Abilify ®

Generic Name: Aripiprazole (ay-ree-PIP-ray-zole)

Drug Class: Tranquilizers

Contents

• Drug Uses
• General Information
• How it Works
• How to Take It
• Possible Side Effects
• Warnings and Precautions
• Drug Interactions
• Missing a Dose
• Storage
• Pregnancy or Nursing

Drug Uses

This medicine is used to treat schizophrenia. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for other conditions as well.

General Information

This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.

How it Works

It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are referred to as "neurotransmitters".

How to Take It

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Possible Side Effects

• Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include:

• vomiting
• fever
• lightheadedness
• dizziness
• change in weight
• blurred vision
• drowsiness
• 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. Keep all lab appointments.

Warnings/Precautions

• Do NOT increase your dose of this medicine without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel that the medicine is not working.
• Do NOT abruptly stop this medicine without talking to your doctor.
• This medicine may cause DROWSINESS or 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.
• Alcoholic beverages can increase the effects of this medicine and should be avoided.
• 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. Drink plenty of fluids.
• This medicine may increase your risk of getting diabetes or increase blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause serious problems if left untreated. Your healthcare provider can give you more information on this.

Overdose

• Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Drug Interactions

• Before taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes supplements and herbal products.

Missed Dose

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

Pregnancy/Nursing

If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is NOT known if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. It is recommended that you DO NOT breast-feed while taking this medicine unless your doctor or pediatrician has told you to.

More Information

For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider, or you can visit this website, www.abilify.com for additional information from the manufacturer of this drug.

Copyright © 2004 PharmClips, Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published March 1, 2004. This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before making any changes in their drug regimen.

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