Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects of Abilify.

Common uses of Abilify
This medicine is used to treat schizophrenia. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).
 

Before using Abilify
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, carbamazepine, azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), alpha-blockers (e.g., doxazosin, prazosin), medicines for treating high blood pressure (e.g., "water pills" or diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Inform you doctor or pharmacist if you take medicines that cause drowsiness, including medicines for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), other psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, or tricyclics like amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, or antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including heart disease (e.g., history of heart attacks or chest pain, heart failure, irregular heart rhythm), history of stroke, dehydration, seizures, Alzheimer's disease, swallowing problems (e.g., history of aspiration), diabetes, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
 

Abilify Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in bathroom. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
 

Abilify Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests, such as fasting blood sugar levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Avoid alcoholic beverages. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand up slowly (especially when you first start using this medicine or if your doctor changes your dose). THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE SWEATING. DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED in hot weather, during exercise, or during other activities since risk of heatstroke may be increased. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING DIABETES or increase blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause serious problems if left untreated. Contact your doctor for more information. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. DIABETICS: THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT YOUR BLOOD SUGAR. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.
 

Possible Abilify side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include vomiting, fever, lightheadedness, dizziness, change in weight, blurred vision, or drowsiness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience uncontrolled muscle movements (especially of the face or tongue), severe muscle stiffness, irregular or unusually fast heartbeat (especially with fever and increased sweating). CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst, increased urination, or vision changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE IS UNLIKELY, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
 

Drug interactions

 

If you take too much Abilify
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include persistent vomiting or persistent drowsiness.
 

Additional Abilify information
Use this medicine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.