What is the use of Aripiprazole (Abilify)?

From the Guidelines

Aripiprazole is primarily used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and as an add-on treatment for depression, with a unique mechanism of action as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 receptors. The medication is available in various forms, including tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, oral solution, and a long-acting injectable, and its use should be guided by the most recent and highest quality evidence to optimize patient outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life 1. Some key points to consider when using aripiprazole include:

• Starting doses for adults with schizophrenia are typically 10-15 mg once daily, which can be increased to a maximum of 30 mg daily if needed 1.
• For bipolar disorder, treatment usually begins at 15 mg daily, while for adjunctive treatment of depression, 2-5 mg daily is common 1.
• Aripiprazole's unique mechanism of action helps reduce psychotic symptoms while causing fewer movement-related side effects compared to other antipsychotics 1.
• Common side effects include weight gain, restlessness, insomnia, and nausea, and regular monitoring for metabolic changes is recommended during treatment 1.
• The use of aripiprazole in combination with other antipsychotics, known as antipsychotic polypharmacy, may be considered in certain cases, such as treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but should be approached with caution due to the potential for increased side effects 1. It is essential to prioritize the most recent and highest quality evidence when making decisions about aripiprazole use, and to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of treatment, including the use of antipsychotic polypharmacy, to optimize patient outcomes 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:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar I Disorder (maintenance treatment) 2 2

From the Research

Use of Aripiprazole (Abilify)

• Aripiprazole is used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• It is effective in treating acute manic or mixed states associated with bipolar I disorder, with a dose range of 15-30 mg/day 3, 6
• Aripiprazole has a low propensity for weight gain, a favorable metabolic profile, and no association with hyperprolactinemia 3, 4, 7
• The recommended starting and target dose for aripiprazole is 10 or 15 mg/day, administered on a once-a-day schedule without regard to meals 5, 6
• Dosage increases should not be made before 2 weeks of continuous therapy, the time needed to achieve steady state 5, 6

Therapeutic Efficacy

• Aripiprazole has demonstrated superiority to placebo in clinical studies of the treatment of both schizophrenia and acute bipolar mania 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• It is effective in preventing relapse in patients with stable chronic schizophrenia 4, 7
• Aripiprazole may improve cognitive function in patients with chronic schizophrenia 4

Tolerability and Safety

• Aripiprazole is generally well tolerated, with a tolerability profile similar to that of placebo 4, 5, 6
• The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events include insomnia, anxiety, headache, and agitation 4, 5, 6
• Aripiprazole has a low incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and EPS-related adverse events 3, 4, 7