abilify (aripiprazole)

Abilify (aripiprazole)

Brand name: Abilify®

Active ingredient name: Aripiprazole.

Type of medication: Atypical antipsychotic.

Available in Canada from: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd (2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg)

Form: Oral tablets.

Generic: Yes — Apo‑Aripiprazole, Auro‑Aripiprazole, PMS‑Aripiprazole, Sandoz‑Aripiprazole, Teva‑Aripiprazole, Mint‑Aripiprazole, Sai‑Aripiprazole, Aripiprazole (Sivem), NRA‑Aripiprazole

Listed on Ontario formulary: Yes (with suggested criteria*).

OHIP+ coverage: Yes (with suggested criteria*).

*Therapeutic note: Suggested for individuals with failure, intolerance, or contraindication to at least one less expensive antipsychotic.

Note: Abilify® is also available as a long‑acting injectable called Abilify® Maintena®.

What is Abilify used for?

Used to treat schizophrenia in adults and adolescents (15–17).
 Also used for:

  • bipolar I disorder (adults and adolescents 13–17)
  • adjunctive treatment in major depressive disorder (adults)
     May be used for other conditions based on your doctor’s judgment.

How should I take Abilify?

May be taken with or without food.
Swallow whole — do not crush, chew, or split.
If swallowing is difficult, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Available strengths:

2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg.

Adults:

Typical dose 10–15 mg once daily (range 2–30 mg).
Maximum 30 mg/day unless otherwise directed.

Adolescents (15–17):

Often start at 2 mg → 5 mg → 10 mg based on response.
Maximum 30 mg/day.

Common side effects

  • Restlessness (akathisia)
  • Headache
  • Extrapyramidal symptoms
  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset
  • Insomnia
  • Constipation
  • Anxiety

Rare but serious side effects

  • Low white blood cell count (agranulocytosis)
  • Stroke
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

Warnings/Precautions

Rare impulse‑control problems (gambling, binge eating, shopping, sexual urges) have been reported and usually resolve when the dose is lowered or stopped.
 Older adults with dementia‑related psychosis have a higher risk of death when taking antipsychotics.

Medication interactions

Tell all healthcare providers you are taking Abilify.

May increase levels:

  • Ketoconazole
  • Quinidine

May decrease levels:

  • Carbamazepine
  • St. John’s Wort

Other interactions:

  • Dopamine agonists
  • Diphenhydramine
  • Lorazepam, zopiclone
  • Opioids (e.g., fentanyl)