Abilify for Bipolar disorder

Abilify is a medication given to some patients who suffer from bipolar "manic depression, schizophrenia, and other severe psychological disorders that are related to bipolar disease.

According to the official company website for Abilify at AbilifyInfo.com:

In clinical studies with ABILIFY, manic symptoms improved for many patients within several days. Of course, different people respond to medicines differently. It's important that you give ABILIFY a chance to start working, and to continue to talk with your healthcare provider about how you're feeling.

Abilify for manic episodes and schizophrenia

Abilify is a drug used in the treatment of schizophrenia and manic episodes.

Google links for more information: Interactions Patient info Side effects

Warnings/recalls Health professionals

Company Site: www.abilifyinfo.com

Abilify for schizophrenia and Bipolar disorder

Abilify is the brand name for Aripiprazole, an "atypical antipsychotic" drug.

Antipsychotics like Abilify are used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia such as hearing voices, seeing things, or sensing things that are not there. Other symptoms are mistaken beliefs or unusual suspiciousness.

Abilify may also be used in treatment of mixed or manic episodes in adults who have a condition called Bipolar I disorder, a mental illness than causes extreme mood swings.

Risks - note this list is not complete.
Increased chance of death in elderly persons.
Abilify is not approved for dementia.

A life-threatening nervous system problem called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

Call your healthcare professional right away if you experience these symptoms.

A movement problem called tardive dyskinesia (TD). Call your healthcare professional right away if you get muscle movements that cannot be stopped.

High blood sugar and diabetes. Patients with diabetes or who have a higher chance for diabetes should have their blood sugar checked often.

Strokes have happened in older patients treated for mental illness from dementia. Abilify is not approved for this use.

Other serious side effects with Abilify may include low blood pressure seen as dizziness, increased heart beat and possibly fainting; seizures; increased body temperature; and difficulty swallowing.
The most common side effects may include headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, anxiety, problems sleeping, lightheadedness (dizziness), sleepiness, restlessness and rash.

Before you start taking Abilify, tell your healthcare professional if you have or had heart problems, seizures, diabetes, trying to get pregnant or pregnancy, breast-feeding, or drink alcohol.

Your doctor may adjust your dose if you take the following:
blood pressure medicines
ketoconazole
quinidine
carbamazepine
fluoxetine or paroxetine
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Abilify.

Abilify may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should be careful in operating machinery, including automobiles, until you know how Abilify affects you.
It is important to avoid overheating and dehydration while taking Abilify. Abilify may make it harder to lower your body temperature.

If you have questions call for free Drug Information, 1-888-INFO-FDA (automated) or 301-827-4570
Or email the FDA here: Druginfo@fda.hhs.gov

Here is the Abilify Corporate Website