It also treats irritability related to autism and certain symptoms of Tourette’s disorder.
However, the approved age for use varies based on the condition you’re taking Abilify to treat.
Some common side effects of Abilify include headache, nausea, and constipation.
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Although rare, Abilify may also cause more serious side effects.
In many cases, Abilify side effects are temporary and can be managed at home.
Constipation
Constipationis one of the more common side effects for adults taking Abilify.
In fact, it’s a common side effect of other antipsychotics as well.
Not drinking enough fluids or getting enough exercise are factors that may also contribute to constipation.
A few simple adjustments to your lifestyle canhelp with constipation.
double-check you talk with your pharmacist before taking any OTC medications.
They can check for any interactions with other medications you take.
If you don’t have abowel movementfor seven days or longer, talk with your healthcare professional.
Metabolic Changes
Takingatypical antipsychotics, including Abilify, may cause metabolic changes.
These can include high blood sugar levels ordiabetes, increased cholesterol levels, and weight gain.
In rare cases, this has led to diabetes.
Let your prescriber know if you have diabetes before starting treatment with Abilify.
If they prescribe this medication for you, they’ll monitor your blood sugar levels closely during your treatment.
This is to check for worsening of your diabetes.
These can include:
Your healthcare team will check your blood sugar level.
If they determine that you have hyperglycemia, they may recommend that you stop taking Abilify.
Weight Gain
It’s possible to haveweight gainwith Abilify.
In many cases, the weight gain may be small.
Higher percentages of weight gain were more common in children taking the medication than in adults.
Your doctor will monitor your body weight during your Abilify treatment.
However, increased cholesterol levels while taking Abilify are still possible.
Let your healthcare professional know if you have high cholesterol before you dive in taking Abilify.
And ensure you continue your treatment if you already take medications to lower cholesterol.
Movement-Related Side Effects
Taking antipsychotics, including Abilify, may cause movement-related side effects.
These can includerestlessnessor needing to move constantly and a condition calledtardive dyskinesia.
Restlessness with Abilify can take the form of excessive repetitive movements, such as rocking or pacing.
This is a more common Abilify side effect than tardive dyskinesia.
Tardive dyskinesia involves repetitive involuntary movements, usually of the face or tongue.
For example, you may experience lip smacking, excessive eye blinking, or face grimacing.
If you have tardive dyskinesia, they may recommend that you stop taking Abilify.
For some people, the benefits of continuing Abilify treatment may outweigh the risks of movement-related side effects.
Movement-related side effects typically go away after you stop taking Abilify.
However, in rare cases, tardive dyskinesia may continue even after you stop taking the medication.
Headache
Headacheis one of the more common Abilify side effects.
There are also a few steps you might take to help prevent or manage headaches.
Vomiting and Nausea
Nauseaand vomiting are also common side effects of Abilify.
However, this side effect typically improves as your body adjusts to the medication.
Keep in mind that severe or persistent vomiting may lead todehydration.
They may recommend OTC or prescription medication to treat nausea and vomiting.
Avoid taking any OTC medications without first talking with your prescriber or pharmacist.
They can check for interactions between Abilify and the nausea medications.
But if you arevomiting, stick to bland and easy-to-digest foods until your stomach settles.
Compulsive Behaviors
Some who take Abilify have reported unusual urges, such asgamblingorbinge eating.
In addition to gambling and binge eating, these can include compulsive shopping and unusual sexual urges.
If you experience any of these side effects, your healthcare professional may lower your Abilify dose.
If you continue to experience compulsive behaviors or severe side effects, they may recommend you stop taking Abilify.
Difficulty Sleeping
Insomnia(trouble falling or staying asleep) is one of the more common Abilify side effects.
This is especially true in adults taking this medication.
Talk with your prescriber if you have trouble sleeping while taking Abilify.
They may recommend you take your Abilify dose in the morning to help prevent insomnia.
Blurred Vision
Havingblurred visionwhile taking Abilify is possible.
Although it is rare, some people have even reported temporarynearsightednesswhen taking Abilify.
Vision problems triggered by Abilify are usually temporary.
But you should let your healthcare professional know if you have vision-related side effects while taking this medication.
They’ll likely refer you to an eye doctor to check for any serious eye problems.
Drooling
Droolingis another common side effect of antipsychotics, including Abilify.
Children taking this medication are more likely to experience this side effect than adults.
If you or your child experiences excessive drooling while taking Abilify, let your prescriber know.
They may prescribe medication to help reduce the drooling.
If this doesn’t help, they may have you switch to a different antipsychotic.
How Long Do Side Effects Last?
Most common Abilify side effects are temporary.
Long-term side effects from Abilify are also possible, but they are rare.
For example, Abilify may cause high blood sugar levels, which may lead to long-term diabetes.
Certain movement-related Abilify side effects may also continue even after you stop taking the medication.
Talk with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about long-term Abilify side effects.
Safety Warnings
Abilify may not be the right medication for everyone.
Before starting treatment with Abilify, it’s important to know its safety warnings.
Boxed Warnings
Abilify has a couple ofboxed warnings.
These are serious warnings from the FDA.
Specifically:
Precautions
Before starting Abilify, talk with your healthcare provider about your health history.
It may cause side effects in some people.
Examples of common Abilify side effects include constipation, headache, and nausea.
Though many Abilify side effects are mild and temporary, some rare side effects may be more serious.
These can include increased blood sugar levels and movement-related side effects.
In addition, Abilify should not be taken to treat dementia-related psychosis.
Keep in mind that this article doesn’t include a complete list of Abilify side effects and warnings.
Talk with your healthcare professional about your individual questions or concerns regarding Abilify side effects.
DailyMed.Label: Abilify- aripiprazole tablet.
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National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Insomnia: treatment.
Bulgu Y, Genc S.Aripiprazole-induced acute transient bilateral myopia: a case report.Beyoglu Eye J.
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