From the Guidelines
Abilify (aripiprazole) can be used to help with anxiety, but it is not typically the first-line treatment option. It is primarily approved for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and as an add-on treatment for depression. For anxiety disorders, doctors usually prescribe Abilify off-label, often at lower doses (2-10 mg daily) than those used for other conditions, and typically when standard anxiety treatments haven't been effective.
According to a study published in the BMJ in 2020 1, Aripiprazole has been shown to have some efficacy in treating anxiety, with a network meta-analysis estimate of 40% (15-71%) for the corresponding absolute probability of dropout. However, the quality of evidence for this intervention is low.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology guideline adaptation published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2014 1 suggests that for optimal management of moderate to severe or severe anxiety, consideration should be given to pharmacologic and/or nonpharmacologic interventions delivered by appropriately trained individuals. The choice of an anxiolytic should be informed by the adverse effect profiles of the medications, tolerability of treatment, and patient preference.
It's essential to note that Abilify works differently from traditional antipsychotics by partially activating dopamine receptors while also affecting serotonin pathways, which may help regulate mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. However, side effects can include restlessness, weight gain, metabolic changes, and movement disorders, so regular monitoring is crucial.
Anyone considering Abilify for anxiety should discuss with their doctor whether it's appropriate for their specific situation, as individual responses vary and the medication requires careful management. The Women's Preventive Services Initiative recommendation published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2020 1 suggests that first-line pharmacologic therapies for anxiety disorders in adults are SSRIs and SNRIs, and Abilify may be considered after these options have been tried.
In summary, while Abilify can be used to help with anxiety, it is not typically the first-line treatment option, and its use should be carefully considered and monitored by a healthcare professional.
From the FDA Drug Label
Patients, their families, and their caregivers should be encouraged to be alert to the emergence of anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, mania, other unusual changes in behavior, worsening of depression, and suicidal ideation, especially early during antidepressant treatment and when the dose is adjusted up or down. Anxiety 17 13
Anxiety Treatment: The FDA drug label does not provide direct evidence that Abilify can help with anxiety. However, it does mention that anxiety is a potential symptom that patients should be monitored for, especially when taking the medication.
- Key Points:
- Anxiety is listed as a potential adverse reaction in the drug label 2.
- The label advises patients to be alert to the emergence of anxiety, especially during treatment 2.
- There is no direct information in the label that suggests Abilify is used to treat anxiety. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment of anxiety.
From the Research
Abilify and Anxiety
- Abilify, also known as aripiprazole, is an atypical antipsychotic that has been studied for its potential use in treating anxiety disorders 3, 4, 5.
- Research suggests that aripiprazole may be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other anxiety disorders 3, 4.
- Aripiprazole has been shown to be well-tolerated and effective in treating anxiety symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder 6, 7.
- The exact mechanism of action of aripiprazole in treating anxiety is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve its partial agonist activity at dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors 5, 7.
Efficacy of Abilify in Anxiety Disorders
- Studies have demonstrated that aripiprazole can be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in patients with GAD and other anxiety disorders 3, 4.
- Aripiprazole has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant anxiety disorders 4.
- The efficacy of aripiprazole in treating anxiety disorders is thought to be similar to that of other atypical antipsychotics, such as quetiapine and olanzapine 3, 4.
Safety and Tolerability of Abilify
- Aripiprazole is generally well-tolerated and has a favorable safety profile compared to other atypical antipsychotics 6, 7.
- Common side effects of aripiprazole include insomnia, anxiety, headache, and akathisia 6, 7.
- Aripiprazole has a low propensity to cause clinically significant bodyweight gain, hyperprolactinaemia, or corrected QT interval prolongation 6, 7.