How to use Aripiprazole? (Abilify) - Doctor Explains

In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Aripiprazole, also known as Abilify. This video is part of a video series on mental health problems. So for more mental health related videos check out this playlist:
   • Mental Health Problems and Solutions  

Generic name: Aripiprazole.
Brand names: Abilify.
Available as a tablet and injection.

How to use it?
Swallow the tablet completely with half a glass of water. Do not break them and don’t chew on them.
When using injections: These will be administered by your doctor or nurse into your buttock muscle.

Duration of treatment:
The duration of treatment depends on the indication of use and the severity of your symptoms. If your symptoms improve with the use of Aripiprazole you usually have to keep using it for 12-24 more months. And sometimes multiple years.

When to use it?
Aripiprazole is part of a group of drugs called antipsychotics. It can be used to treat several mental health conditions:
Schizophrenia.
Manic or depressive episodes in bipolar disorder.

What is the correct dosage?
Unfortunately I can’t provide you with guidelines for the correct dosages, as these differ a lot depending on the specific indication, the side effects you experience and the severity of your complaints.
Usually your doctor starts with a low dose and quickly builds it up over a few days. Afterwards your maintenance dose will be adapted throughout your treatment based on the blood levels of Aripiprazole you will be having.
Therefore always use the prescribed dose and frequency your doctor gave you.

What are the side-effects?
Common (1-10%): insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, headache, dizziness, somnolence, tremors, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, dry mouth, weight change and erectile dysfunction.
Uncommon (0.1-1%): hyper-sexuality, depression, fast heart rate and low blood pressure.

Safety:
You should be careful to combine Aripiprazole with alcohol. As this might increase the dazing effect of Aripiprazole.
In addition it is usually safe to drive while using this drug, however it can cause you to become drowsy, sleepy and/or dizzy. If you experiencing any of these side effects then please do not drive.
Lastly, Aripiprazole can have interactions with several drugs. Therefore always discuss this with your treating physician.

Pregnancy and Lactation:
Aripiprazole can be dangerous when pregnant and/or when breastfeeding, however there are some exceptions. Therefore always discuss this with your doctor.

Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

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Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2020). Aripiprazol
2: Apotheek.nl (2020). Aripiprazol.

The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and video material in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.

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2. Patrick Patrikos, Good Times
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