Description
Abilify (Aripiprazole)
Abilify (Aripiprazole), sold under brand names such as Abilify, is an FDA-approved prescription drug classified as a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic. It is primarily prescribed to manage psychiatric disorders associated with dopamine and serotonin imbalance.
The medication comes in various forms, including:
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Tablets (oral)
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Oral solution
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Orally disintegrating tablets (ODT)
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Extended-release injectable suspension (long-acting injection)
Mechanism of Action Abilify (Aripiprazole)
Aripiprazole has a unique pharmacological profile compared to other antipsychotics:
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Partial agonist at dopamine D2 receptors: Helps regulate dopamine levels by stimulating receptors when dopamine is low and blocking them when dopamine is excessive.
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Partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors: Provides mood-stabilizing and anxiolytic effects.
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Antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors: Reduces psychotic symptoms and enhances mood regulation.
This dopamine-serotonin system stabilizer mechanism contributes to its effectiveness in treating both positive and negative symptoms of psychiatric disorders.
Medical Uses of Abilify (Aripiprazole)
1. Schizophrenia
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Effective in reducing hallucinations, mood, disorganized thinking, and other psychotic symptoms.
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Used in adults and adolescents (ages 13–17).
2. Bipolar I Disorder
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Prescribed for manic and mixed episodes.
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Can be used as monotherapy or in combination with mood stabilizers such as lithium or valproate.
3. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
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Used as an adjunctive therapy to antidepressants in treatment-resistant depression.
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
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FDA-approved for irritability associated with autism in children and adolescents (ages 6–17).
5. Tourette’s Disorder
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Prescribed for managing motor and vocal tics in pediatric patients (ages 6–18).
Dosage and Administration Abilify (Aripiprazole)
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Schizophrenia (Adults): Initial dose 10–15 mg daily; maintenance dose 10–30 mg/day.
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Bipolar I Disorder: Starting dose 15 mg/day (monotherapy) or 10–15 mg/day (adjunctive therapy).
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Major Depressive Disorder: Usually 2–5 mg/day as adjunct, titrated up to 15 mg/day if needed.
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Autism-related Irritability: Typically 2 mg/day initially, increased gradually to 5–15 mg/day.
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Tourette’s Disorder: Start with 2 mg/day; titrate to 5–20 mg/day based on response.
Extended-release injection (Abilify Maintena, Aristada): Administered once monthly or every 6–8 weeks depending on formulation.
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