Aripiprazole
Information about Aripiprazole
Aripiprazole uses
Aripiprazole is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and mania.
How aripiprazole works
Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic. It works by changing the action of certain chemical messengers in the brain that affect thoughts.
Common side effects of aripiprazole
Headache, Fatigue, Nausea, Vomiting, Blurred vision, Sleepiness, Akathisia (inability to stay still), Dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions), Restlessness, Dizziness, Constipation, Tremors, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), Extrapyramidal symptoms, Weight gain, Agitation, Salivary hypersecretion, Tachycardia, Increased prolactin level in blood, Increased glucose level in blood, Depression, Hypersexuality, Tardive dyskinesia, Restless legs syndrome, Double vision, Hypersensitivity, Hepatitis (viral infection of liver)
Available Medicine for Aripiprazole
Expert advice for Aripiprazole
- You have been prescribed Aripiprazole for relieving psychotic symptoms and manic episodes.
- It may take 4 to 6 weeks to see full effects on thoughts and mood. Keep taking it as prescribed.
- Your doctor may advise you to take it in the morning if you experience any difficulty in sleeping.
- It may increase your blood sugar and cholesterol. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and monitor your blood sugar and cholesterol levels regularly.
- Aripiprazole may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Don't drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Avoid consuming alcohol when taking the Aripiprazole as it may cause excessive drowsiness.
- Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes, unusual movements or develop suicidal thoughts.
Frequently asked questions for Aripiprazole
Aripiprazole
Q. Is Aripiprazole a mood stabilizer?
Aripiprazole is effective in treating manic episodes and other mood symptoms of bipolar disorder but not for the depressive episodes. Therefore, it can be combined with mood stabilizers like valproate to treat bipolar disorders.
Q. How long does Aripiprazole take to work?
The benefit of Aripiprazole may appear after a few days or few weeks of starting Aripiprazole. It may take 4-6 weeks to see the full benefits of this medicine.
Q. Does Aripiprazole affect you sexually?
Yes, Aripiprazole may cause prolonged and painful erection (priapism) in some patients. It may also cause impulse control disorder wherein the patient may develop urges or cravings that are irresistible and unusual for that person. In this case, the patient may develop an abnormally high sex drive or may experience an increase in sexual thoughts or feelings. Consult your doctor who may modify your dose or may advise to stop Aripiprazole.