About

Abilify is an antipsychotic drug used for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents 13 to 17 years old. It is also used to treat manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder in adults and children and adolescents 10 to 17 years old. Abilify may also be used with antidepressants to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

How to take

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval. Bipolar Disorder Adults: The initial dose is 15 milligrams (mg) daily, which can be increased to 30 mg daily if needed. Treatment may be as long as 6 weeks. Children and adolescents 10 to 17 years old: The recommended dose of Abilify is 10 mg daily, as monotherapy or adjuvant therapy with lithium or valproate. Start with 2 mg daily, then titrate to 10 mg daily over a period of 4 days. Major Depressive Disorder Adults: The recommended starting dose for Abilify as adjuvant treatment for patients already taking an antidepressant is 2 to 5 mg daily. The dose may be increased up to 15 mg daily if necessary. Schizophrenia Adults: The recommended starting dose for Abilify is 10 to 15 mg daily. Dosage increases, if necessary, should not be made before 2 weeks of initiation of therapy. Adolescents 13 to 17 years old: The recommended starting dose is 10 mg daily, which may be increased to 15 mg daily if needed.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Abilify and you still have agitation, follow your doctor's dosing instructions. Contact your doctor immediately if you are unsure of what to do if you miss a dose. Do not use Abilify more often than prescribed. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Warnings and precautions

Do not use Abilify if: * you are allergic to any ingredient in Abilify. Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you. Some medical conditions may interact with Abilify . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you: * if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding * if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement * if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances * if you have a history of heart problems (eg, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, recent heart attack), low blood pressure, blood vessel problems, or stroke * if you have a history of seizures, dementia, Alzheimer disease, depression or other mental/mood disorders, or suicidal thoughts or attempts * if you have trouble swallowing or a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) * if you are dehydrated, have low blood volume, or are taking medicine for high blood pressure * if you or a family member has a history of diabetes or you are very overweight Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Abilify . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: * Anticholinergics (eg, benztropine, methscopolamine) because the risk of overheating may be increased * Benzodiazepines (eg, lorazepam), imidazole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), quinidine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), or voriconazole because they may increase the risk of Abilify 's side effects * Carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because they may decrease Abilify 's effectiveness * Alpha-blockers (eg, terazosin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Abilify

Side effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: * abnormal dreams; blurred vision; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; increased saliva production; lightheadedness; nausea; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weight gain. Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur: * severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thinking; chest pain; confusion; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; increased sweating; increased thirst, urination, or appetite; involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth, jaw, arms, legs, or back (eg, puffing of cheeks, puckering of mouth, chewing movements); loss of control over urination; loss of coordination; mental or mood changes (eg, anxiety, depression, hostility); muscle tremor, jerking, or stiffness; one-sided weakness; seizures; severe restlessness; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or attempts; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; trouble swallowing; trouble walking; unusual bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes.

Storage

Store Abilify at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Abilify out of the reach of children and away from pets.