OverviewDosageSide EffectsInteractionsHalf-Life

Generic Name: Aripiprazole

Brands: Abilify, Abilify Discmelt, Abilify Maintena

Class: Atypical antipsychotics

Availability: Prescription required

Molecular Formula: C23H27Cl2N3O2

Substance UNII: 82VFR53I78

What is Abilify?

Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic. It is the brand name of the drug aripiprazole.

What is Abilify Used For?

Patients can use Abilify by itself or in combination with other medications to treat mental health conditions, such as bipolar I disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. Medical providers may prescribe it to children to manage irritability associated with Tourette syndrome or those on the autism spectrum. There are other off label uses for the medication not listed.

How Does Abilify Work?

Experts are still not sure exactly how this medication works. They believe, however, that Abilify works by changing how key chemicals in the brain, specifically dopamine and serotonin, affect an individual. 

How Long Does it Take for Abilify to Work?

It can take several weeks for Abilify to start to work. (some patients may have a faster response) A medical provider will typically communicate with a patient taking this drug during the first few weeks to see how it affects them, to ensure it is the right drug to treat their condition. 

Do Not Use Abilify If:

There are several situations where this medication may not be the right choice for you. According to the FDA, the following should not use Abilify if they have:

  • Hypersensitivity to Abilify or its components
  • Dementia-related psychosis

Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other situations where the use of this drug is not advisable.

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.


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