Using Abilify for Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Using Abilify for Treatment of Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Print Using Abilify for Treatment of Bipolar Disorder By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Updated on May 04, 2019 Bipolar Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Your Rights Eric Audras / ONOKY / Getty Images Abilify, known by the generic name aripiprazole, is an  atypical antipsychotic medication that is approved to treat a number of disorders, including bipolar disorder. Its specifically used to treat manic episodes in bipolar disorder, either alone or in combination with other anti-manic medications. Lets gain some insight into Abilify, like what health conditions its used to treat, side effects, and two black box warnings. This way you feel informed if prescribed this medication. What Is Abilify Used to Treat? Abilify is FDA approved to treat the following health conditions: Schizophrenia in people age 13 or olderBipolar I disorder in people age 10 years or olderMajor depressive disorder in adultsâ€"used in combination with another antidepressant when a person does not respond to that single antidepressantAgitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar maniaAgitation associated with autism disorder in children ages 6 to 17Tourette Disorder in children and adolescents, age 6 and older Common Side Effects In adults, common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, akathisia, anxiety, fatigue, blurred vision, and insomnia. Side effects in children are similar, with the addition of nose congestion, drooling, and an increased appetite. Potential Serious Side Effects Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome â€" a potentially fatal complication of taking antipsychotic medications characterized by a number of symptoms like high fever, rigid muscles, and rapid swings in blood pressureIncrease in blood sugarChange in cholesterol levelsWeight GainTardive Dyskinesia  â€" a disorder that causes uncontrolled facial movementsOrthostatic hypotension â€" feeling lightheaded when moving from a ?lying or sitting position to a standing position too quickly, due to a drop in blood pressureA decrease in infection-fighting cells in the bodySeizuresCognitive impairment  Difficulty Swallowing Helpful Tips When Taking Abilify Never stop taking Abilify or change its dosage without first consulting with your healthcare providerBe sure to notify your doctor of all your medications, as your dose of Abilify may need to be changed based on this information.  Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Abilify.Avoid overheating and dehydration while on AbilifyAbilify is a Pregnancy Category C drug, which means that animal studies suggest Abilify may cause birth defects. Speak to your doctor right away if you are planning on getting pregnant or are pregnant.Abilify may also pass into breast milk, so be sure to discuss your therapy plan if breastfeeding or planning on breastfeeding. Two Black Box Warnings on Abilify Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients With Dementia-Related Psychosis  â€" Abilify is not approved by the FDA to treat people with dementia-related psychosis. Treating elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis with an antipsychotic medication puts them at risk of death.Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs  â€" Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in the short-term.