Abilify Side Effects

Anxiety, headaches, and insomnia are some of the most common side effects reported with Abilify. Side effects that are not as common (occurring in less than 2 percent of people) can include hemorrhoids, gas, and acne. Certain Abilify side effects are more serious and should be reported to your healthcare provider. These serious side effects can include feelings of internal restlessness or jitteriness, high blood pressure, or any abnormal muscle movements.

 

An Introduction to Abilify Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Abilify® (aripiprazole). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Abilify well. When 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.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Abilify. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Abilify side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects With Abilify

Abilify has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common Abilify side effects included:
 
Some other common Abilify side effects (occurring in 2 percent to 10 percent of people) included:
 
  • Indigestion or heartburn
  • Drowsiness
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Weight gain (see Abilify and Weight Gain)
  • Restlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth (see Abilify and Dry Mouth)
  • Joint pain
  • Throat pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
  • Pain
  • Cough
  • Nasal congestion
  • Increased salivation
  • Swelling or water retention in the arms, legs, or feet.
     
(Abilify Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;