Aripiprazole (generic for Abilify®)

Aripiprazole is the generic equivalent of Abilify®.

By law, a generic drug must be the same as its brand name counterpart in terms of active ingredient, dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, and quality. A generic may, however, differ in its inactive ingredients (i.e. flavoring, fillers, and preservatives).

Aripiprazole (Abilify®) does come with serious warnings. These include:

• Increased risk of death and cerebrovascular events (i.e. stroke, transient ischemic attack) in older adults with dementia-related psychosis*

• Worsening depression; increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in young adults*

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

• Tardive dyskinesia—a movement disorder featuring uncontrollable, strange, repetitive movements of the face and/or other body parts

• Metabolic changes, including high blood sugar, increased cholesterol and triglycerides, and weight gain

• Increased fall risk (orthostatic hypotension)

• Infection risk due to decreased white blood cell count (WBC)

• Seizures

• Cognitive and motor impairment

• Disruption of the body’s ability to regulate body temperature

If any of the above concern you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your perceived risk and other treatment options that exist.

*This warning is a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious type of medication warning assigned by the FDA.

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic. How aripiprazole works remains unknown, but it’s thought to work on certain neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin) in the brain to improve behaviors and mood.

The most common side effects of aripiprazole include:

• Restlessness (akathisia)

• Tremor or shaking

• Drowsiness, fatigue

• Insomnia

• Sedation

• Constipation

• Blurred vision

• Increased appetite

• Nausea/vomiting

Side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medicine.

This list doesn’t represent all possible side effects (or serious side effects) of aripiprazole. If you’re experiencing any ongoing, bothersome side effect(s), tell your healthcare provider right away.

If you’d like to learn more, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also has a helpful medication guide for aripiprazole here.

Aripiprazole is FDA approved for:

• Schizophrenia

• Acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder

• Adjunct treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) or depression

• Irritability associated with autistic disorder

• Treatment of Tourette’s Syndrome

Aripiprazole may be used off-label for:

• Borderline personality disorder

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Aripiprazole can interact with some medicines and supplements. It’s always recommended to give both your doctor and pharmacy an updated list of everything you’re taking, so drug interactions can be identified.

Some medicines and supplements aripiprazole can interact with include:

• Drugs that act on the central nervous system (CNS): carbamazepine, lithium, valproate, phenytoin

• Antidepressants: sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone, paroxetine, amitriptyline, mirtazapine

• Certain anti-infective drugs: erythromycin, fluconazole, indinavir, ketoconazole, posaconazole, ritonavir, rifampin

• Certain antihypertensive (blood pressure) drugs

• Pregabalin

• Clozapine

• Ondansetron

• St. John’s Wort

• Thioridazine

• Pimozide

• Alcohol

• Opioids: tramadol, morphine

• Benzodiazepines: lorazepam, diazepam

This list doesn’t represent all the drugs that may not be safe to take with aripiprazole. If you’re unsure whether a certain drug or supplement can be taken with aripiprazole, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. The FDA also has a helpful medication guide for aripiprazole here.

If you accidentally miss your dose of aripiprazole, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Don't take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Aripiprazole may be taken with or without food.

During pregnancy: Limited data exists on the effects of aripiprazole-use during pregnancy.

While breastfeeding: Limited data exists on the effects of aripirazole on breast milk and lactation. Generally, breastfeeding is not recommended with aripiprazole due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in a nursing infant.

It’s important to treat mental health-related conditions when pregnant or nursing, as untreated depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses can harm both you and baby. Always let your provider know if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, so you can discuss the risks and benefits of starting or continuing aripiprazole.

It’s recommended to avoid or limit the use of alcohol when taking aripiprazole. Alcohol can intensify the side effects of aripiprazole, including dizziness and sleepiness.