Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Emmanuel Saltiel,
Pharm. D.
Medical Editor: Jay Marks, M.D.
GENERIC NAME: aripiprazole
BRAND NAME: Abilify
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:
Aripiprazole is an anti-psychotic drug for treating psychoses. Like other
anti-psychotic drugs, the mechanism of action of aripiprazole is unknown.
Moreover, like other anti-psychotics, it blocks several receptors on the nerves
of the brain for several neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to
communicate with each other). It is thought that its beneficial effect is due to
its effects on dopamine and serotonin receptors. Its effects on these receptors
are complex, involving stimulation of the receptors but to a lesser degree than
the naturally-occurring neurotransmitters (a process called partial agonism).
The FDA approved aripiprazole in November 2002.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No.
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 10, 15, 20, and 30 mg. Oral solution: 1 mg/mL
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Aripiprazole
is used to treat schizophrenia,
bipolar mania and mixed manic/depressive episodes (as sole or adjunctive therapy) and as adjunctive (add-on) therapy for
major depressive disorder.
DOSING: Aripiprazole usually is taken once a day. The usual starting dose is 10 or 15 mg once daily. The dose may be increased over time to achieve the desired effect. Aripiprazole can be taken with or without food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can markedly decrease the amount of aripiprazole in the body by increasing the rate at which the body's enzymes (particularly the liver enzyme, CYP3A4) degrade it. The manufacturer recommends that patients on aripiprazole who are started on carbamazepine double their dose of aripiprazole, under their doctor's supervision. Other drugs that can promote the activity of CYP3A4 and decrease the body's levels of aripiprazole are phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin
(Rifadin, Rimactane,
Rifadin,
Rifater,
Rifamate), and phenobarbital.
Ketoconazole (Nizoral) can increase the amount of aripiprazole in the body by blocking CYP3A4. The manufacturer of aripiprazole recommends reducing the dose of aripiprazole by one-half during ketoconazole therapy. Many other drugs also are known to block CYP3A4 and potentially could increase the levels of aripiprazole, but their actual effects on aripiprazole levels have not been studied. Such drugs include: itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan),
voriconazole (Vfend), cimetidine (Tagamet), verapamil (Calan,
Isoptin), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor), erythromycin, clarithromycin (Biaxin), nefazodone (Serzone), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Invirase), nelfinavir (Viracept), indinavir (Crixivan), and grapefruit juice.
Quinidine (Quinaglute,
Quinidex) inhibits another liver enzyme known as CYP2D6 that also breaks down aripiprazole and can increase the amount of aripiprazole in the body. The manufacturer of aripiprazole recommends reducing the dose of aripiprazole by one-half during
quinidine therapy. Other medicines that block CYP2D6 include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil).
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Depression - Read about depression causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and types, including manic depression (bipolar disorder), postpartum depression and clinical depression.
- Schizophrenia - Get information on schizophrenia symptoms (delusions, hallucinations), causes (genetics), diagnosis, treatment of schizophrenics (antipsychotic medications) and types (paranoid).
- Bipolar Disorder (Mania) - Read about bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), a condition that causes mood swings (mania and depression episodes). Learn about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment information.
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