Aripiprazole

Antipsychotic Drug

Drug class: Atypical Antipsychotic

Aripiprazole (ABILIFY)（中文：阿立哌唑）

Common Strengths of Aripiprazole Tablet

Aripiprazole tablets are available in the following strengths:

• 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg tablets

Drug Trade Names of Aripiprazole Tablet

Abilify

Drug Usage

Aripiprazole is used for:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Major depressive disorder (as an adjunct)
• Tourette syndrome
• Autism-related irritability

Mechanism of Action

Aripiprazole is a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, and an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.

Route of Administration

• Oral (tablets and oral solution)

Dosages

• Schizophrenia (adults): Initial dose 10 - 15 mg/day, target dose 10 - 15 mg/day, maximum 30 mg/day
• Bipolar disorder (adults): Initial dose 15 mg/day, maximum 30 mg/day

Aripiprazole does not require dosage adjustment based on renal function, including in patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This is

because aripiprazole is primarily metabolized in the liver and only a small fraction is excreted unchanged in the urine.

Side Effects

• Detailed percentage-based side effect information not provided in the search results.

Frequency	Adverse reactions
Common	Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping, which often improves over time.
	Anxiety and Restlessness: Feelings of anxiety and restlessness that usually subside with continued use
	Dizziness
	Headache: Common and can be managed with rest and hydration
	Nausea and Vomiting: Can be mitigated by taking the medication with food
	Constipation: Increasing dietary fiber and water intake can help
	Dizziness: Often occurs when standing up quickly; getting up slowly can help
	Weight Changes: Can cause weight gain or loss; maintaining a balanced diet is recommended
	Increased Salivation: More common in children
	Fatigue: Feeling tired or low in energy
Uncommon	Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): Symptoms include high fever, muscle stiffness, and altered mental status
	Metabolic Changes: Increased blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight gain, which can lead to diabetes
	Compulsive Behaviors: Uncontrollable urges to gamble, eat, shop, or engage in sexual activities
	Orthostatic Hypotension: Sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to dizziness or fainting
	Seizures: Convulsions that require immediate medical attention
	Severe Allergic Reactions: Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
	Suicidal Thoughts: Increased risk in young people, particularly those under 24

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption
  • Aripiprazole is well absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 3 to 5 hours
• Metabolism
  • Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes
• Elimination
  • The mean elimination half-life is about 75 hours for aripiprazole

Aripiprazole has a relatively rapid initial onset of action within 1 to 2 weeks for most patients, but full therapeutic effects may take several weeks to months to develop.

Its long half-life results in a prolonged duration of action, allowing for once-daily dosing and steady-state levels after about 2 weeks of treatment.

Drug Precautions

Increased risk in elderly patients

• Should not be used to treat dementia-related psychosis in older adults due to increased risk of stroke and death
• May cause drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty swallowing in elderly patients, increasing the risk of falls and choking

Suicidal thoughts in young people

• May increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in people under 24 years old, especially in the first few months of treatment or with dose changes
• Close monitoring is required for children/teens taking aripiprazole

Monitoring Requirements

• Monitor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in younger patients
• May cause increased blood sugar, elevated cholesterol, and weight gain
• Regular monitoring of metabolic parameters are recommended

Drug Interactions

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and CYP2D6 inhibitors may increase aripiprazole levels
• Strong CYP3A4 inducers may decrease aripiprazole levels

FAQ

How Should I Take the Tablet?

• Standard tablets: Swallow with water
• Orodispersible tablets: Place on tongue to dissolve or dissolve in water and drink immediately
• Take at around the same time each day, with or without food.

What should I avoid while taking?

• Avoid driving, operating machinery or doing activities that require alertness until you know how the medication affects you.
• Do not stop taking amisulpride suddenly without consulting your doctor. Abrupt withdrawal can cause unpleasant side effects or a return of symptoms.

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember if it is within a few hours. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule.