From the Guidelines
Aripiprazole (Abilify) has a relatively favorable side effect profile, with minimal risk of QT prolongation, as evidenced by a mean QT prolongation of 0 ms, according to a study published in Pediatrics 1. When considering the side effects of Aripiprazole, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the potential risks. Some common side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Restlessness (akathisia)
- Weight gain These side effects are generally manageable and may decrease over time as the patient adjusts to the medication. More serious but less common side effects include:
- Metabolic changes, such as increased blood sugar levels, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes risk
- Extrapyramidal symptoms, like muscle stiffness, tremors, and uncontrolled movements, although these occur less frequently than with older antipsychotics
- Rarely, patients may develop tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements that may become permanent) or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a life-threatening condition with high fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status), as noted in the study 1. It's crucial for patients to report any concerning symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately, especially given the potential for increased suicidal thoughts in children, teenagers, and young adults, and an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, as highlighted in the context of antipsychotic use 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Aripiprazole tablets may cause serious side effects, including: • Stroke in elderly people (cerebrovascular problems) that can lead to death • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): • Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia). • Problems with your metabolism such as: • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and diabetes: • Unusual urges. • Orthostatic hypotension (decreased blood pressure): • Falls. • Low white blood cell count • Seizures (convulsions) • Problems with control of your body temperature especially when you exercise a lot or are in an area that is very hot. • Difficulty swallowing that can cause food or liquid to get into your lungs The most common side effects of aripiprazole tablets in adults include: • Nausea • dizziness • vomiting • anxiety • constipation • insomnia • headache • restlessness • blurred vision • inner sense of restlessness/need to move (akathisia) • upper respiratory illness The most common side effects of aripiprazole tablets in children include: • feeling sleepy • insomnia • headache • nausea • vomiting • stuffy nose • fatigue • weight gain • increased or decreased appetite • uncontrolled movement such as restlessness, tremor • increased saliva or drooling • muscle stiffness
The side effects of Aripiprazole (Abilify) include serious side effects such as stroke, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and uncontrolled body movements, as well as common side effects like nausea, dizziness, and insomnia in adults, and feeling sleepy, insomnia, and headache in children 2.
From the Research
Side Effects of Aripiprazole (Abilify)
- Aripiprazole has a low incidence of extrapyramidal side effects and hyperprolactinemia compared to other antipsychotics 3
- Common side effects include:
- Akathisia is a common side effect, especially in patients with greater baseline depression severity, and can be mild and responsive to dose reduction 5
- Suicidal ideations have been reported in association with akathisia in a patient taking low-dose aripiprazole 6
- Extrapyramidal side effects can occur even at low doses (5 mg) of aripiprazole, emphasizing the need for careful surveillance in patients treated with this medication 7
- Serum levels of aripiprazole and its active metabolite dehydroaripiprazole can vary highly between individuals, and therapeutic drug monitoring may be helpful to improve antipsychotic drug therapy and minimize side effects 4