Abilify

Uses and Side Effects of Abilify

Many patients decide to take Abilify to treat a range of mood and mental disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and others. Sometimes, this medication is prescribed by doctors to treat depression, and it belongs to antipsychotic meds.

It works by restoring the right balance of neurotransmitters in the brain while improving people’s concentration and reducing hallucinations.

When undergoing this treatment, patients start thinking clearly and feeling less nervous in their daily life. Besides, Abilify is taken to treat serious mood swings and reduce their frequency.

Tips on Using It Correctly

It’s necessary to take this medication orally and according to recommendations given by doctors (usually once a day). The right dosage of all patients depends on such important aspects as their age, individual response, health condition and so on.

Warnings and Adverse Effects

When taking Abilify, there is a low risk of having severe side effects for older patients with dementia, and this medicine is not approved to be taken for dementia-related behavioral issues. Other common adverse effects experienced by patients include the following:

• Drowsiness and lightheadedness;
• Dizziness and tiredness;
• Vomiting and drooling;
• Nausea and weight gain;
• Blurred vision and headaches;
• Difficulty sleeping and constipation.

All patients need to inform their doctors if any of the above-mentioned symptoms get worse or persist. To decrease the risk of having lightheadedness and dizziness, they need to get up slowly from any lying and sitting position.

Some of the most serious side effects associated with the use of Abilify include mental and mood changes, fainting, restlessness, difficulty swallowing, tremor, seizures, muscle spasms, new signs of infection and a few others, but they happen in very rare cases.
Besides, this medicine may lead to the increase of blood sugar levels, so patients with diabetes must be closely monitored by their doctors.

Abilify may result in tardive dyskinesia, NMS and allergic reactions, but this risk is very low. People need to get medical help once they notice any signs of these medical conditions.

Other Precautions to Take

Before starting this treatment, patients need to inform their physicians about any allergies that they have and other medical problems, including issues with the blood flow in the brain, diabetes, heart problems, nervous system complications, obesity, swallowing difficulty, low count of white blood cells, etc.

The use of Abilify can make them feel drowsy and dizzy, so people should be careful with activities that require their full alertness. Alcohol should be avoided, just like any activities that can make patients overheat.

Finally, older patients are more prone to developing unwanted side effects, especially when it comes to seizures and confusion. Pregnant and nursing women are allowed to start this treatment only after consulting their doctors.