Share


Abilify, the brand name for aripiprazole, is a prescription medication used in the management of several mental health conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics and works by helping to balance certain chemical signals in the brain. In clinical care, aripiprazole is used to treat psychotic symptoms and mood-related disorders, and it may be prescribed as part of a broader treatment plan that includes psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and support.

How Abilify Works

A bottle of Abilify pills beside a dosage chart and side effects icons on a clean white surface.

Aripiprazole has a unique pharmacologic profile among antipsychotics. It acts as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 receptors, meaning it can modulate dopamine activity rather than simply blocking it. It also acts as a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and as an antagonist at 5-HT2A receptors. This combination is thought to help stabilize mood and thought processes while reducing certain psychotic symptoms. By engaging multiple receptor pathways, Abilify may produce symptom relief with, in some people, a lower risk of certain side effects seen with other antipsychotics. Individual responses vary, and the balance of benefits and side effects often guides treatment decisions.

Common Uses and Conditions Treated

  • Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents (typically 13 years and older) to reduce hallucinations, delusions, and related symptoms.
  • Bipolar I disorder, including manic and mixed episodes, as monotherapy or in combination with other mood stabilizers.
  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) as an adjunctive treatment to antidepressant therapy when a patient has not achieved adequate relief from antidepressants alone.
  • Irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents aged 6–17 years (a subset of patients may be considered for this indication).

Abilify may be prescribed as part of a broader treatment plan that includes therapy, social support, and lifestyle interventions. For each condition, the goal is to reduce symptoms, improve overall functioning, and support adherence to the treatment plan. Your clinician will determine whether Abilify is appropriate based on your diagnosis, history, and other medications you may be taking.

Typical Dosages and Formulations

Abilify is available in several formulations, including oral tablets, an orally disintegrating tablet, an oral solution, and a long-acting injectable form. Dosing depends on the condition being treated, patient age, and individual response. Below are general guidelines often used in clinical practice, but exact dosing should be tailored by a healthcare professional.

  • Schizophrenia (adults): Starting doses are commonly in the low to mid range of daily tablets, with gradual titration. Typical total daily doses range from about 10 mg to 30 mg, taken once daily. In some cases, higher or lower doses may be chosen based on response and tolerability.
  • Bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes) in adults: Often in the range of 15 mg to 30 mg once daily, adjusted to balance symptom control with side effects.
  • Major depressive disorder (adjunctive therapy) in adults: A lower starting dose is common (for example 2 mg to 5 mg daily), with gradual increases as needed up to a usual maximum around 15 mg daily, depending on response and tolerability.
  • Irritability associated with autism (children and adolescents 6–17 years): Dosing starts low and is adjusted by a clinician based on response and tolerability.

In addition to the oral forms, there is a long-acting injectable version (Abilify Maintena) that is given by a healthcare professional on a monthly schedule after an initial stabilization period with oral aripiprazole. Dosing for injections is determined by the treating clinician and is not self-administered.

Because dosing is individualized, never adjust your dose without talking to your clinician. It can take several weeks to find the dose that provides the best balance of symptom relief and tolerability.

Side Effects and Monitoring

Like all medicines, Abilify can cause side effects in some people. Most people tolerate aripiprazole reasonably well, but potential adverse effects to watch for include:

  • Restlessness or an urge to move (akathisia), especially early in treatment
  • Sleep problems or sedation, dizziness, or lightheadedness
  • Weight changes, increased appetite, or metabolic changes (rare but possible)
  • Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
  • Headache or blurred vision
  • Elevated or decreased blood sugar and lipid levels in some individuals
  • Extrapyramidal symptoms (tremor, stiffness, slowed movement) in rare cases
  • Sexual side effects or changes in sexual function in some patients

A rare but important safety concern with all antipsychotics is an increased risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention if symptoms such as high fever, rigid muscles, confusion, or changes in vital signs occur. Abilify is also associated with a warning about: death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis, a finding shared with several antipsychotic medications.

Monitoring that clinicians commonly use includes regular checks of weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipid levels, particularly if a patient is on therapy for an extended period. Baseline measurements and periodic follow-ups help identify metabolic changes or other adverse effects early. Patients should report any unusual symptoms, especially signs of movement disorders, severe mood changes, or thoughts of self-harm.

Drug Interactions

Aripiprazole is metabolized in the liver by enzymes from the cytochrome P450 family, notably CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Drugs that strongly inhibit or induce these enzymes can alter aripiprazole levels, potentially changing effectiveness or side effects. Examples of interactions to discuss with a clinician include:

  • CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers (such as certain antidepressants, antifungals, anticonvulsants, or anticonvulsants) — can increase or decrease aripiprazole levels
  • Other antipsychotics or central nervous system depressants (including alcohol) — may enhance sedative effects or EPS risk
  • Medications that prolong the QT interval — although aripiprazole has a relatively lower risk, caution is advised with certain drugs

It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to manage potential interactions. Do not start or stop medications without professional guidance.

Important Considerations for Patients

Before starting Abilify, discuss your full medical history with your clinician, including any:

  • History of diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease
  • Family history of movement disorders or suicidality
  • Current pregnancy or breastfeeding plans
  • Use of alcohol or substances that may affect mood or coordination

Practical considerations for daily life include:

  • Adherence matters. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, at roughly the same time each day.
  • Avoid abrupt discontinuation; your clinician will provide a plan if stopping is necessary.
  • Be mindful of driving or operating machinery until you know how Abilify affects you, as dizziness or drowsiness can occur.
  • Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding with your clinician, as treatment decisions may change during these periods.
  • Monitor weight, appetite, and energy levels, and report any rapid weight gain, persistent fatigue, or excessive thirst or urination, which could signal metabolic changes.

Some patients may notice mood changes or new urges (for example, increased gambling, shopping, binge eating, or sexual behavior) while taking aripiprazole. If you experience any compulsive behaviors or other new symptoms, contact your clinician promptly.

Resources and Further Information

For patient-friendly information on aripiprazole, including safety considerations and dosing, consider consulting reputable health resources:

If you have questions about whether Abilify is suitable for you or your loved one, talk with a licensed healthcare professional who can assess the individual risks and benefits in the context of the full medical history.

Page Contents