Abilify Asimtufii, Abilify, Abilify Maintena

Medically reviewed by Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCP on May 11, 2023
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aripiprazole for use in certain situations to treat:

• schizophrenia in adults and some children
• irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder in some children
• major depressive disorder (commonly called depression) in adults
• manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults and some children
• Tourette syndrome in some children

These approved uses differ based on the form of aripiprazole prescribed.

This article describes aripiprazole’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll find some coupon options for aripiprazole.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of aripiprazole. To find out more about aripiprazole oral disintegrating tablet (ODT), see this article. (With ODT, the tablet slowly dissolves after placing it on your tongue.)

Boxed warnings

Aripiprazole has a boxed warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people. It also has a boxed warning about an increased risk of death in certain older adults (ages 65 years and older). Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the FDA.

For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for aripiprazole” section below.

Aripiprazole may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of aripiprazole and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age and overall health and any other medications you take.

To learn more about aripiprazole’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for aripiprazole.

* To view aripiprazole’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of aripiprazole are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of aripiprazole you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about aripiprazole’s side effects based on the form, see the drug’s prescribing information.*

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Mild side effects of aripiprazole oral tablet and oral solution include:

• akathisia (a strong urge to move your body)
• headache
• nausea
• sleepiness
• mild allergic reaction†

* To view aripiprazole’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for aripiprazole” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of aripiprazole are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of aripiprazole you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about aripiprazole’s side effects based on the form, see the drug’s prescribing information.*

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, aripiprazole’s serious side effects include:

• problems thinking or completing tasks
• compulsive behaviors, such as gambling or living with a binge eating disorder
• body movements that you can’t control and other extrapyramidal symptoms
• increased risk of your body overheating
• low blood pressure when getting up or standing up
• increased risk of falls
• low white blood cell count
• changes in your metabolism, such as increased blood sugar, increased cholesterol, or weight gain
• seizures
• difficulty swallowing
• stroke or ministroke
• neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare reaction to antipsychotic drugs that can be life threatening)
• severe allergic reaction†
• boxed warnings: risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people and increased risk of death in certain older adults†

* To view aripiprazole’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for aripiprazole” section below.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs, such as aripiprazole, for certain conditions. Approved uses for aripiprazole are described below. These uses differ based on the form of aripiprazole prescribed.

Use for certain mental health conditions

Doctors may prescribe aripiprazole for treating certain mental health conditions. It’s used for this purpose in adults and certain children. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

For schizophrenia, doctors may prescribe aripiprazole oral tablet, oral solution, or orally disintegrating tablet (ODT).* These forms are used for this purpose in adults and children ages 13 years and older. This condition causes hallucinations, disorganized speech or thinking, and paranoia.

For irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), doctors may prescribe aripiprazole oral tablet, oral solution, or ODT. These forms are used for this purpose in children ages 6 years and older. In addition to irritability, symptoms may include aggressive behavior.

For major depressive disorder (commonly called depression), doctors may prescribe aripiprazole oral tablet or oral solution. Aripiprazole is prescribed together with an antidepressant medication for depression. These forms are used for this purpose in adults. This condition can cause weight changes, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, and sleep problems. Sleep problems can include insomnia or wanting to sleep too much.

For manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder, doctors may prescribe aripiprazole oral tablet or oral solution. These forms are used for this purpose in adults and children ages 10 years and older. This condition can cause periods of high energy, difficulty concentrating, and sleep problems.

For Tourette syndrome, doctors may prescribe aripiprazole oral tablet, oral solution, or ODT. These forms are used for this purpose in children ages 6 years and older. This condition causes vocal outbursts or tics, which are muscle spasms.

* With aripiprazole ODT, the tablet dissolves after it’s placed on your tongue. To learn more about aripiprazole ODT, see this article.

The dosage of aripiprazole your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the best dosage for you.

Taking aripiprazole

Aripiprazole oral tablet is swallowed, with or without food.

Aripiprazole orally disintegrating tablet is taken by placing it on your tongue and letting it dissolve. It can be taken with or without food.

Aripiprazole oral solution is swallowed, with or without food.

Your doctor will talk with you about how to take aripiprazole. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.

Overdose of aripiprazole

You should not take more aripiprazole than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose. For details about aripiprazole side effects, see the “Side effects of aripiprazole” section above. You can also refer to this article.

