What is Abilify?Abilify is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. Abilify is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression). Abilify may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. What is the most important information I should know about Abilify?Abilify is not for use in psychotic conditions that are related to dementia. Abilify has caused fatal heart attack and stroke in older adults with dementia-related conditions. Stop using Abilify and call your doctor at once if you have the following symptoms: fever with stiff muscles and rapid heart rate; uncontrolled muscle movements; symptoms that come on suddenly such as numbness or weakness, severe headache, and problems with vision, speech, or balance. Abilify can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Abilify.Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Abilify. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking Abilify.What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Abilify?Abilify is not for use in psychotic conditions that are related to dementia. Abilify has caused fatal heart attack and stroke in older adults with dementia-related conditions.Before taking Abilify, tell your doctor if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Abilify, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment. The liquid form (oral solution) of this medication may contain up to 15 grams of sugar per dose. Before taking Abilify oral solution, tell your doctor if you have diabetes. The orally disintegrating tablet form of this medication may contain over 3 milligrams of phenylalanine per tablet. Before taking Abilify Discmelt, tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria.Abilify may cause you to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Talk to your doctor if you have any signs of hyperglycemia 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 Abilify. FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Abilify can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.How should I take Abilify?Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Do not take Abilify for longer than 6 weeks unless your doctor has told you to. Take each dose with a full glass of water.Abilify can be taken with or without food. Abilify is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor 's instructions. Measure the liquid form of Abilify with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. To take Abilify orally disintegrating tablets (Abilify Discmelt):
It is important to take Abilify regularly to get the most benefit. To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. Store Abilify tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.Abilify oral solution should be stored in the refrigerator and can be used for up to 6 months after opening. What happens if I miss a dose of Abilify?Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. What happens if I overdose with Abilify?Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an Abilify overdose may include drowsiness, vomiting, agitation, aggression, confusion, tremors, fast or slow heart rate, seizure (convulsions), trouble breathing, feeling light-headed, or fainting.What should I avoid while taking Abilify?Abilify can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Abilify.Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Abilify. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking Abilify.
What are the possible side effects of Abilify?Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Abilify and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
Continue taking Abilify and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. What other drugs will affect Abilify?Before taking Abilify, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Abilify, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment. There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Abilify. Tell your doctor
about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This
includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other
doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
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