Aripiprazole oral tablet side effects: A detailed guide

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aripiprazole oral tablet to treat:

• schizophrenia in adults and certain children
• manic or mixed episodes related to bipolar disorder in adults and certain children
• depression in adults, prescribed together with other medications for depression
• irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder in certain children
• Tourette syndrome in certain children

This article describes possible side effects of aripiprazole oral tablet. You’ll also find information on ways to save on cost and coupon options for aripiprazole.

Aripiprazole oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Abilify. Aripiprazole also comes in other forms, including a tablet that dissolves on or under your tongue and a liquid solution you swallow. These forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.

You can explore this overview article to learn more about aripiprazole oral tablet, including the drug’s uses, dosage, ways to save on cost, and more.

Boxed warnings

Aripiprazole has boxed warnings about an increased risk of death in certain older adults and increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Side effects of aripiprazole in detail” section below.

More common side effects of aripiprazole

Aripiprazole oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this drug that occurred during studies. The more common side effects varied slightly based on whether adults or children took the drug.

More common side effects in adults taking aripiprazole oral tablet include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• headache
• akathisia (an inner feeling of restlessness or an uncontrollable urge to move)

To learn more about more common side effects in children taking aripiprazole oral tablet, see the “Side effects in children” section below.

Mild side effects of aripiprazole

Aripiprazole may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of aripiprazole oral tablet that occurred in studies include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• upset stomach
• headache
• blurry vision
• upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold
• dizziness
• anxiousness or restlessness
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• akathisia (an inner feeling of restlessness or an uncontrollable urge to move)
• sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction
• irregular periods
• memory loss
• tremor
• sleepiness
• mild allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of aripiprazole in detail” section below.

Aripiprazole oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects of aripiprazole

Aripiprazole may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from aripiprazole oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with aripiprazole oral tablet.

Serious side effects of aripiprazole oral tablet that occurred in studies include:

• extrapyramidal disorder (a movement disorder caused by certain medications, such as aripiprazole)
• metabolism changes, which can lead to:
  • type 2 diabetes
  • high cholesterol
  • weight gain*
• neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare but serious reaction to antipsychotic drugs such as aripiprazole)
• orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing or sitting up)
• low white blood cell levels
• difficulty regulating body temperature
• difficulty managing urges or impulses
• difficulty swallowing
• tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder that causes involuntary repetitive muscle movements)
• seizures
• increased risk of death in certain older adults†
• increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people†
• severe allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of aripiprazole in detail” section below.
† Aripiprazole oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects of aripiprazole in detail” section below.

Side effects of aripiprazole in children

Aripiprazole oral tablet is used in certain children to treat the following conditions:

• schizophrenia
• manic or mixed episodes related to bipolar disorder
• irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder
• Tourette syndrome

Serious side effects reported in children taking aripiprazole were similar to those in adults. To learn more about aripiprazole’s side effects in adults, see the sections above.

But there were a few differences in mild side effects reported in children compared with adults. In studies, the most common mild side effects reported in children taking aripiprazole included:

• sleepiness
• headache
• vomiting
• fatigue (lack of energy)
• appetite changes
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• nausea
• stuffy nose
• restlessness
• tremor
• stiff muscles
• increased saliva production or drooling
• weight gain*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of aripiprazole in detail” section below.

Talk with your child’s doctor if you have more questions about aripiprazole and its side effects in children.

Common questions about side effects of aripiprazole

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of aripiprazole oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is aripiprazole safe to take?

Yes, if your doctor says it’s safe for you to take.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews prescription drugs, such as aripiprazole, before approving the drugs for use. The FDA looks at the drugs’ safety and effectiveness (how well the drugs work). As part of this review, a group of doctors and scientists evaluate the risks and benefits of each medication.

Similar to all medications, aripiprazole can cause side effects. These are discussed throughout this article. Before prescribing aripiprazole to you, your doctor should explain the risks and benefits of taking the medication.

Whether aripiprazole is safe for you depends on other factors, including your overall health and other medications that you have been taking. Your doctor can provide more information on whether aripiprazole is safe for you to take.

