Aripiprazole Odt, Aripiprazole
Generic Abilify, Abilify Maintena
Aripiprazole (ay ri PIP ray zole) is a generic medication prescribed for certain mental health conditions including schizophrenia. Aripiprazole belongs to a group of drugs called atypical antipsychotics.
Medically reviewed by Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCP on May 11, 2023
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Introduction
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.
Side effects of aripiprazole
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.
Uses of aripiprazole
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.
Dosage of aripiprazole
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.
Common questions about aripiprazole
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.
Interactions and warnings for aripiprazole
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:
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.
Aripiprazole coupon
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.
What to ask your doctor
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?
Article resources
- 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.
- Generic
- Tablet Disintegrating
- 10mg
- 28 Tablets
Dosage settings
Name
Aripiprazole Orally Disintegrating Tablets
Pronunciation
(ay ri PIP ray zole)
Brand Names: US
Abilify Discmelt
Warning
There is a higher chance of death in older adults who take this drug for mental problems caused by dementia. Most of the deaths were linked to heart disease or infection. This drug is not approved to treat mental problems caused by dementia. Drugs like this one have raised the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions in children and young adults. The risk may be greater in people who have had these thoughts or actions in the past. All people who take this drug need to be watched closely. Call the doctor right away if signs like low mood (depression), nervousness, restlessness, grouchiness, panic attacks, or changes in mood or actions are new or worse. Call the doctor right away if any thoughts or actions of suicide occur.
What is this drug used for?
It is used to treat schizophrenia. It is used to treat bipolar problems. It is used to treat low mood (depression). It is used to treat certain behavior problems in patients with autism. It is used to treat Tourette's syndrome. It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
If you have an allergy to aripiprazole or any other part of this drug. If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk with your doctor. Some products have phenylalanine. Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug. Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions. Be careful in hot weather or while being active. Drink lots of fluids to stop fluid loss. Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids every day unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor. Chance of seizures may be higher. Talk with the doctor. Low white blood cell counts have happened with drugs like this one. This may lead to a higher chance of infection. Rarely, infections have been deadly. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a low white blood cell count. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat. High blood sugar or diabetes, high cholesterol, and weight gain have happened with drugs like this one. These may raise the chance of heart and brain blood vessel disease. Check your blood sugar as you have been told by your doctor. Dizziness, sleepiness, and feeling less stable may happen with this drug. These may lead to falling, which can cause broken bones or other health problems. Older adults with dementia taking drugs like this one have had a higher number of strokes. Sometimes these have been deadly. This drug is not approved to treat mental problems caused by dementia. If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this drug while you are pregnant. Taking this drug in the third trimester of pregnancy may lead to uncontrolled muscle movements and withdrawal in the newborn.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect: Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit. Trouble controlling body movements, twitching, change in balance, trouble swallowing or speaking. Strong urges that are hard to control (such as eating, gambling, sex, or spending money). Very bad dizziness or passing out. Change in balance. Feeling very tired or weak. Seizures. Blurred eyesight. A very bad and sometimes deadly health problem called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) may happen. Call your doctor right away if you have any fever, muscle cramps or stiffness, dizziness, very bad headache, confusion, change in thinking, fast heartbeat, heartbeat that does not feel normal, or are sweating a lot. Some people may get a severe muscle problem called tardive dyskinesia. This problem may lessen or go away after stopping this drug, but it may not go away. The risk is greater with diabetes and in older adults, especially older women. The risk is greater with longer use or higher doses, but it may also occur after short-term use with low doses. Call your doctor right away if you have trouble controlling body movements or problems with your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw like tongue sticking out, puffing cheeks, mouth puckering, or chewing.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak. Restlessness. Anxiety. Headache. Upset stomach or throwing up. Weight gain. Constipation. Trouble sleeping. Feeling more or less hungry. Nose or throat irritation. Dry mouth. Shakiness. Drooling. Stuffy nose. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Take with or without food. Do not push the tablet out of the foil when opening. Use dry hands to take it from the foil. Place on your tongue and let it dissolve. Water is not needed. Do not swallow it whole. Do not chew, break, or crush it. Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
Store at room temperature. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Use oral-disintegrating tablet right after opening. Throw away any part of opened pouch that is not used. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor. Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs. This drug comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this drug is refilled. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.