Abilify - Aripiprazole

What is it?

Composition

Abilify contains the active substance aripiprazole, which is an atypical antipsychotic. Its action is based on regulating the activity of dopamine and serotonin receptors, which helps to correct the chemical balance in the brain. The drug is available in various forms and dosages, including tablets, injection solutions and suspensions.

Abilify also contains excipients that ensure the stability and absorption of the drug:

• Lactose monohydrate
• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Hydroxypropyl cellulose
• Croscarmellose sodium
• Magnesium stearate

These components help the drug maintain its shape, and also ensure ease of use and maximum effectiveness.

How to use?

The use of Abilify depends on the release form and the specific diagnosis of the patient. It is important to strictly follow the doctors recommendations and the instructions for the drug in order to achieve the best therapeutic effect and minimize the risk of side effects.

1. Abilify tablets are taken orally, usually once a day. They can be taken regardless of food intake, with a small amount of water. The dosage is selected individually, starting with low doses and gradually increasing as needed.
2. Injectable forms of Abilify are administered intramuscularly by medical personnel. Such injections are prescribed in cases where a quick effect is needed or if the patient cannot take tablets.
3. When using solutions and suspensions, it is important to strictly follow the instructions for dosage and method of administration, which can only be given by the attending physician.

Regardless of the release form, it is not recommended to independently change the dosage or stop taking the drug without consulting a doctor, as this can lead to a deterioration in the condition.

How does it work?

Abilify works by affecting certain receptors in the brain, specifically dopamine and serotonin. Aripiprazole, the active ingredient in the drug, acts as a partial agonist of dopamine receptors, which allows it to balance the activity of dopamine in the brain. This means that in situations where there is too much dopamine, Abilify helps to reduce its activity, and when there is not enough, on the contrary, it enhances the action of dopamine.

In addition, Abilify affects serotonin receptors, which helps to stabilize mood and reduce the manifestations of anxiety and depression. This dual modification of neurotransmitters makes the drug effective not only in the treatment of schizophrenia, but also in other disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression, especially when standard therapy is ineffective.

Indications

Abilify is used to treat various mental disorders due to its ability to modulate the chemical balance in the brain. The drug is widely used both in monotherapy and in combination with other medications, depending on the specific diagnosis and the patients condition.

• Schizophrenia - for the treatment and prevention of exacerbations in adults and adolescents over 13 years old.
• Bipolar disorder - to stabilize mood and prevent episodes of mania or depression in adults and children over 10 years old.
• Depression - as an adjunct to antidepressants when the latter are ineffective.
• Autism - to treat irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents.
• Tourette - to reduce the severity of tics in adults and children over 6 years old.

Thanks to its unique mechanism of action, Abilify helps effectively manage the symptoms of these disorders and improves the quality of life of patients.

Contraindications

Despite its effectiveness, Abilify has a number of contraindications that must be taken into account before starting therapy. The drug may be unsafe for some categories of patients, and its use should be carried out under strict medical supervision.

• Hypersensitivity or allergy to aripiprazole or any other components of the drug.
• Serious cardiovascular diseases, including uncontrolled arrhythmia, since the drug can cause changes in heart rate.
• Severe liver or kidney disease, which can affect the metabolism and elimination of the drug from the body.
• Conditions associated with an increased risk of seizures, such as epilepsy, since Abilify can increase the likelihood of seizures.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding, since the effect of the drug on the development of the fetus and newborn has not been sufficiently studied.

Before starting to use Abilify, you must consult a doctor to exclude possible contraindications and avoid unwanted consequences.

Side effects

Like any medication, Abilify can cause side effects, although most patients tolerate it well. Side effects may vary depending on the dosage, duration of use, and individual characteristics of the body.

• Nausea and vomiting are among the most common side effects, especially in the initial stages of treatment.
• Dizziness and weakness - may occur due to a decrease in blood pressure or effects on the central nervous system.
• Insomnia - some patients may experience sleep disturbances, which requires adjustment of the dosage or regimen of the drug.
• Weight gain - occurs in some patients, especially with long-term use, due to the effect of the drug on metabolism.
• Tremor or involuntary movements - rare, but may occur as an adverse reaction to long-term treatment.

If any adverse reactions occur, it is important to consult a doctor to adjust the dosage or select an alternative treatment.