What is Aripiprazole (Abilify)?
Aripiprazole is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic medication. It works by affecting the balance of certain chemicals in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin. Unlike some other antipsychotics, aripiprazole acts as a partial agonist at dopamine and serotonin receptors, meaning it can both increase and decrease the activity of these neurotransmitters. This unique mechanism contributes to its effectiveness in managing a range of symptoms.
How Aripiprazole (Abilify) Works
Aripiprazole helps rebalance brain chemicals to alleviate symptoms of psychosis and mood instability.
- Dopamine and Serotonin Modulation: Acts as a partial agonist, stabilizing these neurotransmitters.
- Mood Stabilization: Prevents extreme mood swings in bipolar disorder.
- Adjunctive Antidepressant: Enhances the effectiveness of antidepressants in treatment-resistant depression.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Insomnia or drowsiness
- Akathisia (restlessness and an urge to move)
- Weight gain
Serious Side Effects:
- Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): Involuntary muscle movements.
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): A rare but life-threatening reaction.
- Metabolic Changes: Increased risk of diabetes and high cholesterol.
- Impulse Control Problems: Compulsive gambling, binge eating, or other uncontrollable behaviors.
- Orthostatic Hypotension: Sudden drop in blood pressure when standing.
Conditions Treated with Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Aripiprazole is commonly prescribed for:
- Schizophrenia: Reduces hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
- Bipolar Disorder: Stabilizes mood swings and helps prevent manic or depressive episodes.
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Used as an adjunctive treatment alongside antidepressants for treatment-resistant depression.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: Manages irritability, aggression, and repetitive behaviors.
- Tourette’s Syndrome: May help control tics.
