Abilify

Abilify is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia in adults and children of 13 years and older. It is also used alone or in combination with other medications to treat episodes of mania or mixed episodes (simultaneous symptoms of mania and depression) in adults, adolescents and children in age 10 years and older with bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania and other abnormal moods). Abilify is also used in conjunction with antidepressants to treat depression, in cases when the symptoms can’t be controlled by antidepressants. Abilify also used for treatment of children from 6 to 17 years old with autistic disorders (problems with the development, which cause difficulties in communicating and interacting with other people). Abilify can help control the episodes of irritable behavior, such as aggression, tantrums and frequent changes of mood. The drug is used to treat of children in age 6 to 18 years with Tourette’s disorder.

Abilify is a class of atypical anti-psychotics drugs. This drug works by altering the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.

Abilify: Use

Abilify is available in tablet form and a solution (liquid) for the oral taking and fast-dissolving tablet for oral use. The drug is usually taken once a day with or without food at about the same time. Follow the instructions or contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Take your medication exactly as indicated in the summary. Do not take it in larger or smaller amounts, or more often than it is prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe a low dose of the drug at the beginning of treatment and gradually increase or decrease the dose depending on your condition and the side effects that you have.

The course of treatment by Abilify can protract 2 weeks or longer. You should continue to take the drug even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Abilify without consulting a doctor.

Abilify: contraindications and interactions with other drugs

Before taking Abilify, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to this medicine, any other medications or any of Abilify ingredients. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of ingredients of the drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescribed and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following drugs: antidepressants; anti-fungal drugs such as itraconazole (sporanox) and ketoconazole (nizoral); antihistamines; bupropion; carbamazepine (tegretol); clarithromycin (biaxin); fluoxetine (prozac); HIV protease inhibitors such as atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir and saquinavir; medications for anxiety, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, seizures, ulcers; nefazodone; paroxetine; quinidine; rifampin; sedatives; hypnotic; telithromycin; tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or carefully control the side effects.

The drug can cause hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar), even if you do not have diabetes. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms while taking Abilify: excessive thirst, frequent urination, hunger, blurred vision, weakness. Ketoacidosis can cause high blood sugar, what is a life-threatening condition. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, dizziness.