks; full effect often takes 2–3 months
Verywell Health
Q2: Can Abilify cause movement disorders?
Yes. Although lower risk than typical antipsychotics, serious movement disorders (EPS, TD) are possible .

Q3: What monitoring is required during treatment?
Regular weight, blood sugar, lipids, WBC counts, and vigilance for impulse-control urges are critical .

Q4: Is Abilify suitable for elderly dementia patients?
No. It is contraindicated due to increased mortality risk .

Q5: Can Abilify be tapered off abruptly?
No. Dosage must be gradually reduced to prevent relapse due to long half-life

Why Trust Abilify from EZ Chemist?
Genuine aripiprazole, TGA-approved formulations

Full medical oversight and secure delivery

Comprehensive patient support and monitoring
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