aripiprazole

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Antipsychotics	abilify	Adult

aripiprazole - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can aripiprazole cause?

Potential side effects

All medicines may cause side effects. However, many people do not experience them.

Most of the side effects listed here will improve with time. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if they persist, become bothersome or worsen.

Side effects	What to do about it
Poor appetite, nausea, vomiting	Take this medicine after meals. Eat small but frequent meals to minimize bloating after a meal. Avoid food that is too rich, spicy or has strong smells.
Constipation	Increase your intake of fluids and include more fibre (vegetables and fruits) in your diet. Incorporate some exercise in your daily routine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you require any laxatives.
Headache	Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you need any painkillers.
Drowsiness	Do not drive or operate any machinery. Discuss with your doctor if you can take this medicine at a different time of day.
Insomnia	Avoid daytime naps. Limit caffeine intake. Keep a regular sleeping schedule. Instead of looking at electronic screens before bedtime, choose other relaxing activities such as reading a book or listening to calm music. Discuss with your doctor if you can take your medicine at a different time of the day.
Feeling restless and being unable to keep still	Try and relax by taking deep breaths. Consult your doctor if you are worried or if symptoms persist.

Serious side effects

If you experience signs of allergy such as rashes, swelling of lips/face/throat and difficulty breathing, stop this medicine immediately and seek medical attention.

If you develop new or worsening thoughts of self-harm and/or altered behavior immediately seek medical attention.

Aripiprazole may cause unusual movements involving the face or tongue, muscle stiffness, shakiness and unsteadiness on your feet. Please notify your doctor if this happens after taking this medicine.

A condition known as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome may occur rarely. Symptoms include but are not limited to fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental state/ consciousness and/or irregular blood pressure, heart rhythm. If you develop any of these symptoms, other unexplained symptoms while taking this medicine or require further information consult your doctor.

Take note that the side effects listed here are not exhaustive. Do seek medical attention if you have other or unusual symptoms while taking this medicine.

Before taking aripiprazole , what precautions must I follow?

What do I need to tell my doctor before I take this medicine?

Drug allergies
Pre-existing medical conditions such as prior stroke, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, seizures, blocked intestines, liver diseases, blood disorders, and prostate problems
Whether you are taking any other medicines, supplements or traditional medicines. Some of them may affect how this medicine works.
For women: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or have plans to become pregnant. If you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, your doctor would have discussed the potential benefits and side-effects of continuing this medicine with you but should you have further questions or concerns, do consult your doctor.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take aripiprazole ?

This medicine may interact with a number of medicines. Inform your doctor if you are taking or intend to start taking other medicines or supplements.

aripiprazole - Additional Information

What are the things I need to know or look out for while on this medicine?

Avoid driving or any other activities that requires concentration until you see how this drug affects you.
Be careful in hot weather or while being active. Drink lots of fluids to stop fluid loss.
Inform your other healthcare professionals that you are taking this medicine as well.
Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any other medicine or natural products.
Do not share your medicines with others.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about your medicines.