If you think you or your child has taken too much aripiprazole, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to your closest emergency room.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about aripiprazole.

How does aripiprazole compare with other similar drugs, such as olanzapine or risperidone?

Aripiprazole (Abilify) belongs to a group of prescription drugs called atypical antipsychotics. There are several other drugs in this group, including olanzapine (Zyprexa) and risperidone (Risperdal).

Because they’re in the same general drug group, aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone have similar uses. The three of them are approved to treat schizophrenia and manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder. Risperidone is also approved to treat irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These three drugs also tend to cause similar side effects. For details about aripiprazole’s side effects, see the “Side effects of aripiprazole” section above.

To learn more about how aripiprazole compares with other similar drugs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can aripiprazole be used for anxiety or OCD?

Possibly. Aripiprazole isn’t approved to treat anxiety disorders, which includes obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). But doctors may prescribe it off-label for either of these conditions. With off-label use, a drug is prescribed for a purpose other than its approved ones.

If you’re interested in aripiprazole for anxiety or OCD, talk with your doctor. They can give you information about treatment options.

How does aripiprazole work? And how long does it take to start working?

The exact way aripiprazole works isn’t entirely clear. You may notice some symptom relief soon after you start taking aripiprazole, possibly within a few days. But it can take several weeks to see the full effect of the drug.

Aripiprazole is thought to work by balancing specific brain chemicals, including dopamine and serotonin. This effect of aripiprazole may help ease symptoms of certain mental health conditions.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about what you can expect during aripiprazole treatment.

Below, you’ll find information about aripiprazole’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of aripiprazole

For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take aripiprazole, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription medications
• over-the-counter medications
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for aripiprazole” section just below.

Warnings for aripiprazole

Aripiprazole should be taken cautiously by certain people.

Boxed warnings

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

To learn more about these warnings read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people. Aripiprazole can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young people with depression. This risk is increased in children and young adults ages 24 years and under. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors occurred rarely in studies of aripiprazole.* But the risk is highest in the first few months of aripiprazole treatment and after dosage increases.

Symptoms may include new or worsening depression, unusual changes in behavior, and recurring thoughts of suicide.

If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely recommend you stop taking aripiprazole. If your or your child’s symptoms feel life threatening, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to your closest emergency room.

* To view aripiprazole’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

• Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
• Listen to the person without judgment.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
• Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
• Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

Increased risk of death in certain older adults. In older adults (ages 65 years and older) with psychosis related to dementia, taking aripiprazole can increase the risk of death. Due to this risk, aripiprazole isn’t approved to treat dementia-related psychosis. (With psychosis, you lose touch with reality.)

Symptoms of this serious side effect may include extreme sleepiness or difficulty swallowing.

If you have concerns about this risk, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend not taking the drug. They may be able to advise you about other treatment options for your condition.

Other warnings

Aripiprazole could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether aripiprazole is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of aripiprazole you take.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for aripiprazole, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Aripiprazole can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to aripiprazole or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe aripiprazole. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to aripiprazole, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and aripiprazole

Information about aripiprazole and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Aripiprazole and pregnancy

There are risks to taking aripiprazole during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having untreated mental health conditions while pregnant. (Keep in mind that aripiprazole is used for treating certain mental health conditions.)

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your treatment options during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether it’s safe for you to take aripiprazole during pregnancy.

Aripiprazole and breastfeeding

There are risks to taking aripiprazole while breastfeeding. But there are also risks with having untreated mental health conditions while breastfeeding. (Keep in mind that aripiprazole is used for treating certain mental health conditions.)

If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor about taking this medication. They can help determine whether the drug is right for you. They may also be able to recommend ways to feed your child.

You may be able to save money on your prescription for aripiprazole by using our Perks discount coupons. These can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for aripiprazole, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

This article describes aripiprazole’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about aripiprazole or would like more details about it.

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

• What can I expect in the first few weeks of aripiprazole treatment?
• How will I know if aripiprazole is working?
• How does aripiprazole compare to other drugs that could treat my condition?

• Aripiprazole – aripiprazole solution. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/b0f8fa0b-1d17-43ea-abd2-ed7507d5c017/spl-doc
• Aripiprazole – aripiprazole tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/d130836c-5f1c-4779-ac6c-6350752dc015/spl-doc
• Aripiprazole – aripiprazole tablet, orally disintegrating. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/73c5e380-b7b1-4362-a827-71881574ff48/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

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.