Abilify is a treatment option for a mood problem.

Abilify is a prescription drug.

Abilify is a drug that you swallow. Aripiprazole is an active ingredient in Abilify. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

If Abilify works for you, your doctor will recommend taking it for a long time.

For more information about Abilify, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article.

Abilify can cause mild to serious side effects. Continue reading to learn more.

Note: This article focuses on the side effects of Abilify tablets. The drug is also available as Abilify MyCite tablets and Abilify Maintena injections, which are not discussed in this article. To learn more about these other forms, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Some people may have side effects during their Abilify treatment. Abilify has been reported to have some side effects.

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.

Mild side effects have been reported with Abilify.

  • It is restless.
  • It is too sleepy. or drowsiness
  • There are There are tremors..
  • “It’s difficult to sleep.”
  • fatigue (low energy)
  • nausea or vomiting
  • Making more saliva is normal.
  • There is a throbbing head.
  • The cold.
  • hair loss
  • weight gain
  • It is a problem of the colon.
  • Sexual side effects.
  • akathisia*
  • mild allergic reaction*

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.

“These side effects should be temporary. Some may be easy to manage. If you have any symptoms that bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Unless your doctor recommends it, don’t stop taking Abilify.”

Abilify may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Abilify, visit MedWatch.

Mild side effects from Abilify are usually present. The drug may cause serious side effects. There have been serious side effects with Abilify.

* Abilify has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Abilify, call your doctor. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call the emergency number.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone who is at risk of self-injury, suicide or hurting another person.

  • Ask the tough question, “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person.
  • To speak with a trained crisis counselor, call or text the number.
  • Stay with the person until help arrives.
  • Weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects should be removed.

A prevention hotline can help if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide. You can call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 if you need it. People who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service.

Click here for more local resources.

Children taking Abilify have the same side effects as adults. Abilify may cause other side effects in children. These include:

Abilify can cause weight gain. In studies, this was a common side effect reported by people taking the drug.

Abilify may cause changes in your metabolism. These changes include increased blood sugar levels and increased cholesterol levels. As a result, the drug may increase your risk of weight gain.

Your doctor will monitor your weight during treatment. You can also check the weight at home.

If you notice a change in your weight, talk to your doctor. They can recommend ways to lose weight, such as diet or exercise changes. If you are having a weight gain that is bothering you, your doctor may recommend a different treatment.

Get answers to questions about Abilify.

Does Abilify cause sexual side effects?

It is possible for Abilify to cause sexual side effects. These include:

The side effects explained section will show you more about the sexual side effects of Abilify.

Do Abilify’s side effects go away on their own?

Side effects from Abilify may not need to be reported. Some may be long term. How long side effects last depends on how your body adjusts to Abilify and how you experience them.

If you develop nausea at the beginning of Abilify treatment, your body may adjust. You may notice that your nausea is decreasing or even going away completely.

But other side effects, such as White blood cell levels were reduced., may be more long term. These side effects may not go away on their own. And they may last even after you’ve taken Abilify for a long time.

If you are concerned about side effects from Abilify, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss whether your side effects will go away on their own. They may be able to recommend ways to treat the side effects that you are experiencing.

Do Abilify’s side effects vary depending on strength (such as 5-mg tablets vs. 10-mg tablets)?

“It is possible for Abilify’s side effects to vary depending on the strength of the medication you are taking. There are several strengths of Abilify tablets.”

People taking a higher strength of Abilify may have more side effects. Your doctor can tell you what strength of Abilify is best for you. They will prescribe strength that is effective without causing side effects.

Is hair loss a side effect of Abilify?

Yes, hair loss is a possible side effect of Abilify. But in studies of the drug, this side effect was rare.

If you notice hair loss that’s severe or bothersome to you during Abilify treatment, talk with your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to decrease hair loss. For example, they may recommend using an over-the-counter medication, such as Rogaine (minoxidil), to treat this side effect.

Will I experience withdrawal side effects if I stop taking Abilify?

Yes, it’s possible to have withdrawal side effects when stopping Abilify treatment. These can be serious side effects that can happen when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. Examples of withdrawal side effects include trouble thinking and anxiety.

“It is important that you talk with your doctor before stopping treatment with Abilify. They may suggest decreasing your dose of Abilify so that you don’t have to take it. They may suggest that you take another medication to treat your mood disorder.”

Some of the side effects of Abilify may be discussed.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people

Abilify has a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adults ages 24 years or younger.

The FDA has the most serious warnings. They alert doctors and patients of drug effects.

