Abilify for Depression

Abilify^®(aripiprazole) is a prescription medicine approved for the treatment of certain mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Healthcare providers may also recommend Abilify for depression treatment (when used along with antidepressants).

Major depression is more than just "feeling sad." Common symptoms of depression include:

Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or not enough)
Eating too much or too little (and weight gain or weight loss)
Having little interest in things that you used to enjoy
Physical pain
Feeling hopeless or worthless
Suicidal thoughts.

For most people, antidepressants can work wonders for depression treatment. However, some people do not respond adequately to antidepressants, even if different antidepressants are tried. In such situations, medications may be given to boost the effects of the antidepressant. This is known as augmentation. Healthcare providers may prescribe Abilify for depression, as a part of augmentation treatment.

(Click Abilify Uses for information on how Abilify works for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and to learn about possible off-label uses for this medicine.)