Abilify is manufactured by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
(Click Abilify Uses for more information on what Abilify is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Abilify belongs to a group of medications called atypical (or second-generation)
antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely clear how Abilify works for the treatment of schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder, or major depression. However, it is known that the drug blocks or lessens the effects of several chemicals in the brain. These brain chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin) may be elevated in people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (also known as
manic depression).
In previous clinical studies of Abilify for the treatment of
schizophrenia, people taking the medication experienced improvements in their schizophrenia symptoms (including hallucinations and suspiciousness) compared to those not taking Abilify. Longer studies also showed that Abilify can help keep symptoms from returning.
Abilify has also been studied for treating major depression (when used along with
antidepressants). These studies evaluated people who had not responded adequately to depression medications alone. Adding Abilify significantly reduced depression symptoms, compared to adding a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredient).
When and How to Take Abilify
Some general considerations for when and how to take Abilify include:
- Abilify comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once a day.
- It does not matter if you take Abilify with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- A liquid form of Abilify is available for those who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
- Abilify is also available in tablets that are meant to dissolve rapidly in the mouth. These tablets are called Abilify Discmelt® tablets. They do not need to be taken with water. Carefully remove Abilify Discmelt tablets by peeling pack the foil (not pushing the tablet), as they are delicate and are easily broken. Do not cut or split Abilify Discmelt tablets.
- Abilify should be taken at the same time each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
- For Abilify to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Abilify that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Your age
- The severity of your condition
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Abilify. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When Abilify side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Abilify include but are not limited to:
(Click Abilify Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of Abilify, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about other possible Abilify side effects by clicking on the following links:
Drug Interactions With Abilify
Abilify can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
Abilify: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Abilify if you have:
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People who take too much Abilify may have overdose symptoms that could include:
If you happen to overdose on Abilify, seek medical attention immediately.
Abilify should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container, away from moisture and heat. Keep Abilify Discmelt tablets in their foil blisters until just before use.
Keep Abilify and all other medications out of the reach of children.
Abilify: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Abilify as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double your dose of Abilify.
Abilify tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Abilify 2 mg
- Abilify 5 mg
- Abilify 10 mg
- Abilify 15 mg
- Abilify 20 mg
- Abilify 30 mg.
Abilify Discmelt orally disintegrating tablets are available the following strengths:
- Abilify Discmelt 10 mg
- Abilify Discmelt 15 mg.
A liquid form of the medicine (Abilify oral solution) is available and contains 1 mg of Abilify per mL.
An injectable form of Abilify is also available and is approved to treat agitation associated with
schizophrenia or
bipolar mania.
Mood stabilizer
bipolar medications (which are alternatives to Abilify for treating bipolar disorder) can include:
There are also several different alternatives to Abilify that can be used along with
antidepressants for the treatment of major depression.
Not all of the medications listed above are approved to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, they are commonly used "
off-label" to treat these conditions.
(Click Abilify Alternatives for more information, including non-medication alternatives to Abilify.)
There is currently no generic Abilify licensed for sale.
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