aripiprazole at a glance
Medicine class
Antipsychotic; a dopamine partial agonist.
Main licensed uses
Schizophrenia, manic episodes in bipolar I disorder and, in selected adults, prevention of further manic episodes.
Food
Oral forms can be taken with or without food.
Important behaviour change
Report new or increased urges to gamble, shop, binge eat or have sex promptly.
What is aripiprazole used for?
Licensed uses vary by formulation and include:
Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 15 years and over.
Moderate to severe manic episodes in bipolar I disorder in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and over.
Prevention of a new manic episode in adults whose predominantly manic episodes previously responded to aripiprazole.
Maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults stabilised with oral aripiprazole, using prolonged-release injection.
Rapid control of agitation and disturbed behaviour in adults with schizophrenia or bipolar I mania when oral treatment is inappropriate, using short-acting intramuscular injection.
How does aripiprazole work?
Aripiprazole partly stimulates dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors while blocking serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This pattern can reduce psychotic and manic symptoms.
aripiprazole preparations and strengths
Dispersible tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1 mg/mL
How to take aripiprazole
Follow the product label and prescriber's instructions. Oral forms may be taken with or without food.
Swallow standard tablets with water.
Place an orodispersible tablet on the tongue immediately after opening the blister, or disperse it in water and drink promptly.
Measure oral solution only with the supplied measuring device.
Injections are administered by healthcare professionals and are not interchangeable with oral forms.
aripiprazole side effects
Common or expected effects
- Restlessness or akathisia
- Difficulty sleeping, anxiety or headache
- Nausea, vomiting, indigestion or constipation
- Sleepiness, dizziness or blurred vision
- Tremor or other movement symptoms
- Injection-site pain with prolonged-release injections
Get urgent medical advice
- High temperature, marked muscle stiffness, confusion or unstable pulse or blood pressure may indicate neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
- New uncontrolled movements of the face, tongue or limbs need prompt assessment.
- Marked thirst, frequent urination, weakness or unexplained weight loss may indicate high blood glucose.
- Report new or escalating gambling, spending, sexual or eating urges promptly.
- Painful leg swelling, sudden chest pain or breathlessness may indicate a blood clot.
- Agitation, sweating, tremor, diarrhoea, fever or muscle rigidity may indicate serotonin syndrome, particularly with serotonergic medicines.
- Breathing or swallowing difficulty, severe swelling, seizure or a prolonged painful erection requires urgent help.
aripiprazole in pregnancy
Aripiprazole can be used during pregnancy when recommended by a specialist. Exposure near delivery can cause temporary newborn movement, feeding, breathing or sleep-related symptoms, so maternity and neonatal teams should be informed.
aripiprazole while breastfeeding
Oral aripiprazole may be used cautiously after individual assessment, although alternatives are often preferred. It may reduce milk supply. Monitor the baby for unusual sleepiness or restlessness, constipation, movement symptoms, poor feeding or inadequate weight gain. Specialist advice is appropriate for premature or unwell babies and prolonged-release injections.
aripiprazole interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products before combining them with aripiprazole.
Fluoxetine, paroxetine or quinidine
Can raise aripiprazole exposure and adverse effects.
Ketoconazole, itraconazole or strong HIV protease inhibitors
Can raise aripiprazole concentrations.
Carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin or St John's wort
Can substantially lower aripiprazole concentrations and effectiveness.
Common questions about aripiprazole
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
How quickly does aripiprazole start working?
Some symptoms may begin to improve after several days, but fuller benefit can take weeks.
Can aripiprazole make restlessness worse?
Yes. Akathisia causes an uncomfortable need to move or inability to sit still and should be reported, especially if severe or distressing.
Does aripiprazole cause weight gain?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.