Can aripiprazole cause weight loss?

No, weight loss isn’t an expected side effect of aripiprazole.

In studies, some people who took the drug to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder lost weight. But other people gained weight. There are many factors that can affect your weight. It isn’t thought that weight loss seen in these studies was a side effect of aripiprazole.

Weight gain is a known side effect of aripiprazole. To learn more, see the “Side effects of aripiprazole in detail” section below.

Does aripiprazole cause long-term side effects?

Yes, it’s possible for aripiprazole to cause long-term side effects. But this isn’t common, according to the drug’s studies.

For example, metabolism changes may occur at any time while taking aripiprazole, even if you’ve taken it for a long time. In some cases, these side effects may continue to affect your health for a while after you have stopped taking aripiprazole. Examples include:

• type 2 diabetes
• high cholesterol
• weight gain*

Your doctor can recommend ways to manage or help reverse these changes.

Certain movement disorders are possible long-term side effects of taking aripiprazole. The risk of developing them appears to increase the longer a person takes aripiprazole, especially at higher doses. And, in rare cases, they may not go away after aripiprazole is stopped. Examples include:

• extrapyramidal disorder (a movement disorder caused by certain drugs)
• tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder that causes involuntary repetitive muscle movements)

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the long-term side effects of aripiprazole.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of aripiprazole in detail” section below.

Are there any brain-related side effects of aripiprazole?

Yes, aripiprazole may cause some brain-related side effects.

Aripiprazole is thought to work in the brain. This is why taking aripiprazole may cause side effects that affect the brain and how it regulates the body. And these side effects may impair the ability to think or make decisions. They can also affect motor skills and the ability to perform tasks, such as driving a car.

Side effects related to the brain and nervous system reported with aripiprazole include:

• anxiousness or restlessness
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• sleepiness
• fatigue (lack of energy)
• memory loss
• extrapyramidal disorder (a movement disorder caused by certain medications, such as aripiprazole)
• difficulty regulating body temperature
• difficulty managing urges or impulses
• tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder that causes involuntary repetitive muscle movements)
• increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people†

† Aripiprazole oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects of aripiprazole in detail” section below.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about brain-related side effects and aripiprazole.

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Side effects of aripiprazole in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of aripiprazole oral tablet.

Increased risk of death in certain older adults

Aripiprazole has a boxed warning about the risk of death in certain older adults (ages 65 years and older). A boxed warning is the most serious warning about a drug from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Older adults with dementia-related psychosis have a higher risk of death when taking an antipsychotic medication. This includes the antipsychotic drug aripiprazole. For reference:

• Dementia is a condition that causes problems with memory, thinking, and communication.
• Psychosis is a condition that causes an impaired relationship with reality. With psychosis, a person may have hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real) or delusions (beliefs that are contrary to actual evidence).

Studies have shown that older adults with dementia-related psychosis who take antipsychotics have an increased risk of stroke. Antipsychotic medications are not approved by the FDA to treat dementia-related psychosis.

Ways to manage

Aripiprazole should not be used to treat dementia-related psychosis. Doctors can recommend other treatments for this condition.

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people

Aripiprazole has a boxed warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people. A boxed warning is the most serious warning about a drug from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Medications used to treat depression may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people, according to studies. This warning applies to people ages 24 years and younger.

For treating depression, aripiprazole is only approved for use in adults. It’s important to note that having depression is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

In adults ages 25 years and older, taking an antidepressant can lower the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Ways to manage

While taking aripiprazole, watch for any changes in mood, thoughts, or behaviors. It’s also helpful to have a few loved ones watch for these changes.

If you have symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts while taking aripiprazole, immediately call your doctor. They may have you stop taking the drug if these feelings don’t go away.

But if your symptoms feel life threatening, seek emergency medical attention.

Suicide prevention

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Weight gain

Similar to other antipsychotic medications, weight gain is a side effect of aripiprazole.

