From the Guidelines
When discontinuing Abilify 2 mg, tapering is generally recommended to avoid potential withdrawal symptoms or rebound worsening of symptoms, despite the low dose. According to the practice parameter on the use of psychotropic medication in children and adolescents 1, prescribers are encouraged to taper medication slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms or rebound worsening of symptoms, even if it is unclear whether the current medication is having a beneficial effect. Some key points to consider when discontinuing Abilify include:
- The potential for withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, anxiety, irritability, dizziness, or headaches, even at low doses
- The long half-life of Abilify (approximately 75 hours), which provides a natural tapering effect as the medication gradually leaves the system over several days
- The importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before stopping any antipsychotic medication, including Abilify, as individual circumstances may vary
- A possible approach to tapering Abilify, such as taking the medication every other day for a week before stopping completely, to minimize potential discontinuation symptoms. It is crucial to prioritize caution and consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for discontinuing Abilify, as abrupt discontinuation could potentially lead to symptom recurrence or rebound effects 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The need for continued treatment should be reassessed periodically. If signs and symptoms of tarvdive dyskinesia appear in a patient on aripiprazole, drug discontinuation should be considered
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Discontinuing Abilify 2mg
- There is no direct information in the provided studies regarding the need to taper when discontinuing Abilify 2mg.
- However, the studies suggest that Abilify (aripiprazole) has a favorable tolerability profile and a low risk of withdrawal symptoms 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Aripiprazole's pharmacokinetics, including its elimination half-life of about 75 hours, may influence the discontinuation process 3.
- It is essential to consider the individual patient's response to the medication and their medical history when deciding how to discontinue Abilify 6.
- The decision to taper or abruptly discontinue Abilify 2mg should be made under the guidance of a healthcare professional, taking into account the patient's specific situation and the potential risks and benefits of each approach 3, 4, 5.