If you are someone who is struggling with mental illness, then you may have heard of the drug Abilify. It is a medication that is used to treat a number of mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It can very helpful for those who are dealing with these illnesses.
In this blog post, we will provide you with a guide to Abilify. So, we will discuss what the drug is, how it works, and the potential side effects. And, we will also provide information on how to get a prescription for Abilify.
Contents
What Is Aripiprazole (Abilify)?
Aripiprazole is used to treat mental conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Tourette’s syndrome. It is in a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics.
It can use with other medications to treat major depressive disorder in adults. Aripiprazole is also used to treat irritability in children with autism who are at least six years old. It rebalances the levels of dopamine in the brain.
How Does Abilify Work?
Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic medication that works by targeting different chemicals in the brain than traditional antipsychotics. These include serotonin and dopamine. It uses to treat a number of different conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. This can also use as an adjunctive treatment for depression.
It works by blocking receptors for the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. This action helps to improve communication between neurons in the brain. Doing so can help to decrease symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia. This is also believed to work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This chemical is involved in memory, learning, and attention.
What Does Abilify Treat?
Aripiprazole works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain. And, it treats the following conditions:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Irritability associated with autism spectrum disorders.
Benefits of Abilify
While there are many potential benefits of Abilify, the drug is not without its risks. As with any medication, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before starting treatment. Some of the potential benefits of Abilify include:
- Relief from symptoms of mental illness:
One of the most well-known potential benefits of Abilify is relief from symptoms of mental illness. The drug is shown to be effective in treating conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
- Improved quality of life:
In addition to relieving symptoms of mental illness, Abilify may also improve your overall quality of life. Studies have shown that people who take the drug report feeling more satisfied with their lives and experiencing less social anxiety and isolation.
Dosage of Abilify
The dosage of Abilify that your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors, including your age, weight, and other medical conditions you may have. The usual starting dose for adults is between 2 and 5 milligrams (mg) per day. However, some people may need a higher or lower dose to achieve the desired effect.
If you miss a dose of Abilify, try to take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one. Doing so could lead to harmful side.
If you’re taking Abilify for depression, it may take four weeks or longer to see an improvement in your symptoms. For schizophrenia, you may see an improvement in symptoms within a few days to a few weeks.
Precautions While Taking Abilify
While taking Abilify, it is important to take precautions to avoid any potential risks. This includes letting your doctor know if you have a history of seizures, diabetes, or heart disease.
Abilify contains inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Be sure to let your doctor know if you have any allergies, and be sure to read the ingredients list before taking the medication.
You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking Abilify. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to speak with your doctor before starting Abilify as it may not be right for you.
How to Restore Abilify?
Store the tablets and the oral liquid in a cool, and dry place. Discard the medication after the expiration date on the package or 6 months after opening whichever comes first. So, do not keep it in a wet place.
Keep them out of the reach of children and pets. They should not pour down the into sink or toilet. When you no longer require or need your medicine, properly get rid of it.
Side Effects of Abilify
The side effects of Abilify can vary from person to person, but may include:
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Difficulty urinating or an inability to urinate
- Restlessness or feeling like you need to move constantly (akathisia)
Side effects are usually mild and go away after a few weeks. However, call your doctor if they become bothersome or don’t go away. Rare but serious side effects include suicidal thoughts and seizures.
However, Abilify shouldn’t take by people with a history of seizures or by those who are taking certain medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Abilify is a powerful drug that can use to treat a variety of mental health conditions. It is important to consult with a doctor before starting treatment with Abilify and to follow all of the doctor’s instructions carefully. Abilify can help improve the quality of life mental health and medication.
A Word From Therapy Mantra
Your mental health — Your psychological, emotional, and social well-being — has an impact on every aspect of your life. Positive mental health essentially allows you to effectively deal with life’s everyday challenges.
At TherapyMantra, we have a team of therapists who provide affordable online therapy to assist you with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, workplace Issues, addiction, relationship, OCD, LGBTQ, and PTSD. You can book a free therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.
