Abilify is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder (manic depression). It is not known if aripiprazole is safe or effective in children younger than 13 with schizophrenia, or children younger than 10 with bipolar disorder.
Abilify is also used together with other medicines to treat the major depressive disorder in adults.
Abilify is also used in children 6 years or older who have Tourette's disorder, or symptoms of autistic disorder (irritability, aggression, mood swings, temper tantrums, and self-injury).
Important information
Abilify is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Abilify may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related conditions.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when taking medicine for a major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when taking medicine for a major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Abilify. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Stop using Abilify and call your doctor at once if you have the following symptoms: fever with stiff muscles and rapid heart rate; uncontrolled muscle movements; symptoms that come on suddenly such as numbness or weakness, severe headache, and problems with vision, speech, or balance.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Abilify if you are allergic to aripiprazole.
Abilify is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Aripiprazole may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related conditions.
To make sure Abilify is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver or kidney disease;
heart disease, high or low blood pressure, heart rhythm problems;
high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);
low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
a heart attack or stroke;
seizures or epilepsy;
trouble swallowing;
a personal or family history of diabetes; or
an obsessive-compulsive disorder, impulse-control disorder, or addictive behaviors.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when taking medicine for a major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
