From the FDA Drug Label
• If you take too much aripiprazole tablets, call your healthcare provider or poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room • Do not take two doses of aripiprazole tablets at the same time.
The effects of administering a double dose of Abilify (Aripiprazole) Depot injection are not directly addressed in the provided drug label. However, it is advised not to take two doses at the same time and to call the healthcare provider or poison control center if too much is taken.
- Key points:
- Do not take two doses at the same time
- Call healthcare provider or poison control center if too much is taken The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Abilify Depot (aripiprazole long-acting injectable) should not be administered as a "double shot" or double dose at once, as this could lead to excessive blood levels of aripiprazole and increased side effects. The standard protocol for Abilify Maintena (the depot formulation) is a single injection every 4 weeks, typically 400mg, though some patients may receive 300mg based on clinical factors 1. Administering a double dose could lead to excessive blood levels of aripiprazole, potentially causing increased side effects such as sedation, akathisia, or metabolic issues without providing additional therapeutic benefit. If a dose is missed, there are specific protocols to follow based on the duration since the last injection, but these never involve doubling the dose. The medication works by maintaining steady blood levels of aripiprazole, a partial dopamine agonist that helps manage symptoms of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Key points to consider when administering Abilify Depot include:
- The importance of maintaining a consistent dosing schedule to ensure therapeutic levels of aripiprazole
- The potential for increased side effects with excessive blood levels of aripiprazole
- The need for individualized treatment plans based on clinical factors, such as the patient's response to treatment and medical history
- The availability of alternative formulations, such as oral aripiprazole, for patients who may not be suitable for depot injections If there are concerns about medication coverage or missed doses, a healthcare provider should be consulted to develop an appropriate plan that maintains therapeutic levels while minimizing risks 2. It is also important to note that aripiprazole has a unique mechanism of action, comprising partial D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A agonism and antagonism at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, which may affect its efficacy and safety profile compared to other antipsychotic medications 1. Overall, the administration of Abilify Depot should be guided by the principles of minimizing risks and maximizing therapeutic benefits, with careful consideration of individual patient factors and the potential for increased side effects with excessive dosing.