What is aripiprazole ?
Aripiprazole (known under the trademark Abilify) is a drug that is used, inter alia, in people who are suffering from a psychosis, particularly as occurs in schizophrenia. It is an atypical antipsychotic. This medication is available with a prescription at the pharmacy and is available in tablets of 10 mg, 15 mg and 30 mg.
It is a derivative of quinolinone. Aripiprazole has a unique mechanism of action: partial agonism of the dopamine D2 receptors and also partial agonist of serotonin 5-HT 1A receptors and antagonist of 5HT2a-receptors. The drug is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Aripiprazole side effects
There are some health risks associated with the use of aripiprazole.
-Uncommon (0.1% -1%)
-Rapid heartbeat
-Dizziness when standing or rising
-Tardive dyskinesia
-Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
-Aggravation of diabetes mellitus
On April 11, 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that the elderly, who are demented and have a behavior disorder, aripiprazole, increases the risk of death by a factor of 1.6 to 1.7.
Abilify Maintena
Abilify Maintena is the depot variant of aripiprazole. The drug is allowed per 15 november 2013 in the EU as a maintenance treatment for adults with schizophrenia.
According to the CHMP is as effective as the oral form with a similar safety profile. One disadvantage is the (manageable) pain that administering the injection gives, one advantage that patients themselves by the monthly administration easier could stick to their treatment.
Safety and effectiveness under 18 and over 65 years of age have not been established. In pregnancy or who wish to be treated, the doctor warned. Prior to using the stabilization with oral variant is required. The injection should be administered intramuscularly by a doctor or nurse.
The most common side effects (occurring in up to 1 in 10 people) include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, restlessness, nausea and vomiting. Other common side effects are similar to those of the oral variant.
In addition to the active substance, aripiprazole, the agent contains the excipients sulfobutyl ether, β-cyclodextrin (SBECD), tartaric acid, sodium hydroxide and water for injection.