Get Informed: Abilify
Active Ingredient(s)
Aripiprazole
What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. Its mechanism of action is unknown.
- Last Text Update:
- 2009-Nov-07 2:15 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2009-Nov-07 8:28 AM
Other Names
- Abilify
- Aripiprazole
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
Black Box Warning
This product has black box warnings related to increased risk of death when used in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, and relating to increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior when used in children and adolescents with depression.
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 15 Nov 2002
- Est US Patients*
- 5,039,000
- Generic Available
- No
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Abilify or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Abilify Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Abilify used for?
iGuard.org is currently tracking more than 29,100 patients that use Abilify (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Bipolar Disorder | 64% | 
|
| Depression | 19% |
|
| Psychosis | 19% |
|
| Anxiety | 10% |
|
| Insomnia | 5% | 
|
| Post Traumatic Stress Disorder | 2% |
|
| Mood Disorder | 2% |
|
| Tourette's Syndrome | 2% |
|
How well does Abilify work?
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 29,100 users taking Abilify (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 85%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Abilify outweigh the bad things.
- 28%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Abilify.
Common Side Effects of Abilify
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 29,100 users taking Abilify (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
55% of patients experience side-effects on Abilify
16% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Abilify
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Restlessness
-
Headache
-
Weight Gain
-
Fatigue
-
Dryness
-
Tremor
-
Drowsiness
-
Shortness of Breath
-
Mood/Behavior Problems
-
Dizziness
-
Muscle Pain
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Acne, Blurred Vision, Grogginess/Confusion, Memory/Speech Problems, Nausea/Vomiting
Global Patient Feedback for Abilify (Aripiprazole) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I have recently been put on Abilify. My GP put me on an antibiotic. My lower to mid back is really beginning to hurt. Has anyone else had this prob? Does anyone think it could be a reaction? Any clues or words of comfort, or even a "been thre done that" comment would be greatly apreciated. Abilify so DID NOT give me any sedation effect, or weight gain... lost 3 lbs in 5 days, and let me tell you, i been chowing down! don't know where to turn. Doc outta office for next 3 days. Please respond here or preferably to reg e-mail : tarvania@live.com
Thanks in advance for all ya'll's help,
Kimberlin
44 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-27 21:30:05
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Muscle stiffness, spasm and pain are reported side effects of Abilify. They are less common but they can occur. If there is no improvement, or gets worse, speak with your doctor about possibly decreasing your dose. Some antibiotics, like Cipro, can cause tendonitis, or sore and inflamed tendons. If you are having any joint or ankle pain, redness or swelling, follow up with your doctor as soon as possible.
Posted: 2009-09-30 10:16:37
Question/Comment:
my 11 year old daughter is autistic and currently on Abililfy 10mg for aggression. She was on resperdol, which she gained 65 lbs. in less that a year on. Weight is a problem for her, but we have been at least a steady weight on abilify for the past year. no weight loss but no weight gain. It has helped her aggression immensly!
36 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-26 15:49:16
Question/Comment:
I don't beleive I need this medication. my doctor insists saying it is because I have bipolar disorder. even though I already take a mood stabilizer. I am currently trying to get pregnant and do not want to be on medications that I don't need.
32 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-22 12:00:04
Question/Comment:
i'm now taking 10mg of abilify daily & the only problem i have is restless legs. I would recommend this to others that have bipolar as long as they don't have a problem with weight. I personally haven't had this problem but i have read about many ppl that have. It really has helped me deal with my bipolar.
a 22 year old female
22 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-15 10:17:20
Question/Comment:
I am on 5mg Abilify, 20mg Prozac,150mg effexor, and .5mg klonepin 2x a day. I am gaining more weight, and still have no energy and insomnia bbaaadddd. can anyone suggest anything for energy?????
33 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-09 10:16:53
Answer/Reply:
I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia,Chronic Fatigue syndrome, and Major Depressive disorder. I take Wellbutrin, Adderall,Cymbalta,Lunesta,Xanax,and I just started taking Abilify. nothing seems to be helping,I'm still in alot of pain and I stay so tired that I can only do alittle bit and then I have to sit down and rest.I have a problem with my memory that seems like its getting worse. Can someone please help I'm so tired of being tired.I don't have any energy at all.Does anyone know what will help give me some energy?
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-24 00:58:42
Answer/Reply:
i would quit all of the above & just take lyrica. after you get past the first week or two of dopeyness/tiredness, you will feel better than you ever have in your life. like, no symptoms at all. You won't even know you're on meds. But if you miss a dose you'll know it...
30 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-29 22:31:27
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
You need to discuss your symptoms and frustrations with your physician. The combination of medications that you are taking can add to your tiredness and fatigue. Do not change anything without your physician's approval and knowledge. However, you could discuss having a trial off one specific medication at a time to see if any one medication is contributing to your symptoms more than the others.
Posted: 2009-09-30 20:38:05
Answer/Reply:
I am on alot of the same medications and was having the same problem with energy. My doctor added Provigil, which was intentional used for those who have narcolepsy (I believe) I found a whole one was too much for me, so I take half in the morning and it has made a huge difference. I have no more fatigue, and my energy has increased signigicantly.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-24 10:11:58
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
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Patient Comments about
Abilify