In studies, the amount of weight gain varied slightly, depending on the condition aripiprazole was treating. For example, people who took the drug to treat depression were more likely to gain weight.

As a reminder, aripiprazole is only prescribed together with other medications to treat depression. These drugs, called antidepressants, are also known to cause weight gain.

That said, both weight gain and weight loss were reported in people taking aripiprazole to treat bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. So your experience with aripiprazole and weight changes may differ depending on the condition being treated.

Ways to manage

Your doctor can provide instructions on how to monitor your weight while taking aripiprazole. They can also discuss ways to maintain a weight that’s healthy for you during treatment.

Keep in mind that treating symptoms of your condition may help you feel motivated to exercise or eat nutrient-dense foods. These can help you reach or maintain a body weight that’s healthy for you.

If you have concerns about your weight while taking aripiprazole, talk with your doctor.

Allergic reaction

For some people, aripiprazole oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. These reactions were rare in studies of people taking the drug.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to aripiprazole oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for aripiprazole

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking aripiprazole oral tablet.

Boxed warnings

This drug has boxed warnings about an increased risk of death in certain older adults and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Side effects of aripiprazole in detail” section above.

Other warnings

It may not be safe for you to take aripiprazole oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether aripiprazole oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking aripiprazole oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and the medications you take. Things to consider include those listed below.

Diabetes. Aripiprazole can cause high blood sugar as a side effect. A high blood sugar level can lead to type 2 diabetes. If you already have type 2 diabetes, taking aripiprazole may worsen your blood sugar level.

If your doctor prescribes aripiprazole to you, they can provide more information on how to monitor and manage your blood sugar. This may include the doctor adjusting the dose of your diabetes medications.

Seizures. In rare cases, aripiprazole can cause seizures as a side effect. If you already have seizures or had them in the past, your risk may be higher with aripiprazole. Your doctor can help determine whether this medication is safe for you to take.

Heart problems, including high or low blood pressure. Taking aripiprazole can cause blood pressure changes. This includes orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing or sitting up. It can lead to a fall, which may cause a serious injury, such as a broken bone.

If you have a heart condition, be sure to talk with your doctor about whether aripiprazole is safe for you to take.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to aripiprazole oral tablet or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe this medication. Ask them about other treatment options that may be better for you.

Aripiprazole and pregnancy

It’s not fully known whether it is safe to take aripiprazole during pregnancy.

But it is reported that taking the drug during the third trimester may cause side effects in an infant following delivery. These side effects can include:

• extrapyramidal symptoms, such as muscle tremors
• withdrawal symptoms,* including:
  • difficulty feeding
  • sleepiness
  • agitation

Talk with your doctor about treatment options for your condition during pregnancy.

If you and your doctor agree that you’ll take aripiprazole during pregnancy, consider joining the pregnancy registry for antipsychotic medications. Pregnancy registries help gather information about the use of drugs during pregnancy.

* Withdrawal symptoms may occur when a drug the body is dependent on has been stopped. With dependence, the body needs the drug to function like usual.

Aripiprazole and breastfeeding

Aripiprazole is known to pass into breast milk. It may also affect the body’s ability to produce milk. The drug can also cause reduced weight gain in a child who is breastfed by a person taking aripiprazole.

Your doctor can recommend safe ways to feed your child while you are taking aripiprazole.

Aripiprazole and alcohol

There is no known interaction between aripiprazole oral tablet and alcohol. But consuming alcohol while taking aripiprazole could raise your risk of certain side effects of aripiprazole. Examples include vomiting and headache.

Alcohol may also worsen symptoms of the conditions aripiprazole is prescribed to treat. These conditions include:

• schizophrenia
• bipolar disorder
• depression

If you’d like to drink alcohol during treatment with aripiprazole oral tablet, talk with your doctor. They can advise whether it’s safe for you to do so.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of aripiprazole oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Talk with doctor if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Does my health history place me at higher risk of side effects from aripiprazole?
• Can we determine whether the benefits of aripiprazole outweigh the risks of side effects?
• To help monitor for side effects, how often will I need to get blood tests done during aripiprazole treatment?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.