Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) for Depression

Overview
Abilify Maintena is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia and the maintenance monotherapy (single-drug treatment) of bipolar 1 disorder in adults. This medication is an extended-release injectable form of aripiprazole, designed for long-term management of these conditions. Abilify Maintena is also known by its drug name, aripiprazole.

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic that works by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, which helps manage symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia, as well as mood swings in bipolar disorder.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Abilify Maintena is administered as an intramuscular injection into either the deltoid (shoulder) or gluteal (buttocks) muscle once a month by a health care professional. Before starting Abilify Maintena, a person must first establish tolerability with oral aripiprazole. After the first injection, 14 consecutive days of concurrent oral Aripiprazole or another oral antipsychotic is recommended. This medication should be administered exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
According to prescribing information, common side effects of Abilify Maintena for individuals with schizophrenia include increased weight, akathisia (restlessness), injection site pain, and sedation.

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 Maintena 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 Maintena — Aripiprazole Kit — DailyMed

Abilify Maintena — Drugs.com