How should I restart a daily 20 mg dose of Abilify (aripiprazole) after missing a few days?

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Restarting Abilify 20 mg After Missing a Few Days

If you missed a few days of Abilify 20 mg, simply resume taking your regular 20 mg dose as soon as you remember—no dose adjustment or titration is needed. 1

Key Guidance for Restarting

  • Take the missed dose immediately when you remember, then continue with your regular daily schedule. 1
  • If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose entirely and take only your next regular dose at the usual time. 1
  • Never take two doses of Abilify at the same time to make up for missed doses. 1

Why No Titration Is Required

  • Aripiprazole does not require dosage titration when restarting after a brief interruption. 2
  • The drug has an extremely long elimination half-life of approximately 75 hours (over 3 days), meaning significant drug levels remain in your system even after missing several days. 2, 3
  • The active metabolite (dehydro-aripiprazole) has an even longer half-life of 94 hours, providing continued pharmacological activity. 3
  • This extended half-life means the drug does not completely clear from your body after just a few missed days, making immediate resumption at your full dose both safe and appropriate. 2

Important Safety Considerations

  • Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms after restarting, particularly if you develop high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, or changes in heart rate. 1
  • Do not stop or change your Abilify dose on your own in the future—always discuss medication changes with your healthcare provider first. 1
  • If you took too much Abilify while trying to catch up on missed doses, call your healthcare provider, poison control (1-800-222-1222), or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. 1

Clinical Context

  • The recommended maintenance dose for schizophrenia is 10-15 mg daily, with a maximum of 30 mg/day, so your 20 mg dose falls within the therapeutic range. 1, 4
  • Aripiprazole demonstrates efficacy as early as the first or second week of treatment and does not require gradual dose escalation to achieve therapeutic effect. 2

References

3
Research

Aripiprazole.

American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 2003

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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