aripiprazole (cont.)
Alpha-1 receptor blockers [doxazosin (Cardura),
prazosin (Minipress), terazosin (Hytrin)], used for control of blood pressure and
prostatic enlargement, may increase the chance of hypotension (unusually low blood pressure).
PREGNANCY: Aripiprazole has not been studied in
pregnant women. However, some unwanted effects have been reported in animal studies. The physician may chose to use aripiprazole if he
or she feels that it its benefits outweigh this potential concern.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if aripiprazole is excreted in
breast milk; however, since most medicines are excreted in breast milk, it is recommended that women receiving aripiprazole should not breast feed.
SIDE EFFECTS: Some of the most common side effects associated with aripiprazole are anxiety, blurred vision, constipation,
cough, headache,
insomnia, lightheadedness, nausea, rash, restlessness, runny nose, sleepiness, tremors,
vomiting, weakness, and weight gain. As with other anti-psychotics, long-term use of aripiprazole may lead to a potentially irreversible condition called tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements of the jaw, lips, and tongue). A potentially fatal complex referred to as neuroleptic malignant syndrome has been reported with anti-psychotic drugs, including aripiprazole. Patients who develop this syndrome may have high fevers, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, irregular pulse or blood pressure, rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, and heart arrhythmias.
Although there is no clear link between aripiprazole and diabetes, patients should be tested during treatment for elevated blood-sugars. Additionally, persons with risk factors for diabetes, including obesity or a family history of diabetes, should have their fasting levels of blood sugar tested before starting treatment and periodically throughout treatment to detect the onset of diabetes. Any patient developing symptoms that suggest diabetes during treatment should be tested for diabetes.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 10/21/2008
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.
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