Abilify is a medication prescribed to treat schizophrenia, autism, 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.
Some common side effects of Abilify include vomiting, dizziness, and anxiety. Besides common side effects, this eMedTV page covers serious side effects that require medical attention, as well as some less common side effects (like anemia).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A doctor may prescribe Abilify for schizophrenia, autism, major depression, or bipolar disorder. This eMedTV segment also explores "off-label" Abilify uses (such as the treatment of behavioral problems in elderly people with dementia).
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.
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 can cause a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia in some people. This eMedTV Web page offers other important Abilify warnings and precautions, including other possible side effects and information on who should not take the medication.
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.
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.
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.
You should get your healthcare provider's approval before stopping treatment with Abilify. As this eMedTV article explains, stopping Abilify abruptly can cause problems such as insomnia or symptoms of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
It is generally not recommended that you drink alcohol while on Abilify. This eMedTV page gives an overview of alcohol and Abilify, noting in particular how combining the two can increase the risk of side effects like low blood pressure or drowsiness.
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.
Generic Abilify won't be available until at least April 2015. This eMedTV page explains that while many companies claim to sell generic forms of Abilify, these drugs may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous -- and should not be purchased.