This side effect can occur with drugs used to treat depression. You should watch for symptoms when you take Abilify.

What might help

Your doctor will monitor you for changes in your mood during Abilify treatment due to the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. They may keep an eye on you when you first start taking Abilify. These are the times when you are at the highest risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Ask your family, caregivers, or friends to watch you for mood changes during treatment.

If you notice a change in your mood or symptoms of depression, contact your doctor. If you develop suicidal thoughts or behaviors, your doctor may recommend stopping Abilify treatment. They may suggest trying a different medication.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, you should call the emergency number or go to a hospital.

Risk of death in older people with psychosis due to dementia

Abilify has a boxed warning for the risk of death in people ages 65 and older with dementia-related psychosis.

The FDA has the most serious warnings. They alert doctors and patients of drug effects.

It’s possible that antipsychotic medications such as Abilify may increase the risk of stroke or even death in older people with psychosis due to dementia.

What might help

Doctors will not prescribe Abilify to older people with dementia-related psychosis due to the risk of death. Inform your doctor about any medical conditions that you have. This can help your doctor decide on a treatment plan.

Tardive dyskinesia

People who take antipsychotic medications such as Abilify may develop tardive dyskinesia (TD). This condition causes uncontrolled movements, such as grimacing or twitching. While this side effect can occur in anyone, it most often occurs in older adults.

In studies of Abilify, TD was not a commonly reported side effect.

Symptoms of the disease include:

  • Your face or tongue is moving.
  • blinking
  • sticking out your tongue.
  • Leg or arm movements that are uncontrollable.

What might help

If you develop symptoms of the disease, you should tell your doctor. They may recommend that you stop taking the drug. After stopping treatment, symptoms may go away completely. It is possible that this side effect will not go away even after treatment is stopped.

If Abilify is helping you with your symptoms, your doctor may recommend that you continue taking it. They may monitor you more often for the worsening of the symptoms.

If you take Abilify for a long time or have a higher dose, you may be at increased risk of developing the disease. Your doctor will recommend the lowest possible dose for your condition due to the risk.

If you have concerns about developing a disease while taking a medication, talk to your doctor.

Sexual side effects

It’s possible to have sexual side effects from taking Abilify. But such side effects were not commonly reported in studies of the drug.

Sexual side effects that may occur during treatment with Abilify include:

What might help

If you have any sexual side effects, talk to your doctor. Some of the side effects may be lessened with a lower dose. Your doctor may suggest a lower dose of the drug.

Your doctor may also recommend other medications to help prevent sexual side effects. For example, if you have ED, they may prescribe a medication to treat this condition, such as Viagra (sildenafil).

Akathisia

You may experience akathisia, muscle twitching that causes your legs to move involuntarily, during treatment with Abilify. In studies, this was one of the most common side effects reported by people taking the drug.

You have to move. This is not the same as tardive dyskinesia, a movement condition that Abilify may cause. The section just above contains more information about the person.

Some movements that a person may not even know are occurring. A constant urge to move can be caused by this condition.

People with this disease often have leg problems. Symptoms include:

  • rocking back and forth.
  • pacing
  • Constantly crossing the legs.

What might help

If you notice symptoms of a disease, you should tell your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to reduce the side effect.

Allergic reaction

Abilify can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Mild to serious symptoms can be present.

  • There is a skin rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • “It’s usually under your skin, but it can be anywhere.”
  • It can be hard to breathe if you have swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat.

What might help

If you have a mild rash, call your doctor. They may suggest a treatment to help you. Examples include:

  • an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • You apply a product to your skin.

If your doctor confirms you have an allergy to Abilify, they will decide if you should continue using it.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, you should call the emergency number. These symptoms could be life threatening and need immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you have an allergic reaction to Abilify, they may want you to switch to another treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

Take notes on any side effects you are having during your Abilify treatment. You can share this information with your doctor. This is helpful when you are starting to use a combination of treatments.

Side effect notes can include things.

  • When you had the side effect, what dose of the drug was taking?
  • How soon did you experience the side effect?
  • What are your symptoms?
  • How did it affect your daily activities?
  • What other drugs were you taking?
  • Other information is important to you.

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about Abilify. If needed, they can use this information to adjust your treatment plan.

The drug Abilify has warnings which may affect whether it is a good treatment for your condition.

Inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have before you start treatment with Abilify. This can help them decide if Abilify is a good option for you.

