Aripiprazole
NHS information about the medicine aripiprazole, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What aripiprazole is for
Aripiprazole is a medicine called an antipsychotic.
It can be used to:
- treat schizophrenia and psychosis
- treat and prevent extremely high moods (mania) in people with bipolar disorder
How to take aripiprazole
Aripiprazole can be taken as:
- tablets that you swallow with water
- tablets that melt on your tongue (orodispersible)
- a liquid (oral solution) that you swallow – this comes with a spoon or syringe for you to measure the correct dose
Take your aripiprazole at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food, but do not mix the liquid medicine into other food or drink.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
Treatment with aripiprazole is usually long-term. You’ll usually need a check-up every year to make sure the medicine is still suitable for you.
Sometimes you may be given aripiprazole as an injection. A nurse or doctor will give you the injection every 1 or 2 months.
Side effects of aripiprazole
Like all medicines, aripiprazole can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of aripiprazole include:
- headaches
- feeling dizzy
- feeling sleepy or very tired, or having difficulty sleeping
- difficulty pooing (constipation)
- indigestion, feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
- feeling anxious or restless
- blurred vision
If you feel sleepy, dizzy or have blurred vision after taking aripiprazole, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of aripiprazole.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take aripiprazole
Most adults can take aripiprazole.
It's sometimes also prescribed for children aged 13 years or older.
But aripiprazole is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effect from aripiprazole or another antipsychotic medicine
- you or someone in your family has diabetes
- you or someone in your family has heart disease
- you've ever had a blood clot or a stroke
- you have epilepsy or another condition that can cause seizures (fits)
- you've ever had a problem with gambling
Before taking aripiprazole, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and aripiprazole
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Aripiprazole can sometimes be used while breastfeeding if the benefits outweigh the risks.
It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects of medicines you're using, but speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if:
- your baby is unusually sleepy or restless
- your baby is not feeding as usual or not gaining weight as expected
Do not sleep in the same bed (co-sleep) with your baby if you've taken aripiprazole or any other medicine that makes you sleepy or drowsy, as it can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Pregnancy and aripiprazole
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or you get pregnant while taking aripiprazole.
Aripiprazole can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.
Your baby may need extra checks during pregnancy, and you'll usually be advised to give birth in hospital so your baby can be closely monitored after you've given birth.
Taking aripiprazole with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with aripiprazole.
These include:
- antidepressants
- medicines to lower your blood pressure
- some medicines for fungal infections
- some medicines for HIV
- some epilepsy medicines, such as carbamazepine
- medicines for migraines such as sumatriptan and amitriptyline
- medicines that can make you sleepy, such as promethazine
- strong painkillers such as tramadol
- the herbal remedy St John's wort
Before taking aripiprazole, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with aripiprazole
You can eat and drink as normal while taking aripiprazole, but it's best not to drink alcohol because it can increase the risk of side effects.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or a doctor for advice
