Aripiprazole

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. | Aripiprazole (Medication)

Desc:

Aripiprazole is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar mania and mixed manic/depressive episodes (as sole or adjunctive therapy) and as adjunctive (add-on) therapy for major depressive disorder in adults and teenagers 13 years of age and older. Aripiprazole may help control irritable behavior such as aggression, temper tantrums, and frequent mood changes. ...

Side Effect:

Nervous system side effects have frequently included nausea, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, nervousness, confusion, and abnormal gait.

Twitch, cogwheel rigidity, impaired concentration, dystonia, vasodilation, paresthesia, impotence, extremity tremor, hypesthesia, vertigo, stupor, bradykinesia, apathy, decreased libido, hypersomnia, dyskinesia, ataxia, cerebrovascular accident, hypokinesia, depersonalization, impaired memory, delirium, dysarthria, tardive dyskinesia, tardive akathisia, amnesia, hyperactivity, increased libido, myoclonus, restless leg, neuropathy, dysphoria, hyperkinesia, cerebral ischemia, increased reflexes, akinesia, decreased consciousness, hyperesthesia, and slowed thinking have been reported infrequently.

Blunted affect, euphoria, incoordination, hypotonia, buccoglossal syndrome, decreased reflexes, and intracranial hemorrhage have been reported rarely. Grand mal seizures have been reported in postmarketing experience.

Tardive dyskinesia involves involuntary, dyskinetic, repetitive movements and may be more common in the elderly, especially elderly women, receiving antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole. The exact etiology for the development of tardive dyskinesia secondary to treatment with antipsychotics is unknown.

If a patient receiving aripiprazole therapy shows signs and/or symptoms of tardive dyskinesia discontinuation of therapy should be considered; however, this may not be a clinically feasible option for all patients. ...

Precaution:

Elderly people with dementia (Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia) who are treated with antipsychotics - including aripiprazole - are more likely to die (of various causes) than those who are not treated with those medications. Aripiprazole is not approved to treat dementia in the elderly, and caution should be used before using aripiprazole in elderly people with dementia.

Aripiprazole can cause a life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Tell your healthcare provider right away if think you might have NMS.

Aripiprazole can cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition involving unusual, uncontrollable body or face movements. The condition can become permanent (even if aripiprazole is stopped). The best way to prevent it from becoming permanent is to tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any abnormal movements (including abnormal movements of the tongue) while taking aripiprazole.

Aripiprazole can cause an increase in blood sugar levels and may increase the risk of developing diabetes. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop signs of diabetes while taking aripiprazole. Signs of diabetes can include increased thirst, increased urination, or hunger. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar should be monitored carefully and regularly during treatment with aripiprazole to make sure your diabetes is not becoming more severe (see Abilify and Diabetes).

Aripiprazole can cause a drop in blood pressure when going from a sitting or lying position to standing (known medically as orthostatic hypotension). This can cause a person to have lightheadedness or dizziness, or to faint. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms when standing. Orthostatic hypotension can be especially dangerous in people with heart disease or congestive heart failure (CHF).

Aripiprazole may increase the risk of seizures. Before starting aripiprazole, tell your healthcare provider if you have epilepsy or a history of seizures. ...