What Happens If You Stop Taking Abilify (Aripiprazole)
Abruptly stopping aripiprazole (Abilify) can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potential worsening of psychiatric symptoms, so discontinuation should always be done gradually under medical supervision.
Withdrawal Symptoms and Risks
When aripiprazole is discontinued, patients may experience:
Withdrawal symptoms: These can include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, irritability, nausea, dizziness, tremor, headache, and sweating 1
Symptom recurrence/relapse: Stopping aripiprazole can lead to a return or worsening of the original psychiatric condition it was prescribed to treat 1
Rapid disease progression: When aripiprazole is discontinued, especially abruptly, the underlying psychiatric condition may accelerate or worsen more quickly than before treatment 2
Physiological Effects of Discontinuation
Aripiprazole works as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, and as a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors while antagonizing 5-HT2A receptors 3, 4. When stopped:
Neurotransmitter rebalancing: The brain must readjust to functioning without the medication's effects on dopamine and serotonin systems 3
Cardiovascular effects: Some patients may experience changes in heart rate or blood pressure as the body adjusts to the absence of the medication 5
Proper Discontinuation Approach
To minimize risks when stopping aripiprazole:
Gradual tapering: The dose should be reduced slowly over time rather than stopped abruptly 1
Medical supervision: Discontinuation should always be done under healthcare provider guidance 1
Monitoring: Regular assessment for emergence of withdrawal symptoms or psychiatric symptom recurrence 1
Transition planning: If switching to another medication, the transition should be carefully managed with minimal treatment-free interval 2
Special Considerations
Certain factors may affect discontinuation:
Duration of treatment: Patients who have been on aripiprazole for longer periods may require more gradual tapering 2
Dosage: Higher doses typically require more gradual discontinuation 1
Individual factors: Age, comorbid conditions, and concurrent medications can influence withdrawal experiences 1
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Contact a healthcare provider immediately if experiencing:
Severe psychiatric symptoms: Suicidal thoughts, severe agitation, hallucinations, or paranoia 1
Physical symptoms: High fever, rigid muscles, confusion, sweating, or changes in pulse/blood pressure (possible signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome) 1
Unusual movements: New or worsening uncontrolled body movements (possible tardive dyskinesia) 1
Long-term Considerations
After discontinuation:
Monitoring period: Continued observation for several weeks to months is recommended 1
Support systems: Ensuring appropriate psychological support during and after discontinuation 1
Alternative treatments: Consideration of non-pharmacological approaches to manage underlying conditions 4
Remember that individual responses to aripiprazole discontinuation vary, and what one person experiences may differ significantly from another's experience.