Side Effects of Abilify (Aripiprazole) After Discontinuation
Most side effects of Abilify (aripiprazole) are not permanent and typically resolve after discontinuation of the medication, though some movement disorders like tardive dyskinesia may persist in rare cases.
Common Side Effects and Their Resolution
Aripiprazole's FDA label 1 provides comprehensive information about side effects that occur during treatment, but doesn't specifically address their permanence after discontinuation. Based on pharmacological principles and available evidence, most side effects resolve when the medication is eliminated from the body.
Metabolic Side Effects
- Weight gain
- Blood sugar changes
- Cholesterol/triglyceride elevations
These typically normalize gradually after discontinuation as the body's metabolic processes return to baseline.
Neurological Side Effects
- Akathisia (inner restlessness)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Somnolence (sleepiness)
- Tremor
These symptoms generally resolve within days to weeks after stopping the medication as the drug is cleared from the system.
Potentially Persistent Side Effects
Tardive Dyskinesia
- Characterized by involuntary, repetitive body movements
- May persist after discontinuation in some cases
- Risk factors include:
- Longer duration of treatment
- Higher doses
- Older age
- Female gender
While aripiprazole has a lower risk of tardive dyskinesia compared to first-generation antipsychotics 2, cases have been reported. The FDA label 1 specifically warns: "Aripiprazole tablets may cause movements that you cannot control in your face, tongue, or other body parts. Tardive dyskinesia may not go away, even if you stop receiving aripiprazole tablets."
Discontinuation Syndrome
Some patients may experience discontinuation symptoms when stopping aripiprazole, including:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Nausea
These symptoms are typically transient but have been documented in case reports 3. Tapering the medication gradually rather than stopping abruptly can help minimize these effects.
Monitoring After Discontinuation
After stopping aripiprazole, patients should be monitored for:
- Resolution of common side effects (typically within days to weeks)
- Persistent movement disorders (may require specialized assessment)
- Return of the original psychiatric symptoms (which may necessitate alternative treatment)
Important Considerations
- Individual response varies significantly based on genetics, duration of treatment, dosage, and other factors
- Patients with a history of movement disorders may be at higher risk for persistent symptoms
- The risk of untreated psychiatric conditions must be weighed against potential medication side effects
If persistent side effects occur after discontinuation, consultation with a neurologist or movement disorder specialist may be warranted, particularly for tardive dyskinesia or other persistent movement disorders.
Aripiprazole's unique pharmacological profile as a partial agonist at dopamine receptors 4 may contribute to its generally favorable side effect profile compared to other antipsychotics, but this doesn't eliminate all risks of persistent effects.
Always discuss medication discontinuation with your healthcare provider to develop an appropriate tapering schedule and monitoring plan.