Abilify (Aripiprazole) for Depression

Overview
Abilify is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia, the acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar 1 disorder, and as an adjunctive (add-on) treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Abilify is prescribed for adults and, in some cases, for younger individuals with these conditions. Abilify is also known by its drug name, aripiprazole.

Aripiprazole is classified as an atypical antipsychotic. It works by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, helping to manage symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia, mood swings in bipolar disorder, and depressive symptoms in MDD.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Abilify is taken orally once daily, with or without food, for schizophrenia, bipolar 1 disorder, and as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder. Abilify should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Abilify should be taken exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
According to prescribing information, common side effects of Abilify when treating schizophrenia, bipolar 1 disorder, and MDD include akathisia (restlessness), and extrapyramidal disorder (involuntary muscle movements).

For those with schizophrenia, additional common side effects may include somnolence (drowsiness) and tremor, especially in adolescents.

For adults with bipolar 1 disorder, other common side effects include sedation, restlessness, and tremor. For those aged 10 to 17, other common side effects include somnolence, fatigue, nausea, blurred vision, salivary hypersecretion (excessive saliva production), and dizziness.

For add-on treatment of MDD, other common side effects include restlessness, insomnia, constipation, fatigue, and blurred vision.

Rare but serious side effects may include neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a life-threatening reaction with symptoms like high fever and muscle stiffness); tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements, especially in the face); and metabolic changes such as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels), and significant weight gain.

Other serious risks include orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing); blood disorders such as leukopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis; cognitive and motor impairment; pathological gambling and other compulsive behaviors; seizures; and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in young adults and adolescents.

Elderly adults taking Abilify for dementia-related psychosis face an increased risk of cerebrovascular adverse reactions, such as stroke and transient ischemic attack, including fatalities. Therefore, those taking the drug for other conditions should also be monitored closely for serious side effects.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Label: Abilify — Aripiprazole Tablet — DailyMed

Aripiprazole — MedlinePlus