Abilify

Drug Uses
Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat the agitation that is caused by schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, it may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How it is taken
Abilify is administered as an injection deep into the muscle. It is not to be injected under the skin or into a vein. The injection is usually given at a doctor’s clinic or hospital. If you are using it at home, then ensure that you have learnt how to administer the injection. If you have any doubts or encounter problems, then contact your doctor immediately.
Do not use the drug if it appears cloudy or has particles in it or if the vial is cracked or damaged. Keep it and the syringes and needles out of the reach of children. Do not reuse them.
Please contact your health care provider to know how to dispose them and follow all local rules for disposal.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic which affects certain substances in the brain. The exact details about its working are not known.

Missed Dosage
If you miss a dose of Abilify, then contact your doctor immediately. Never take more than the recommended dosage. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

Storage
Store it in a cool dark place at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from children.

Warnings/Precautions
Please mention to your doctor/physician all medical conditions that you may be suffering from including history of heart diseases, liver disease, bleeding disorder, blood cell disorder, heart rhythm problems, history of seizures, dementia, Alzheimer disease, depression or other mental/mood disorders, or suicidal thoughts or attempts, have trouble swallowing or a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and high or low blood pressure.
Discuss with your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or are pregnant or breast feeding, liver problems, a narrow urinary tract, prostate cancer and liver problems.
Certain drugs can interact with Abilify and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.
Benzodiazepines (eg, lorazepam), imidazole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), quinidine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), or voriconazole – These have a tendency to aggravate the side effects of Abilify
Anticholinergics (eg, benztropine, methscopolamine) – There is an increased risk of overheating
Carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin– Reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
Alpha-blockers (eg, terazosin) – Once again, enhances the risk of the side effects.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Abilify include abnormal dreams, blurred vision, stomach problems, dizziness and drowsiness, headaches, increased saliva production, nausea, constipation, insomnia, vomiting and weight gain. Seek medical attention if these side effects do not subside or become bothersome.
In extreme cases, there can be severe allergic reactions like rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.
Other severe side effects symptoms include abnormal thinking; chest pain, confusion, fainting, Palpitations, frequent fever, increased sweating, increased thirst, urination, or appetite, involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth, jaw, arms, legs, or back (eg, puffing of cheeks, puckering of mouth, chewing movements), suicidal thoughts or attempts, loss of control over urination, loss of coordination, mental or mood changes (eg, anxiety, depression, hostility), muscle tremor, jerking, or stiffness, one-sided weakness, vision or speech changes, seizures, severe restlessness, shortness of breath, swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet, trouble swallowing, trouble walking, unusual bruising and unusual tiredness or weakness.
Seek medical attention immediately if you notice these side effects.