Boxed warnings

Abilify has boxed warnings about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people and the increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

  • Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people. Children and adults ages 24 years or younger who take antidepressants such as Abilify have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If you have a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, tell your doctor. They’ll discuss with you whether Abilify is safe for you to take.
  • Risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia. Abilify may increase the risk of death in people ages 65 years and older with dementia-related psychosis. Before you start taking Abilify, tell your doctor if you have a history of psychosis related to dementia. They’ll likely recommend a different treatment option for you.

To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Other warnings

If you have certain medical conditions, Abilify may not be right for you. These are drug-condition interactions. Other factors may affect whether Abilify is a good treatment option.

Before starting Abilify, talk to your doctor about your health history. The list has factors to consider.

Diabetes. Abilify may cause an increase in blood sugar level. For people who have diabetes, taking Abilify may worsen this condition. Before you start taking Abilify, tell your doctor if you have diabetes. They can determine if it’s safe for you to take the drug. If they prescribe Abilify, they may recommend more frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels during treatment.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Abilify or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Abilify. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

High cholesterol. Abilify may increase cholesterol levels. If you already have high cholesterol, taking Abilify may make your condition worse. Before starting Abilify treatment, tell your doctor if you have high cholesterol. They may recommend monitoring your cholesterol levels throughout your treatment.

Blood pressure problems. Abilify may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up quickly. People with low blood pressure may have an increased risk of developing this side effect. If you have any problems with your blood pressure, tell your doctor. They may recommend monitoring your blood pressure more often during treatment with Abilify.

Low white blood cell levels. It’s possible for Abilify to decrease levels of white blood cells. If you already have a condition that decreases your white blood cell count, taking Abilify may worsen your condition. If you have this kind of condition, let your doctor know. They may recommend monitoring your white blood cell levels throughout your treatment.

Seizures. It’s possible for Abilify to increase the risk of Seizures. in people who have a seizure disorder. Before starting treatment with Abilify, tell your doctor if you have this condition. This can help them determine if Abilify is a safe treatment option for you.

Heart problems or stroke. Abilify may increase the risk of heart problems, such as heart attack or stroke. If you have heart problems or have had a stroke, tell your doctor. They may monitor your heart more often during treatment with Abilify. Or they may recommend a different treatment option for you.

Thoughts of suicide. Abilify may cause an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in certain people. If you’ve ever had thoughts of suicide, tell your doctor before you start taking the drug. Due to this risk, your doctor may monitor you more often for this side effect during Abilify treatment.

Alcohol and Abilify

There aren’t any known interactions between alcohol and Abilify. But it’s possible that taking Abilify and drinking alcohol may increase your risk of certain side effects. Examples include:

  • nausea or vomiting
  • There is a throbbing head.
  • It is too sleepy.
  • dizziness
  • Changes in blood pressure.

If you drink alcohol while you are receiving treatment for Abilify, you should talk to your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Abilify

You can find information on taking Abilify during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Taking Abilify during pregnancy

It is not known if Abilify is safe to take during pregnancy.

It is important to note that mood conditions can affect a fetus.

Taking Abilify during the last third of a pregnancy may increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms, which affect movement in infants. Taking the drug late in a pregnancy can even cause withdrawal symptoms in infants.

A pregnancy registry is available for people who take medications such as Abilify while pregnant. It collects information on drug side effects that may occur during pregnancy, which can help improve safety information. For more information or to enroll, call 866-961-2388 or visit the registry webpage.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Abilify.

Taking Abilify while breastfeeding

It is not known if Abilify is safe to take while breastfeeding.

Abilify can be found in breast milk. Abilify may cause a child to have trouble gaining weight. The drug may affect breast milk supply.

If you are planning to breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Abilify.

Abilify has a risk of misuse. Misuse of a drug means using it in a different way than how it was prescribed. Examples include taking more than the recommended dosage and taking a medication prescribed to someone else.

Abilify misuse was not reported in studies. But the drug may cause dependence, which means your body gets used to a drug and needs it to feel normal. It’s possible for dependence to lead to drug misuse.

Your doctor may watch you for drug misuse while you take Abilify. If you have a history of drug use, you should tell your doctor. They may be watching you more often.

If you have concerns about Abilify, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

You may have side effects from taking it. Mild side effects from this drug can be fatal.

If you have questions about side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You may want to ask a few questions.

  • Does Abilify cause long-term side effects?
  • Is my risk of side effects increased because I am taking other medications?
  • How does Abilify compare to other drugs used to treat my mood condition?
  • What should I do if I become pregnant while taking Abilify?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.