From the Guidelines
Aripiprazole is a valuable treatment option for schizophrenia, particularly when used in combination with clozapine, as it has been shown to reduce treatment side effects and residual symptoms, with a significant advantage in reducing mortality and hospitalization compared to monotherapy 1.
Key Points
- Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medication that can be used to treat conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and as an add-on treatment for depression.
- The medication works as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 receptors, which helps reduce side effects like movement disorders and prolactin elevation.
- Aripiprazole can be taken with or without food and is available in tablet, oral solution, and injectable forms.
- Common side effects include weight gain, akathisia, insomnia, and nausea, and patients should be monitored for metabolic changes.
- The combination of aripiprazole with clozapine has been shown to be effective in reducing treatment side effects and residual symptoms, with a significant advantage in reducing mortality and hospitalization compared to monotherapy 1.
Dosage and Administration
- The typical starting dose for adults with schizophrenia is 10-15 mg once daily, which can be increased to a maximum of 30 mg daily if needed.
- For bipolar disorder, treatment usually begins at 15 mg daily, while for adjunctive treatment of depression, 2-5 mg daily is common.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
- Antipsychotic polypharmacy, including the combination of aripiprazole with clozapine, may be considered for patients who do not respond to monotherapy, as it has been shown to be effective in reducing treatment side effects and residual symptoms, and improving outcomes 1.
- The use of aripiprazole in combination with clozapine has been associated with a reduced risk of psychiatric hospitalization and all-cause mortality, making it a valuable treatment option for patients with schizophrenia 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Aripiprazole oral tablets are indicated for the treatment of: • Schizophrenia [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1)]
Maintenance Treatment of Bipolar I Disorder Monotherapy Maintenance Therapy A maintenance trial was conducted in adult patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for bipolar I disorder with a recent manic or mixed episode who had been stabilized on open-label aripiprazole and who had maintained a clinical response for at least 6 weeks
The use of Aripiprazole (Abilify) is for the treatment of:
From the Research
Use of Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Aripiprazole, also known as Abilify, is used for various psychiatric conditions, including:
- Schizophrenia: Aripiprazole is effective in treating patients with schizophrenia, with significant reductions in symptoms observed in clinical trials 3, 4, 5.
- Bipolar Disorder: Aripiprazole is used as an adjunctive therapy or monotherapy for manic or mixed episodes in bipolar disorder, and has shown efficacy in preventing relapse 4, 6.
- Major Depressive Disorder: Aripiprazole is used as an augmentation therapy for major depressive disorder, particularly in patients with inadequate response to antidepressant treatment 3, 7.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: Aripiprazole has been shown to be effective in treating patients with schizoaffective disorder, with improvements in symptoms and cognitive function 5.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage of aripiprazole varies depending on the condition being treated, with typical doses ranging from 10-30 mg/day 4, 5. The drug can be administered orally, with or without food, and is generally well-tolerated 5, 6.
Safety and Tolerability
Aripiprazole has a favorable safety and tolerability profile compared to other atypical antipsychotics, with a low propensity for weight gain, metabolic disruption, and extrapyramidal side effects 4, 6. However, akathisia and other extrapyramidal side effects can occur, particularly in patients with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder 6.