Indications

Schizophrenia is treated with Ariprex 2.

Schizoaffective disorder (SAD) is a mental illness that affects people

Bipolar I Disorder is accompanied with acute manic and mixed episodes.

Maintaining efficacy in stable individuals with Bipolar I Disorder

Pharmacology

Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic that works on both dopamine and serotonin receptors. It reduces the symptoms of schizophrenia by acting as a partial agonist of dopamine D2 receptors. It is classified as a stabilizer of the dopamine system. It's a partial agonist for serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and an antagonist for serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This has been linked to a reduction in depressed, cognitive, and negative symptoms.

Dosage & Administration

For Schizophrenia: 10 to 15 mg, once daily, without regard to food. Dose increment should not be made before 2 weeks, the time needed to achieve steady state.

For Bipolar mania: 30 mg, once daily, without regard to food.

Interaction

When used with other centrally acting medications and alcohol, aripipazole should be used with caution. Aripiprazole clearance may be increased by carbamazepine, resulting in lower blood levels. Aripiprazole can be inhibited by ketoconazole, quinidine, fluoxetine, or paroxetine, resulting in higher blood levels.

Contraindications

Patients who are hypersensitive to aripiprazole or any of its components should avoid taking it.

Side Effects

Headache, constipation, asthenia, nausea, dyspepsia, vomiting, coughing, abdominal pain.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Because no human trials have been conducted, aripiprazole should not be used during pregnancy. If a patient is taking aripiprazole, they should not breastfeed their child.

Precautions & Warnings

Orthostatic hypotension has been linked to aripiprazole (orthostatic lightheadedness).

Individuals with known cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction or ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or conduction abnormalities), cerebrovascular disease, or circumstances that predispose patients to hypotension should use aripiprazole with caution (dehydration, hypovolemia, and treatment with antihypertensive medications).