Generic name: aripiprazole (injection) [ AR-i-PIP-ra-zole ]
Brand names: Abilify Asimtufii, Abilify Maintena, Abilify Maintena Prefilled Syringe, Aristada, Aristada Initio
Dosage forms: intramuscular powder for injection, extended release (300 mg; 400 mg), intramuscular suspension, extended release (1064 mg/3.9 mL; 441 mg/1.6 mL; 662 mg/2.4 mL; 675 mg/2.4 mL; 720 mg/2.4 mL; 882 mg/3.2 mL; 960 mg/3.2 mL)
Drug class: Atypical antipsychotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 10, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is aripiprazole?

Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii are used in adults to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Aristada is used in adults to treat schizophrenia.

Aristada Initio is used together with oral aripiprazole to start or restart Aristada.

Aripiprazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Aripiprazole side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

High doses or long-term use of aripiprazole can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use aripiprazole, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a woman or an older adult.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while using aripiprazole. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

Aripiprazole may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);

• feeling unusually hot or cold;

• trouble swallowing;

• a seizure;

• feeling like you might pass out (even while lying down);

• severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out;

• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath;

• signs of infection--fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding; or

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

Common side effects of aripiprazole may include:

• feeling restless;

• pain where the medicine was injected;

• weight gain; or

• drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Aripiprazole is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with aripiprazole if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have never taken aripiprazole.

Aripiprazole may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a problem in receiving an injection in the arm or buttocks;

• heart disease, a heart attack or stroke;

• high or low blood pressure;

• high blood sugar, diabetes (in you or family member);

• a seizure;

• high cholesterol or triglycerides;

• dehydration; or

• low white blood cell (WBC) counts.

Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause serious problems in the newborn. Tell your doctor right away if you get pregnant. Do not stop the medicine without your doctor's advice.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of aripiprazole on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using aripiprazole.

How is aripiprazole given?

If you already use other antipsychotic medication, you may need to keep using it for a short time. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.

If you have never used aripiprazole, you may need to take aripiprazole by mouth (in tablet or liquid form) before you receive your first injection.

You may need to continue taking aripiprazole by mouth for up to 3 weeks after your first injection. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Aripiprazole is injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection once every 4 to 8 weeks. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose and dosing schedule.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked on a regular basis, and you may need other medical tests.

Related/similar drugs

Vraylar, Cobenfy, trazodone, sertraline, fluoxetine, quetiapine, lamotrigine, venlafaxine, Lexapro, citalopram

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your aripiprazole injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing, vomiting, aggression, tiredness, confusion, tremors, fast, slow, or uneven heart rate, a light-headed feeling, high blood pressure, seizures, or fainting.

What should I avoid while receiving aripiprazole?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how aripiprazole will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Drink plenty of liquids while you are receiving aripiprazole.

Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What other drugs will affect aripiprazole?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect aripiprazole, especially:

• blood pressure medications;

• a benzodiazepine sedative like Valium, Klonopin, or Xanax;

• bronchodilator asthma medication;

• cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);

• medicine to treat overactive bladder;

• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease; or

• medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect aripiprazole. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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