What should I do if I experience fainting spells while taking Abilify (aripiprazole)?

Managing Fainting Spells While Taking Abilify (Aripiprazole)

If you experience fainting while taking Abilify (aripiprazole), you should immediately contact your healthcare provider, as this may require medication adjustment or discontinuation due to the risk of serious injury from falls.

Understanding Aripiprazole-Associated Fainting

• Aripiprazole can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting (syncope), particularly when changing positions quickly from sitting or lying down to standing (orthostatic hypotension) 1
• These side effects are listed among the common adverse reactions in the FDA drug label and can lead to falls that may cause fractures or other injuries 1
• Older adults and those who are poor metabolizers of cytochrome P450 2D6 are at increased risk for these symptoms 2

Immediate Actions When Fainting Occurs

1. Move to a safe position:

   • If you feel lightheaded or dizzy, immediately sit or lie down to prevent falling 3
   • If driving, pull over to the side of the road before symptoms worsen 3

2. Try counter-pressure maneuvers if you feel faint coming on:

   • Leg crossing with muscle tensing: Cross legs and tense leg, abdominal, and buttock muscles 3
   • Hand gripping: Squeeze a rubber ball or similar object firmly 3
   • Arm tensing: Grip one hand with the other while pulling arms apart 3

3. Seek medical attention:

   • Contact your healthcare provider immediately after a fainting episode 1
   • If you experience severe symptoms or repeated episodes, emergency evaluation may be necessary 1

Medical Evaluation and Management

• Do not stop taking aripiprazole suddenly without medical supervision, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms 1

• Your healthcare provider may:

  • Reduce your dosage of aripiprazole, as recommended by clinical guidelines 2
  • Consider switching to an alternative medication if fainting persists 1
  • Evaluate for other potential causes of syncope 3
  • Check for drug interactions that might increase the risk of fainting 1

Prevention Strategies

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially in hot weather or during exercise 1
• Avoid overheating: Stay in cool places during hot weather and avoid excessive exercise 1
• Change positions slowly: Rise gradually from sitting or lying positions 1
• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can worsen dizziness and increase the risk of fainting 1
• Take medication as prescribed: Take aripiprazole exactly as directed by your healthcare provider 1

Special Considerations

• For elderly patients: Lower doses are recommended due to increased sensitivity to side effects including dizziness and fainting 2
• For those with cardiovascular conditions: More careful monitoring may be needed as orthostatic hypotension can be more dangerous 1

When to Seek Emergency Care

• Multiple fainting episodes in a short period
• Fainting with injury
• Fainting accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat
• Fainting without warning signs (no dizziness or lightheadedness beforehand) 3

Remember that fainting while taking aripiprazole is a significant side effect that requires medical attention to prevent serious injury from falls 1.