As is the case with any other medication, there may be some instances where Abilify interactions can occur. In such cases, use is not recommended, or usage will have to be adjusted in order to prevent or reduce the risk of negative interactions occurring from other drugs, medical conditions, or even food and drink.
Drug Interactions
According to the FDA, drugs that may interact with Abilify (aripiprazole) include the following.
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and clarithromycin (Biaxin)
- Strong CYP3A4 inducers, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) and rifampin (Rifadin)
- Antihypertensive drugs, or drugs to control high blood pressure, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and vasodilators (blood vessel-widening drugs)
- Benzodiazepines (“benzos”), such as lorazepam (Ativan)
- The antiarrhythmic agent quinidine
- HIV medications, such as the protease inhibitors indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase), and lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra)
Please note that this list may not be complete, and other interactions with drugs not listed here may occur.
Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a medication that can treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Combining Wellbutrin with Abilify can increase the risk of increased side effects. Specifically, Wellbutrin can increase blood levels of Abilify, which would potentially enhance the drug’s side effects. These side effects include drowsiness, abnormal muscle movements, and low blood pressure (hypotension).
Lexapro (Escitalopram)
Lexapro (escitalopram) is an antidepressant, specifically a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Combining Lexapro with Abilify may increase levels of aripiprazole in the blood, potentially enhancing the drug’s side effects, such as drowsiness, abnormal muscle movements, and low blood pressure (hypotension).
Zoloft (Sertraline)
Zoloft (sertraline) is an SSRI antidepressant. Combining this drug with Abilify may increase the side effects of aripiprazole.
Prozac (Fluoxetine)
Prozac (fluoxetine) is an SSRI antidepressant. Combining this drug with Abilify may increase the side effects of aripiprazole.
Adderall
Adderall is a combination drug containing different salts of amphetamine. It is useful in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used recreationally as a performance enhancer.
It’s not clear if there is an interaction between these two drugs. Anyone taking Adderall should therefore alert their medical provider before taking Abilify.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Duloxetine can treat a major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and neuropathic pain; it is sometimes prescribed for those with fibromyalgia as well. Taking duloxetine with Abilify may increase the side effects of aripiprazole.
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
Lithium is a popular treatment for bipolar disorder. Taking lithium with Abilify may increase side effects like dizziness, confusion, and lack of focus.
Antibiotics
Certain antibiotics, antifungals like triazoles, and antimycobacterial drugs like rifampin may interact with Abilify. The FDA warns against taking Abilify with strong CYP3A4 inhibitor antifungal drugs and strong CYP3A4 antibiotics.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. That is why some people take melatonin supplements to combat insomnia. Taking them with Abilify, a drug that promotes drowsiness, may enhance the sedative effects of both drugs.
Trazodone (Desyrel)
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that can treat major depressive disorder, anxiety, and alcohol dependence. Mixing trazodone with Abilify can amplify certain side effects like drowsiness.
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine that can promote sleepiness. Taking it with Abilify may enhance the sedative effects of both medications.
Temazepam (Restoril)
Temazepam (Restoril) is a medication that can help those with trouble sleeping. Taking it with Abilify might enhance sedation, leading to extreme drowsiness and poor concentration.
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Fluvoxamine is an SSRI. Taking it with Abilify may increase blood levels of Ability, potentially enhancing the side effects of the drug such as drowsiness, abnormal muscle movements, and low blood pressure.
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Olanzapine and Abilify are both atypical antipsychotics. Taking them together will likely enhance side effects like blurred vision, dry mouth, drowsiness, abdominal cramping, and irregular heartbeat. These medications are not commonly prescribed together double check with your physician if you should be taking both olanzapine and abilify.
Paliperidone (Invega)
Paliperidone and Abilify are both atypical antipsychotics. Taking them together may increase unpleasant side effects, such as constipation, confusion, memory issues, irregular heartbeat, and flushing. These medications are not commonly prescribed together double check with your physician if you should be taking both paliperidone and abilify.
Food Interactions
Sometimes the foods we eat and the beverages we drink can also interact with our medications. Food and drink that may interact with Abilify include:
- Alcohol
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other foods and beverages that interact with this drug.
Abilify and Alcohol
For more information, please visit our page on Abilify and alcohol interactions.
Herbs
Certain herbs can have interactions with some types of psychiatric medications. It is unclear if Abilify falls into that category. As such, tell a medical provider if you take any herbal supplements.
Vitamins
Your medical provider will need to know about any supplements you take, including vitamins.
Grapefruit
It is possible there could be an interaction between Abilify and grapefruit (whole or juice). It may increase the amount of Abilify in the blood. People who eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice regularly should talk to their medical providers before taking Abilify.
Caffeine
Restlessness is one possible side effect of Abilify. Drinking caffeine may enhance that issue. Caffeine drinkers should talk to their medical provider about it before taking Abilify.
Disease & Conditions Interactions
Sometimes certain medications can increase the risk of negative side effects for patients with certain diseases or other medical conditions. According to the FDA, diseases, and medical conditions that are known to negatively interact with Abilify include:
- Dementia-related psychosis
- Suicidal ideation
- Personal or family history of diabetes, or high blood sugar
- Seizures (convulsions)
- Low or high blood pressure (hypotension and hypertension, respectively)
- Heart problems
- Stroke
- Pregnancy
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other diseases and medical conditions where patients should not take this medication.
Abilify and Breastfeeding
For more information, please visit our page on Abilify and pregnancy risks.
Abilify and Pregnancy
For more information, please visit our page on Abilify and pregnancy risks.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is one potential side effect of Abilify. It’s important to notify your medical provider if this event happens.
Diabetes
Some people experience an increase in blood sugar levels when taking Abilify. Those with diabetes or risk factors for diabetes should have their blood sugar checked before taking Abilify and continue to do so frequently throughout their treatment.
Other Interactions
Other interactions include the following.
Marijuana
Mixing Abilify with marijuana or other cannabis may increase certain side effects, such as dizziness, impaired judgment, and trouble concentrating.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
