All About Abilify

Abilify

Any discussion on the different treatment approaches to mental health is incomplete without mentioning Abilify, which is an impressive antipsychotic medication that doctors recommend widely. Through its complex mechanism of action, Abilify can deal with a range of mental health disorders, paving the much-desired path to improved well-being.

Read This Article To Know

  • Abilify treats various mental health conditions and certain symptoms of Tourette’s and autistic disorder.
  • The different side effects to watch out for.
  • Patients should disclose existing conditions like dementia, diabetes, swallowing difficulties, and heart disease before taking Abilify.
  • Regular health monitoring is advised during Abilify treatment.
  • Abilify comes in tablets, disintegrating tablets, oral solution, and a sensor-based version, Abilify Mycite® System.
  • It functions as a partial agonist at D2 receptors and serotonin receptors.
  • Dosage depends on age and condition, not exceeding 30mg daily.
  • A more affordable, generic version of Abilify became available in 2015.

Exploring the Uses

Abilify is a potent medication, particularly known for treating schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, major depressive disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. It also shows effective results in managing Tourette’s disorder and several symptoms related to autistic disorder. 

Most symptoms (irritability, aggression, mood swings) can reduce if this medicine is used as advised by a doctor.

Addressing Side Effects

Like all medications, Abilify also has potential side effects, varying between adults and children. Common side effects in adults include: 

  • nausea 
  • vomiting 
  • constipation 
  • headache 
  • blurred vision 
  • upper respiratory illness 
  • dizziness 
  • anxiety
  • insomnia
  • restlessness, and an inner sense of restlessness known as akathisia

For children, the side effects may include:

  • sleepiness 
  • headache 
  • vomiting 
  • fatigue 
  • fluctuating appetite 
  • increased saliva or drooling 
  • insomnia 
  • nausea 
  • stuffy nose 
  • weight gain 
  • uncontrollable movements such as restlessness or tremors, and muscle stiffness

Reaching out to a doctor or medical professional is recommended if you notice any side effect that’s not passing with time or you’re suffering from abnormal muscle spasms or contractions, indicative of a condition called dystonia.

Precautions to Take

Before starting Abilify, you must inform your doctor about any pre-existing conditions, such as dementia, diabetes, difficulty swallowing, uncontrolled urges, heart disease, or a history of irregular heartbeat. To ensure the treatment is on the right track, regular lab and medical tests should be monitored such as blood sugar, weight, cholesterol/triglyceride levels, etc.

Different Forms of Abilify

Abilify comes in diverse forms such as tablets, disintegrating tablets, and oral solution, offering flexibility based on patient comfort and need. Abilify Mycite® System is a unique version, (that has a sensor in the tablet and a wearable sensor patch, an app for your phones, and a web-based portal) that helps track the tablet’s journey within the body.

Mechanism of Action

Abilify functions as a partial agonist at D2 receptors, potentially working as an antipsychotic by modulating dopaminergic neurotransmission in specific brain pathways. It also exhibits a high affinity for certain serotonin receptors, contributing to its therapeutic effects.

Dosage Recommendations

Abilify dosage varies based on the patient’s age and specific condition. Generally, it is taken once daily, anywhere between 10mg to 30mg for adults and 5mg to 10mg for children. The maximum daily dose for both groups should not exceed 30mg. 

Those patients already on antidepressants may benefit from Abilify as well, when taken in low doses. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized dosage instructions and avoid changing the dose without professional guidance.

Affordable Treatment with Generic Abilify

For those concerned about the cost of Abilify, a sigh of relief came in 2015 when the FDA approved a generic version of the drug. This approval makes the medication more accessible and affordable, offering a promising solution for a wide array of patients in need.

For more information, visit Canadian Pharmacy Online