Abilify (Aripiprazole) belongs to the group of medications known as antipsychotics. It is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is also used in combination with other medications to treat major depressive disorder in adults. The medication works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. Abilify is used to treat irritability and symptoms of aggression, mood swings, temper tantrums and self-injury related to autistic disorder in children who are at least 6 years old.

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Stop using Abilify and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• Chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
• Fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats;
• Increased thirst or urination, loss of appetite, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry kin, nausea, and vomiting;
• Jerky muscle movements you cannot control;
• Sudden numbness or weakness, headache, confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• Seizure (convulsions);
• Thoughts of hurting yourself;
• Urinating less than usual or not at all

Less serious side effects may include:

• Constipation, mild stomach upset;
• Choking or trouble swallowing;
• Dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness;
• Headache, anxiety;
• Sleep problems (insomnia);
• Weight gain

You should not take Abilify if you are allergic to Aripiprazole. Abilify is not for use in psychotic conditions that are related to dementia. This medication may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions. Abilify may cause you to have high blood sugar (hypeglycernia). Talk to your doctor if you have any signs of high blood sugar such as increased thirst or urination, excessive hunger, or weakness. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking this medication. Taking an antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn. Aripiprazole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Abilify without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. There may be an interaction between Aripiprazole and other medications such as amantadine, amiodarone, bupropion, celecoxib, donepezil, estrogens, fluoxetine, levodopa, lithium, oxybutynin, paroxetine, quinine, ranitidine, ropinirole, tramadol, etc.

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