Abilify is a brand product that contains Aripiprazole, which is a type of atypical antipsychotics. It works by blocking the actions of dopamine and serotonin to regulate our moods. Abilify is therefore mainly used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia.
Abilify is available as conventional tablets (Abilify), orodispersible tablets (Abilify Discmelt) and injections (Abilify Maintena). Orodispersible tablets are used for people with swallowing difficulties.
For schizophrenia
Adults
Oral: starts with 10-15 mg once daily
Injection: 400 mg intramuscularly once monthly, once you are on a stable dose of oral Abilify. You have to continue oral Abilify (or other oral antipsychotic) for 14 days during initiation of the injection.
Adolescents (13-17 years of age)
Oral: starts with 2 mg once daily, and increases to 5 mg after 2 days and to the target dose of 10 mg after 2 additional days.
For bipolar disorder (manic and mixed episodes)
Adults
Oral: when used as a single treatment, starts with 15 mg once daily; when used as combination therapy (with Lithium or Valproate), starts with 10-15 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase the dose up to 30 mg once daily if needed.
Injection: 400 mg intramuscularly once monthly, once you are on a stable dose of oral Abilify. You have to continue oral Abilify (or other oral antipsychotic) for 14 days during initiation of the injection.
Pediatrics (10-17 years of age)
Oral: starts with 2 mg once daily, and increases to 5 mg after 2 days and to the target dose of 10 mg after 2 additional days.
For major depressive disorder (as adjunctive treatment with antidepressants)
Adults
Oral: starts with 2-5 mg once daily, and may gradually increase up to 15 mg once daily.
Common side effects of Abilify include weight gain, sedation, nausea, constipation, movement disorders, headache, and increased blood sugar level.
People who are allergic to Aripiprazole or any component of the formulation.
Common dosing schedule:
Abilify can be taken with or without food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Abilify may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Abilify is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Abilify in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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