Aripiprazole

Aripiprazole

Aripiprazole, a versatile antipsychotic drug, has gained attention for its wide range of uses. This potent medication influences brain chemistry, offering hope to those struggling with disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder & major depressive disorder.

Aripiprazole tablet uses are diverse and can make a real difference in people's lives. We will explore what this medication is, how to use it, and its potential side effects. We will also examine essential precautions, how they work in the body, and whether you can take them with other medicines. 

What is Aripiprazole?

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medication. It belongs to a class of drugs known as second-generation antipsychotics. Aripiprazole influences brain chemistry by acting on dopamine and serotonin receptors. This medication is primarily used for managing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. It also has indications for treating irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder and Tourette's syndrome. It can help individuals think more clearly, feel less nervous, and participate more actively in everyday life. Aripiprazole is available in various forms, including oral tablets, oral solutions, and injectable formulations for different treatment needs.

Aripiprazole Tablet Uses

Aripiprazole has a wide range of uses in treating various mental health conditions, such as: 

• One of the primary uses for aripiprazole is to manage schizophrenia in adults and teenagers aged 13 and older. 
• The medication also influences bipolar disorder, helping to treat manic or mixed episodes in adults and children from 10 years old. 
• For those struggling with depression that does not respond to antidepressants alone, doctors use aripiprazole as an add-on treatment. 
• Aripiprazole has indications for children aged 6 to 17 with autistic disorder, helping to control irritable behaviour such as aggression and mood swings. 
• Aripiprazole is used to treat Tourette's disorder in children aged 6 to 18. These diverse uses make aripiprazole a versatile option for various mental health concerns.

How to Use Aripiprazole Tablet

To use aripiprazole tablets correctly, start by reading the prescription provided by your doctor. 

• Take the tablet orally, with or without food, as directed by your treating physician, usually once daily. Do not increase your dose or use the drug more often than prescribed. 
• Swallow the tablet whole with water. 
• If you are using the liquid form, measure the dose carefully with a measuring device or marked cup. 
• It is necessary to take aripiprazole at the same time each day to maintain its constant concentration in the blood. 
• It may take several weeks to experience the full benefits, so keep taking it regularly, even if you feel well. 
• Only stop the medicine after consulting your doctor, as some conditions may worsen when suddenly stopped. Your doctor may gradually decrease the dose and inform them if your condition does not improve or worsen.

Side Effects of Aripiprazole Tablet

Aripiprazole can influence various aspects of your health. Common aripiprazole side effects are:

• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness 
• Lightheadedness
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Weight gain
• Increased salivation

Serious side effects, though rare, include:

• Mood swings like increased anxiety or depression
• Seizures
• Liver function abnormalities and jaundice
• Tardive dyskinesia (unusual, uncontrolled movements)
• Aripiprazole may also affect blood sugar levels, potentially worsening diabetes. 
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (rare), such as severe confusion, fever, muscle stiffness or pain, and fast heartbeat
• Increased thoughts of suicide

If you encounter any severe adverse effects, seek medical help immediately. 

Precautions

When taking aripiprazole, it is important to be aware of certain precautions, such as: 

• Monitoring: Regular health checks with your doctor are essential to monitor your progress & adjust the dose if needed. Blood and urine tests may be necessary to check for any unwanted effects. Aripiprazole can increase thoughts of suicide in some patients, so it is vital to report any unusual thoughts or behaviours to your doctor immediately. 
• Medical Conditions: Inform your clinician about any past medical history and presence of conditions like cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease, irregular heartbeat, nervous system problems (such as seizures, NMS, dementia), and sleep apnea.
• Drowsiness: This medicine may cause drowsiness and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. 
• Elderly: Older adults are more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially dizziness, seizures, drowsiness, and tardive dyskinesia.
• Diabetes: Aripiprazole may increase blood sugar levels, so diabetic patients should monitor their glucose carefully. It can also make it harder for your body to cool down in hot conditions.

It is important not to change the dose or stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor first.

