Aripiprazole

Uses	Schizophrenia, Mania, Depression, Autistic disorder, Tourette's syndrome
Therapy	Anti-Psychotics
Side Effects	Nervousness, Restlessness, Heartburn, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Increased saliva production

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Molecule Description

Aripiprazole uses include treatment of symptoms of Schizophrenia. It is also used to treat irritability due to autism. Aripiprazole is also part of the treatment for Tourette's syndrome. Tourette's syndrome causes unchecked repetitive movements or undesirable noises. Aripiprazole may be used along with other medicines to treat these disorders.

Uses

Treatment of schizophrenia
Treatment of symptoms of mania and depression
Treatment of irritability due to autism
Treatment of Tourette's disorder in children

Contraindications

When should one not use Aripiprazole

If you are allergic to Aripiprazole.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Nervousness
Restlessness
Heartburn
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Increased saliva production

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Aripiprazole should not be used during pregnancy. If pregnant women consume Aripiprazole in their last trimester, then it may make their newborns vulnerable to problems like abnormal muscle movement and withdrawal symptoms.

Breast Feeding

Aripiprazole passes in the breast milk. Lactating mothers taking Aripiprazole should monitor their infants for symptoms like lethargy, insomnia, appetite changes or irritability.

Driving

Aripiprazole may cause drowsiness. It is better to avoid activities like driving that require mental concentration after taking this medicine.

Alcohol

No. Alcohol can increase the drowsiness experienced after taking Aripiprazole. Consuming alcohol with Aripiprazole may also increase your risk of liver damage.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You are scheduled for any surgery.
You are consuming any ayurvedic or homoeopathic medicines.
You are planning any vigorous physical activity. Aripiprazole may make it difficult for your body to cool down.
You get thoughts of self-harm or suicide while taking Aripiprazole.
You have ever had a problem due to low white blood cell count.
You have suffered from dehydration in the past.
You're consuming vitamins, supplements and other medicines.
Don't miss your appointments with your doctor, as regular monitoring is necessary while taking this medicine.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Aripiprazole rebalances dopamine and serotonin (substances are responsible for your mood and feeling of well-being). This improves your mood, behaviour and thinking. This also provides relief from symptoms of schizophrenia-like hallucinations, delusions and lack of motivation.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Antidepressants: Aripiprazole may react with antidepressants like Fluoxetine, Paroxetine and Nefazodone to raise the blood levels and side effects. You become more likely to develop side effects like drowsiness, low blood pressure and seizures.
Antifungals: Combining Aripiprazole with antifungals like Fluconazole, Ketoconazole and Itraconazole can reduce the metabolism of Aripiprazole.
Antiarrhythmic agents: Consuming Quinidine with Aripiprazole will increase aripiprazole in your blood.
HIV medicines like protease inhibitors:
Indinavir - Indinavir can reduce the metabolism of Aripiprazole when taken together.
Ritonavir - Ritonavir can increase the concentration of aripiprazole in blood when taken with Aripiprazole.
Saquinavir - Saquinavir may decrease the metabolism of Aripiprazole if taken together.
Anti-seizure medicines like:
Carbamazepine - Combining Aripiprazole with Carbamazepine results in a reduction in the concentration of aripiprazole in the blood.
Tuberculosis medicines: Medicines like Rifampicin and Rifabutin may reduce the effects of Aripiprazole.

Interactions with food items

Seek your doctor's advice before consuming grapefruit juice.
Drink plenty of water while taking Aripiprazole.

Dosage

Overdose

Contact your doctor immediately if you have taken an overdose of Aripiprazole. You could experience problems like sleepiness, tremors and vomiting if you have consumed an extra dose of the medicine

Missed a Dose

If you miss a dose of Aripiprazole, then take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose of Aripiprazole, then skip the missed dose. Avoid missing doses as it will reduce the effectiveness of Aripiprazole. Taking it at the same time daily will make it easier to follow the schedule. Put an alarm on your phone to avoid missing doses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Aripiprazole may need a few weeks to start showing its effect. The period in which maximum efficacy can be seen may vary from individual to individual.

That depends on your reasons for using Aripiprazole. If you are taking Aripiprazole for the treatment of schizophrenia symptoms, then you may need to take it for a long duration. It also depends on how your body responds to the medicine.

Aripiprazole may cause weight gain in some patients. Talk to your doctor about it. Never discontinue Aripiprazole without a doctor's advice, or you may experience withdrawal symptoms like uncontrolled speech, uncontrolled shaking or facial tics.

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