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Prescription Drug Database

You can search for a drug in two ways. Enter the drug name in the box below, or select a letter to find all of the drug names beginning with that letter.

Uncertain about brand names and common names?

The brand name is the name under which a specific manufacturer markets a product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the standard name of the medicine (e.g., acetaminophen). Check the label on your medicine for this information.

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Brand Name: Abilify

Common Name: aripiprazole

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Aripiprazole belongs to the group of medications known as antipsychotics. It is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in adults. Aripiprazole does not cure these medical conditions, but helps to manage symptoms by affecting the actions of certain chemical messengers in the brain.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

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What form(s) does this medication come in?

2 mg
Each green, modified rectangle tablet imprinted with "A-006" and "2" contains aripiprazole 2 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coloring agents: FD&C Blue No. 2, Aluminum Lake, and iron oxide yellow.

5 mg
Each blue, modified rectangle tablet imprinted with "A-007" and "5" contains aripiprazole 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coloring agents: FD&C Blue No. 2, Aluminum Lake.

10 mg
Each pink, modified rectangle tablet imprinted with "A-008" and "10" contains aripiprazole 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coloring agents: iron oxide red.

15 mg
Each yellow, round tablet imprinted with "A-009" and "15" contains aripiprazole 15 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coloring agents: iron oxide yellow.

20 mg
Each white, round tablet imprinted with "A-010" and "20" contains aripiprazole 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.

30 mg
Each pink, round tablet imprinted with "A-011" and "30" contains aripiprazole 30 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coloring agents: iron oxide red.

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How should I use this medication?

For schizophrenia, the recommended dose is 10 mg or 15 mg daily with or without food. Some people may require higher doses. If your doctor decides that a higher dose is needed, increases should only be made after 2 weeks. The maximum daily dose is 30 mg daily.

For bipolar disorder, the recommended initial dose for adults is 15 mg daily with or without food. Based on response, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 30 mg daily.

Swallow the tablets whole with water.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

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Who should NOT take this medication?

Aripiprazole should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to aripiprazole or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

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What side effects are possible with this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

agitation anxiety blurred vision constipation dizziness drowsiness dry mouth extrapyramidal symptoms (abnormal body movements, restlessness, shaking, or stiffness) headache heartburn or indigestion increased saliva

lightheadedness muscle stiffness, aches, or spasms nausea pain restlessness shakiness skin rash (on its own) stomach discomfort tremors trouble sleeping unusual tiredness or weakness vomiting weight gain

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abnormal heart rhythms
• muscle twitching or abnormal movements of the face or tongue
• symptoms of an infection (e.g., sore throat, fever, chills, cough)
• symptoms of high blood sugar (excessive thirst or hunger, excessive urination, weight loss, tiredness)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• long-lasting (greater than 4 hours) and painful erection of the penis
• seizures
• sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arms, or legs, and speech or vision problems
• symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (hives; difficulty breathing; difficulty swallowing; swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or tongue)
• very stiff muscles with high fever, rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, confusion, or reduced consciousness

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

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Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Before you begin takng a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.

Body temperature: Aripiprazole may interfere with your body's ability to regulate body temperature. Take care to avoid overheating during strenuous exercise or in hot temperatures, and avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking enough fluids.

Diabetes: Aripiprazole may increase blood sugar for people with diabetes or who are at risk for diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar frequently as recommended by your doctor. If you experience symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., increased urination, increased thirst, increased eating, and weakness) while taking this medication, contact your doctor.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Aripiprazole may cause drowsiness or lightheadedness, which could interfere with your ability to do activities requiring alertness, such as driving a car. Avoid these activities if the medication affects you in this way. Avoid alcohol while taking aripiprazole as it may make you drowsier.

Lactose: This medication contains lactose and should not be taken by people with rare problems of galactose intolerance or problems absorbing glucose or galactose.

Low blood pressure: Some people taking aripiprazole may experience sudden blood pressure drops when getting up from a sitting or lying position. These blood pressure drops could lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and falls. If you experience this problem, try getting up more slowly. If it persists or if you faint, contact your doctor. People who have or have had heart disease, stroke, "mini-stroke," or are at risk of experiencing low blood pressure (e.g., dehydration, taking medications for high blood pressure) should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): This medication may cause a potentially fatal reaction called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you develop symptoms of NMS, such as muscle stiffness, fever, confusion, sweating, or irregular heartbeat, stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention.

Seizures: Seizures have occurred in people taking aripiprazole. People with a history of seizures should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience a seizure while taking this medication, get immediate medical attention.

Swallowing problems: People taking aripiprazole may have difficulty swallowing. Seniors and people on other antipsychotic medications should be closely monitored by their doctor for swallowing problems while they are using this medication. If you experience difficulty swallowing while taking this medication, contact your doctor.

Tardive dyskinesia: People taking this medication may develop tardive dyskinesia, a syndrome of uncontrolled body movements. This syndrome may be irreversible. If you develop uncontrolled or unusual body movements, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if aripiprazole passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children under 18 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors taking this medication for dementia-related psychosis have a higher risk of strokes and death compared to seniors who are not taking the medication. Aripiprazole is not approved or recommended for seniors for this purpose.

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What other drugs could interact with this medication?

There may be an interaction between aripiprazole and any of the following:

• atazanavir
• bromocriptine
• carbamazepine
• clarithromycin
• delavirdine
• fluoxetine
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• levodopa
• lopinavir
• medications used to treat high blood pressure
• nefazodone
• other medications that cause drowsiness, such as:
  • alcohol
  • antianxiety medications (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam)
  • general anesthetics (medications used to put people to sleep before surgery)
  • narcotics (e.g., morphine, codeine)
  • sedatives (e.g., phenobarbital)
  • tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., imipramine)
• paroxetine
• pramipexole
• quinidine
• ritonavir
• ropinirole
• saquinavir
• telithromycin
• terbinafine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

The Prescription Drug Database contains information developed by Canadian pharmacists.

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