How Aripiprazole Tablet Works

Aripiprazole has a unique way of working in the brain. It acts like a partial agonist at dopamine D2 & serotonin 5-HT1A receptors while being an antagonist at 5-HT2A receptors. This means it can balance out dopamine and serotonin levels, which are chemicals that affect how we think, feel, and act.

Aripiprazole has an influence on different brain areas, including the nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, and frontal cortex. This helps manage positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of conditions like schizophrenia. The drug requires a high occupancy rate at D2 receptors to be effective, which suggests it has a selective effect on specific brain pathways.

In areas with high dopamine, like the mesolimbic pathway, aripiprazole acts as a functional antagonist. However, it remains inactive in regions with normal dopamine levels. This unique action helps reduce symptoms while causing fewer side effects compared to other antipsychotics.

Can I Take Aripiprazole with Other Medicines?

Aripiprazole can interact with various medications and supplements, such as: 

• Alcohol
• Anti-anxiety drugs such as alprazolam, zolpidem
• Antidepressants like fluoxetine or paroxetine
• Antihistamines such as cetrizine, diphenhydramine
• Carbamazepine 
• Grapefruit & grapefruit juice
• Metoclopramide
• Muscle relaxants such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine
• Opioid pain relievers like codeine, hydrocodone
• St. John's wort 

Dosing Information

Aripiprazole dosing varies depending on the condition being treated.

For schizophrenia in adults, the starting dose is typically 10 to 15 mg once daily, with a maximum of 30 mg per day. 

In bipolar disorder, adults usually start with 15 mg per day. 

For depression, the starting dose is lower, ranging from 2 to 5 mg daily, with a maximum of 15 mg. 

Children's doses are generally lower and depend on age and weight. For example, in autism-related irritability, children aged 6 to 17 may start with 2 mg daily, gradually increasing if needed. 

It is important to follow your doctor's instructions precisely, as dosing can differ based on individual factors. 

Conclusion

Aripiprazole influences mental health treatment, offering hope to those struggling with various conditions. Its versatile uses in managing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression & other mental health issues make it a valuable tool in psychiatry. The medication's unique way of working in the brain helps balance necessary chemicals, potentially improving symptoms while causing limited side effects compared to other antipsychotics.

While aripiprazole can be a game-changer for many, it is important to remember that everyone's experience with medication is different, and finding the right treatment plan may take time and patience.

FAQs

1. How does aripiprazole affect you?

Aripiprazole has an influence on brain chemistry by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels. It can help decrease hallucinations, improve concentration, and reduce anxiety. Some people may experience drowsiness, dizziness, or nausea as side effects.

2. Is aripiprazole safe?

Aripiprazole is generally safe when used as prescribed. However, like all medicines, it can have some associated side effects. Regular check-ups with your doctor can monitor the progress and make dose adjustments if needed.

3. Is aripiprazole used for anxiety?

While aripiprazole is not primarily used for anxiety, it may help manage anxiety symptoms associated with conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Large-scale studies are needed to clarify its efficacy for anxiety specifically.

4. Is aripiprazole safe for the heart?

Aripiprazole has a lower risk of cardiac side effects compared to some other antipsychotics. However, informing your doctor about any pre-existing heart conditions before starting treatment is necessary.

5. Why take aripiprazole at night?

Taking aripiprazole at night may be recommended if it causes drowsiness. However, some studies suggest morning dosing may be better for metabolic health. Consult your doctor for personalised advice.

6. Is aripiprazole bad for the kidneys?

There is no evidence that aripiprazole directly harms the kidneys. However, monitoring kidney function is essential, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney issues.

7. Can I take aripiprazole daily?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe aripiprazole to be taken daily. It is essential to maintain a consistent dosing schedule for optimal effectiveness.

8. Can I take aripiprazole at night?

You can take aripiprazole at night if it makes you sleepy or if you are more likely to remember taking it then. However, some people may prefer morning dosing. Discuss the best timing with your doctor.