Side Effects of Abilify: Detailed Information and Coping Strategies
Abilify, a medication commonly prescribed for certain mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, is a member of the atypical antipsychotics class. While it can provide significant benefits, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects.
Mild side effects reported in children taking Abilify include weight gain, sleep-related issues, feeling sleepy, headache, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, increased or decreased appetite, drooling, stuffy nose, restlessness, and tremor. Adults, on the other hand, may experience sexual side effects, weight gain, memory loss, sleep-related issues, feeling sleepy, anxiety, akathisia (feeling restless and unable to keep your legs still), nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, and blurred vision.
More serious side effects require immediate medical attention. Symptoms to watch for include certain changes to your mood or behaviour, such as increased or unusual aggression, anxiety, irritability, thoughts of harming yourself, and trouble sleeping. Abilify can also cause movement disorders, such as uncontrolled muscle movements (tremors, lip smacking, tongue movements), muscle stiffness, and the risk of a serious movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia.
Other potential side effects include blurred vision, increased saliva or drooling, seizures, feeling unusually hot, drops in blood pressure (leading to light-headedness), swallowing difficulties, abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, and signs of stroke (sudden numbness, weakness, severe headache, slurred speech).
It's important to note that Abilify Mycite, the sensor-equipped oral version, and Abilify Maintena, the long-acting injectable form, carry risks similar to those of aripiprazole itself, with some specifics related to the administration route. Injection site reactions may occur with Abilify Maintena, although detailed specifics were not clearly noted.
Abilify can cause side effects such as headache, sexual side effects, and weight gain. However, it's worth mentioning that weight loss is not a known side effect of Abilify, but weight gain is a common one.
In addition, Abilify has two boxed warnings. The first warns of the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours in people younger than age 24 years. The second warns of an increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis due to dementia.
If you experience mild side effects that last longer than a few weeks, bother you, or become severe, it's crucial to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If you have a serious symptom of an allergic reaction or are experiencing a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
When considering Abilify, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor, particularly if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult with psychosis due to dementia. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe for you to consume while taking Abilify, as alcohol may worsen some side effects.
Lastly, if you and your doctor agree that you should stop taking Abilify, they may lower your dosage slowly over time to help reduce your risk of withdrawal symptoms. Always follow your doctor's advice and seek immediate medical help if needed.
Abilify, a medication for certain mental health conditions, can cause side effects like headache, sexual side effects, and weight gain. However, weight loss is not a known side effect. Abilify has two boxed warnings: one for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people under 24, and another for an increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis due to dementia. If you experience mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. In case of a serious symptom or allergic reaction, call emergency services immediately. It's crucial to discuss concerns with your doctor, especially regarding pregnancy, breastfeeding, alcohol consumption, and being an older adult with psychosis due to dementia. If you need to stop taking Abilify, your doctor may lower your dosage gradually to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
