Bipolar Disorder Articles A-Z

Abilify

Abilify is a medication often prescribed to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. This eMedTV Web page offers a more in-depth look at this medication, including its effects, possible side effects, and dosing information.

Abilify 10 mg Tablets

Adults being treated for schizophrenia typically start with Abilify 10 mg tablets or 15 mg tablets. This eMedTV Web page also includes Abilify dosing recommendations for the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Abilify 15 mg Tablets

Adults with bipolar disorder usually start with Abilify 15 mg tablets (one tablet, once daily). This eMedTV page explains what other forms and strengths are available for Abilify and offers dosing guidelines for schizophrenia and depression treatment.

Abilify 2 mg Tablets

Adolescents being treated for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia usually start with Abilify 2 mg tablets. This eMedTV segment explains what other strengths are available for this drug and also offers Abilify dosing recommendations for adults.

Abilify 20 mg Tablets

The usual starting Abilify dose for treating depression is 2 mg to 5 mg daily. As this eMedTV page explains, for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, you need higher doses of Abilify; 20 mg tablets and 30 mg tablets are the highest available strengths.

Abilify 30 mg Tablets

Although your doctor may start you on a low dosage, some people may end up taking Abilify 30 mg tablets. This eMedTV resource includes more detailed Abilify dosing guidelines for the treatment of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression.

Abilify 5 mg Tablets

People being treated for depression usually start with either Abilify 2 mg tablets or Abilify 5 mg tablets. This eMedTV article also provides Abilify dosing guidelines for the treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia (for adults and children).

Abilify Alternatives

Abilify alternatives can include therapy and other drugs. This eMedTV page lists drugs that can be used as alternatives to Abilify (such as mood stabilizers), and also discusses how psychotherapy can help people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Abilify and Breastfeeding

It is not known whether Abilify passes through breast milk in humans. This eMedTV article explains that you should be sure to talk with your doctor if you are breastfeeding and have been prescribed Abilify.

Abilify and Diabetes

Diabetes is among the serious side effects that can potentially occur with the use of Abilify. This eMedTV page discusses Abilify and diabetes in more detail, explaining why the drug may cause diabetes in some people.

Abilify and Dry Mouth

It is possible to develop a dry mouth during treatment with Abilify. This article from the eMedTV archives offers more information on Abilify and dry mouth, including a list of recommendations on what to do if dry mouth occurs.

Abilify and Hair Loss

Hair loss is a rare but possible side effect of Abilify. This section of the eMedTV library offers more information on Abilify and hair loss, and explains what your doctor may recommend if hair loss becomes a bothersome side effect for you.

Abilify and Insomnia

Insomnia is one of the most common side effects of Abilify. This eMedTV page discusses Abilify and insomnia in more detail, noting in particular how common this problem is in people taking Abilify, and offering suggestions for improving sleep habits.

Abilify and Pregnancy

A doctor may prescribe Abilify to a pregnant woman if its benefits outweigh any possible risks to the fetus. This eMedTV article further explores Abilify and pregnancy, explaining what to do if you become pregnant while taking the drug.

Abilify and Sex Drive

Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic medication known to cause changes in sex drive. This page on the eMedTV site contains more information about Abilify and sex drive problems, and explains what other sexual side effects may occur with this drug.

Abilify and Weight Change

Weight gain is one of the most common side effects of Abilify. As this eMedTV article explains, a small amount of weight gain is typical with this drug. If you are using Abilify and weight change occurs rapidly, however, you should notify your doctor.

Abilify and Weight Gain

As this eMedTV article explains, Abilify may cause weight gain in some people -- increasing their risk of diabetes or other health problems. If you're taking Abilify and weight gain becomes a problem, let your doctor know.

Abilify Dangers

Elderly people with dementia who take Abilify are more likely to die of various causes. This eMedTV resource discusses other possible Abilify dangers and lists some of the potentially serious side effects that may occur with this drug.

Abilify Discmelt

As this eMedTV page explains, Abilify Discmelt tablets are designed to dissolve in the mouth and should not be swallowed. This article talks about what other forms Abilify comes in, explains what the drug is used for, and offers tips on using it.

Abilify Dosage

The recommended starting Abilify dosage for people with bipolar disorder is 15 mg a day. This eMedTV segment also offers dosing guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia and depression, and explains why the drug must be taken exactly as prescribed.

Abilify Drug Information

Abilify is a prescription medicine used for controlling symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This eMedTV article contains more Abilify drug information, including general dosing guidelines and important warnings and precautions.

Abilify Drug Interactions

Among the drugs that can potentially interact with Abilify are alcohol, quinidine, and imatinib. This eMedTV resource lists other drugs that can lead to Abilify drug interactions and explains what may occur as a result of these interactions.

Abilify Drug Side Effects

Common Abilify drug side effects include insomnia, anxiety, and nausea. As this eMedTV page explains, while most Abilify side effects are mild, some are potentially serious and require medical attention (such as suicidal thoughts or rapid weight gain).

Abilify for Bipolar Disorder

Doctors often prescribe Abilify for bipolar disorder to treat acute episodes of mania or mixed episodes. This eMedTV segment explains what other conditions can be treated with Abilify and describes how the drug works for bipolar disorder.

Abilify for Children

Doctors can prescribe Abilify for children as young as age 10 for the treatment of bipolar disorder. As this eMedTV resource explains, this antipsychotic medication can also be used to treat schizophrenia in children 13 to 17 years old.

Abilify for Depression

Doctors may recommend Abilify for depression treatment (when used along with antidepressants). This eMedTV segment explains how Abilify works to boost the effects of antidepressants and discusses other approved uses for this medication.

Abilify for Schizophrenia

Doctors often prescribe Abilify for schizophrenia to help improve symptoms and to prevent relapses. This eMedTV resource explores other approved Abilify uses and describes the effects that this drug may have on people with schizophrenia.

Abilify Indications

Abilify is approved for treating depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. As this page on the eMedTV site explains, however, there are also a few off-label Abilify indications (such as for the treatment of behavior problems).

Abilify Medication

Abilify Medicine

Abilify, a medicine available by prescription, is used to treat schizophrenia and other conditions. This eMedTV resource explores other Abilify uses and explains how the medication works for these various mental illnesses.

Abilify Oral

Abilify is a medication used for treating mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. As this eMedTV segment explains, there are several different forms of Abilify: oral disintegrating tablets, regular tablets, and a liquid.

Abilify Overdose

If you take too much Abilify, overdose symptoms may include vomiting, shakiness, and confusion. This eMedTV Web page lists other signs of an Abilify overdose and explains what treatment options are available for people who take too much Abilify.

Abilify Risks

Abilify may cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition involving unusual, uncontrollable body or face movements. This eMedTV article explores other Abilify risks and lists other potential side effects or complications that may occur with this medicine.

Abilify Safety

There is an increased risk of stroke in elderly people who take Abilify for dementia. This part of the eMedTV Web site contains more Abilify safety information and provides a list of potential side effects that may occur with this medicine.

Abilify Sexual Side Effects

Sexual side effects that have been reported with Abilify include impotence, priapism, and changes in libido. This eMedTV segment describes Abilify sexual side effects in more detail and explains how common these problems are.