Generic Abilify ™ ®: Aripiprazole
Aripiprazole is the chemical name of the active ingredient in Abilify ™ ®

Tablets
Chemical Name: ARIPIPRAZOLE (ay-ree-PIP-ray-zole)

Common uses
This medicine is a psychotropic used to treat schizophrenia and certain symptoms of bipolar disorder. It is also used along with other medicines to treat depression. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
WARNING: THIS MEDICINE IS AN ATYPICAL ANTIPSYCHOTIC. ELDERLY PATIENTS WHO TAKE THIS MEDICINE to treat a medical condition called Dementia-Related Psychosis have an increased risk of death, usually due to heart problems (such as heart failure) or infection (such as pneumonia). This medicine is not approved by the FDA to treat Dementia-Related Psychosis. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking quinidine, SSRI antidepressants (such as fluoxetine or paroxetine), carbamazepine, azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole or itraconazole), voriconazole, alpha-blockers (such as doxazosin or prazosin), "water pills" (such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide), other medicines for high blood pressure, or medicines that may cause drowsiness. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of the medicines you are taking may cause drowsiness. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including heart disease (such as history of heart attacks or chest pain, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), history of stroke, dehydration, seizures, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, swallowing problems (such as history of aspiration), diabetes or a family history of diabetes, depression or other mental or mood disorders, history of suicidal thoughts or attempts, infection (such as pneumonia), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in bathroom. Use this medicine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests, such as fasting blood sugar levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Avoid alcoholic beverages. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand up slowly (especially when you first start using this medicine or if your doctor changes your dose). THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE SWEATING. DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED in hot weather, during exercise, or during other activities since risk of heatstroke may be increased. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING DIABETES or increase blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause serious problems if left untreated. Contact your doctor for more information. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED when using this medicine in the elderly, especially those with dementia related problems, because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. DIABETICS: THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT YOUR BLOOD SUGAR. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, change in weight, upset stomach, blurred vision, restlessness, tremor, increased amount of saliva, trouble sleeping, or drowsiness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience loss of control over urination or unusual bruising under your skin. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience uncontrolled muscle movements (especially of the face or tongue), muscle pain or tenderness, decreased amount of urine produced, seizures, unusual mental or mood changes, thoughts of hurting yourself, swelling of the arms or legs, chest pain, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, symptoms of a stroke (such as sudden onset of vision changes, one-sided weakness, or slurred speech), symptoms of high blood sugar (such as increased thirst, increased urination, or vision changes), unexplained fever, extreme muscle stiffness, fast or irregular heartbeat, unusual increased sweating, or unusual changes in your mental alertness. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE IS UNLIKELY, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include persistent vomiting, persistent drowsiness, and involuntary trembling.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.