Warnings


What may interact with Abilify?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

-brexpiprazole
-cisapride
-dextromethorphan; quinidine
-dronedarone
-metoclopramide
-pimozide
-quinidine
-thioridazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

-antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
-carbamazepine
-certain medicines for anxiety or sleep
-certain medicines for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline
-certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
-clarithromycin
-general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
-levodopa or other medicines for Parkinson''s disease
-medicines for blood pressure
-medicines for seizures
-medicines that relax muscles for surgery
-narcotic medicines for pain
-other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
-phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine
-rifampin

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Abilify?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

-dementia
-diabetes
-difficulty swallowing
-have trouble controlling your muscles
-have urges you are unable to control (for example, gambling, spending money, or eating)
-heart disease
-history of irregular heartbeat
-history of stroke
-low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
-low blood pressure
-Parkinson''s disease
-seizures
-suicidal thoughts, plans or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
-an unusual or allergic reaction to aripiprazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using Abilify?

Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care professional if symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not stop taking except on your health care professional''s advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your health care professional will tell you how much medicine to take.
Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of antidepressant treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.
You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This drug can cause problems with controlling your body temperature. It can lower the response of your body to cold temperatures. If possible, stay indoors during cold weather. If you must go outdoors, wear warm clothes. It can also lower the response of your body to heat. Do not overheat. Do not over-exercise. Stay out of the sun when possible. If you must be in the sun, wear cool clothing. Drink plenty of water. If you have trouble controlling your body temperature, call your health care provider right away.
This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your health care provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.
There are have been reports of increased sexual urges or other strong urges such as gambling while taking this medicine. If you experience any of these while taking this medicine, you should report this to your health care professional as soon as possible.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.