From the Guidelines
Aripiprazole (Abilify) commonly causes nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, and akathisia (restlessness) in 10-20% of patients, while Ziprasidone (Geodon) injectable can cause sedation (15-30%), headache (15%), nausea (12%), and injection site pain (10%). The side effects of these medications can vary significantly, and it is essential to consider the potential risks and benefits when prescribing them.
Side Effects of Medications
- Aripiprazole (Abilify): nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, akathisia (restlessness) (10-20%) 1
- Ziprasidone (Geodon) injectable: sedation (15-30%), headache (15%), nausea (12%), injection site pain (10%) 1
- Sertraline (Zoloft): nausea (25%), insomnia (20%), diarrhea (15%), sexual dysfunction (15-20%), headache (15%) 1
- Venlafaxine (Effexor XR): nausea (30%), headache (25%), dry mouth (20%), dizziness (15%), increased blood pressure (5-10%) 1
- Lorazepam (Ativan): sedation (30-40%), dizziness (10%), weakness (10%), habit-forming with prolonged use 1
- Diazepam (Valium) injectable: drowsiness (30%), fatigue (15%), ataxia (10%) 1
- Zaleplon (Sonata) and Zolpidem (Ambien): headache (10-15%), dizziness (10%), next-day drowsiness (5-10%), rare cases of complex sleep behaviors 1
- Melatonin: mild side effects like headache and dizziness (5-10%) 1
- Modafinil (Provigil): headache (25%), nausea (10%), anxiety (8%) 1
- Caffeine tablets: jitteriness (25%), increased heart rate (20%), insomnia (15%) 1
- Ketamine injectable: dissociation (50-75%), increased blood pressure (30%), nausea (25%) 1
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): sedation (50%), dry mouth (30%), dizziness (15%) 1
- Promethazine (Phenergan): sedation (40%), dizziness (15%), dry mouth (15%), risk of tissue damage with injectable forms 1
It is crucial to note that individual responses to medications can vary significantly, and the percentages provided are approximate. When prescribing these medications, it is essential to consider the potential risks and benefits and to monitor patients closely for any adverse effects.
From the FDA Drug Label
What are the possible side effects of aripiprazole tablets? Aripiprazole tablets may cause serious side effects, including: • Stroke in elderly people (cerebrovascular problems) that can lead to death • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): • Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia). • Problems with your metabolism such as: • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and diabetes: • Increased fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) in your blood. • Weight gain • Unusual urges. • Orthostatic hypotension (decreased blood pressure): • Falls. • Low white blood cell count • Seizures (convulsions) • Problems with control of your body temperature • Difficulty swallowing that can cause food or liquid to get into your lungs The most common side effects of aripiprazole tablets in adults include: • Nausea • dizziness • vomiting • anxiety • constipation • insomnia • headache • restlessness • blurred vision • inner sense of restlessness/need to move (akathisia) • upper respiratory illness The most common side effects of aripiprazole tablets in children include: • feeling sleepy • insomnia • headache • nausea • vomiting • stuffy nose • fatigue • weight gain • increased or decreased appetite • uncontrolled movement such as restlessness, tremor • increased saliva or drooling • muscle stiffness
The side effects of Aripiprazole (Abilify, 5mg tablet) include:
- Serious side effects: stroke, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, uncontrolled body movements, metabolic problems, unusual urges, orthostatic hypotension, falls, low white blood cell count, seizures, temperature control problems, and difficulty swallowing.
- Common side effects in adults: nausea, dizziness, vomiting, anxiety, constipation, insomnia, headache, restlessness, blurred vision, akathisia, and upper respiratory illness.
- Common side effects in children: sleepiness, insomnia, headache, nausea, vomiting, stuffy nose, fatigue, weight gain, appetite changes, uncontrolled movement, increased saliva, and muscle stiffness. 2
From the Research
Side Effects of Medications
- Aripiprazole (Abilify, 5mg tablet):
- Akathisia incidence was significantly higher in patients with affective disorders compared to those with schizophrenia 3
- Improved metabolic profile and reduced atherogenic dyslipidemia when switched from other antipsychotic drugs 4
- Effective in treating first-episode nonaffective psychosis with a lower treatment discontinuation rate compared to quetiapine 5
- Ziprasidone (Geodon, 20mg/mL single-dose injectable):
- Sertraline (Zoloft, 50mg tablet):
- Combined with low-dose aripiprazole, showed improved efficacy in treating fresh major depressive disorder 6
- Venlafaxine (Effexor XR, 75mg tablet):
- Frequently used in combination with mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics for treating bipolar depression, although efficacy of these combinations has not been extensively studied 7
- Lorazepam (Ativan, 1mg tablet), Diazepam (Valium, 5mg/mL pre-filled syringe), Zaleplon (Sonata, 10mg capsules/tablets), Zolpidem (Ambien, 5mg tablet), Melatonin (3mg tablet), Modafinil (Provigil, 200mg tablet), Caffeine (Vivarin, 200mg tablet), Ketamine (Ketalar, 50mg/mL injectable), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, 25mg capsule / 50mg/mL injectable), Promethazine (Phenergan, 25mg tablet / 25mg/mL injectable):
- No relevant information found in the provided studies
Prevalence of Side Effects
- The prevalence of side effects for the mentioned medications is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but the studies suggest that:
- Aripiprazole and ziprasidone may have favorable metabolic profiles and lower risks of certain side effects compared to other antipsychotic drugs 4
- Quetiapine may have a higher risk of treatment discontinuation due to insufficient efficacy in first-episode nonaffective psychosis 5
- Combination therapies, such as those involving venlafaxine, may be commonly used in clinical practice, but their efficacy and safety profiles require further study 7