Abilify for Bipolar Disorder

Abilify is a prescription drug used for treating the agitation caused on account of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Abilify injection, liquid and orodispersible pills contain Aripiprazole as the key agent and they belong to a class of medications called as atypical antipsychotics. It’s not known exactly how Abilify works on mental disorders. However research suggests that Abilify works in a different manner in comparison with other antipsychotic drugs.

Abilify cures the disorders mentioned above by affecting receptors in the brain, specifically 5HT receptors like dopamine and serotonin. Psychotic diseases like schizophrenia are caused due to abnormality in the functioning of neurotransmitters (especially dopamine). Abilify normalizes the abnormal functioning of dopamine for the treatment of schizophrenia.

Abilify is also widely prescribed for the treatment of episodes of mania in patients of bipolar disorder. Aripiprazole is also used as a long term treatment to stabilize mood in people suffering from bipolar disorder so as to avoid further episodes of mania.

Safety while taking Abilify

Listed below are the facts related with your safety while taking Abilify. 

 • Abilify may cause dizziness, drowsiness or lightheadedness. These effects may worsen if you use it with alcohol or other drugs. You must therefore abstain from alcohol while using Abilify. Also, don’t operate machines, drive or carry out other activities that demand alertness.

• Young adults, children and teenagers taking Abilify may possibly experience suicidal thoughts. It’s therefore important for family members to closely monitor the patient. Contact the doctor right away if symptoms like panic episodes, irritable behavior, anxiety, and depressed mood are noticed.

 • Abilify may cause fainting, lightheadedness or drowsiness. Hot weather, alcohol, exercise or fever may elevate these. To prevent these, get up slowly if you’re in a resting or lying position.

• Abilify may reduce the ability of the body to protect it from infections. Prevent direct contact with those having cold or other infections. Tell your doctor at once if you spot any symptoms of infection like chills, sore throat, rash or fever.

Facts that should be considered while taking Abilify

Listed below are the facts that should be considered while taking Abilify. 

You must notify the health-care-provider if you’re suffering from certain problems or are in the following circumstances. 

 • If you’re using any prescription or non-prescription drugs, vitamins or herbal medicines while taking Abilify.

• If you’re suffering from or have in the past suffered from heart problems like low blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, or blood vessel conditions.

• If you’re allergic to foods, medicines or other substances.

• If you’re suffering from or in the past suffered from low levels of white blood cell sparked off due to any medicines.

• If you or any other family member has a history of diabetes or if you’re overweight.

• If it’s troublesome for you to swallow or if you have a history of neuropletic malignant syndrome (NMS).

 • If you are suffering from low blood volume, if you are dehydrated or are using any drugs for high blood pressure.

• If you have a history of diseases like depression, Alzheimer’s disease, mental disease, seizures, mood disorders, dementia, and/or suicidal thoughts or attempts.