Blog

Aripiprazole, commonly known by its brand name Abilify, is a widely prescribed mental health medication used to treat various mental health conditions.

While Abilify can be effective for many, there are others that say “ability ruined my life.”

The reality is that medication experiences vary significantly from person to person. What works well for one individual may cause uncomfortable or even severe side effects for another.

Learn more about our mental health treatment programs, or call us now at 770-202-1260.

What is Abilify?

Abilify (aripiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that was first approved by the FDA in 2002.

Unlike traditional antipsychotics, Abilify belongs to a newer generation of medications designed to have fewer side effects while effectively treating symptoms of various mental health conditions.

Manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Abilify is available in several forms, including tablets, oral solution, and injectable formulations.

Abilify is considered a significant advancement in psychopharmacology due to its unique mechanism of action that differs from other antipsychotic medications.

How Does Abilify Work?

While most antipsychotics primarily block dopamine receptors in the brain, Abilify acts as a partial agonist at certain dopamine and serotonin receptors.

This means it can both increase and decrease dopamine activity depending on the existing levels in different parts of the brain.

Specifically, Abilify functions as:

• A partial agonist at dopamine D2 and D3 receptors
• A partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors
• An antagonist at 5-HT2A serotonin receptors

This unique “dopamine system stabilizer” approach allows Abilify to reduce dopamine activity where it’s excessive (helping with symptoms like hallucinations and delusions) while potentially increasing dopamine activity in areas where it’s deficient (potentially helping with motivation and pleasure).

What Is Abilify Used For?

Abilify has been FDA-approved for several mental health conditions:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar Disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder (children aged 6-17)
• Tourette’s disorder (children aged 6-18)

Additionally, healthcare providers sometimes prescribe Abilify “off-label” for conditions such as:

• Anxiety disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Dementia-related psychosis (though there are black box warnings about increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia)

Why Do People Say “Abilify Ruined My Life”?

While Abilify can be beneficial for many patients, some individuals state, “Abilify ruined my life.”

These negative experiences typically stem from:

• Severe side effects: Some people experience debilitating side effects that interfere with daily functioning.
• Tardive dyskinesia: This condition causes involuntary, repetitive movements and can sometimes be permanent, even after stopping the medication.
• Metabolic changes: Significant weight gain, diabetes, and cholesterol issues can develop and persist.
• Impulse control problems: Some patients develop compulsive behaviors like gambling, shopping, or hypersexuality.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Discontinuing Abilify can be difficult for some, with withdrawal symptoms lasting weeks or months.
• Emotional blunting: Some patients report feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from their feelings.
• Akathisia: This restlessness and need to move constantly can be extremely distressing and difficult to manage.

It’s important to note that these experiences aren’t universal and ability does not ruin everyone’s life who is prescribed.

Many individuals take Abilify without significant impairment to their lives and experience substantial benefits for their mental health conditions.

Common Side Effects of Abilify

Abilify’s side effects range from mild to severe and can vary greatly between individuals. Common side effects include:

More Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Insomnia or sleepiness
• Anxiety or restlessness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Weight gain
• Increased appetite
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

• Akathisia: An often-distressing feeling of inner restlessness and need to move
• Extrapyramidal symptoms: Muscle stiffness, tremors, and movement disorders
• Tardive dyskinesia: Involuntary, repetitive movements that can become permanent
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: A rare but potentially fatal reaction with symptoms including high fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability
• Metabolic changes: Increased blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides
• Orthostatic hypotension: Dizziness when standing up due to blood pressure drops
• Seizures
• Changes in white blood cell count
• Difficulty regulating body temperature
• Impulse control disorders

If you experience any serious side effects, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Types of Abilify And Dosages

Abilify comes in several formulations to accommodate different patient needs:

Oral Tablets:

• Available in 2mg, 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, and 30mg strengths
• Typically taken once daily with or without food

Orally Disintegrating Tablets (Abilify Discmelt):

• Available in 10mg and 15mg strengths
• Dissolves on the tongue without water
• Contains phenylalanine (important for people with phenylketonuria)

Oral Solution:

• 1mg/mL concentration
• Useful for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets

Injectable Formulations:

• Abilify Maintena: Extended-release monthly injection (300mg or 400mg)
• Abilify MyCite: Tablets with an embedded sensor that records if the medication was taken
• Aristada: Extended-release injection lasting 4-8 weeks depending on dosage

Dosing varies based on the condition being treated, age, other medications, and individual factors. Typical starting doses include:

• Schizophrenia (adults): 10-15mg daily
• Bipolar disorder (adults): 15mg daily
• Major depressive disorder (adjunctive treatment): 2-5mg daily, with potential increases
• Autism-related irritability: 2mg daily initially, with gradual increases as needed

Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific dosing instructions.

How Long Does It Take Abilify to Work?

The timeframe for experiencing the full benefits of Abilify varies depending on the condition being treated and individual factors:

• Acute symptoms (such as agitation or severe psychosis): Some improvement may be noticed within a few days
• Schizophrenia symptoms: 1-2 weeks for initial improvement, with full benefits potentially taking 4-6 weeks
• Bipolar disorder: Manic symptoms may begin to improve within 1-2 weeks
• Depression: 1-2 weeks for initial effects, with full benefits often taking 4-8 weeks
• Autism-related irritability: 1-2 weeks for initial improvements

It’s important to continue taking Abilify as prescribed even if you don’t notice immediate benefits. Some people may need dosage adjustments or longer treatment periods before experiencing optimal results.

How Does Abilify Make You Feel?

Patient experiences with Abilify vary considerably:

Positive Experiences:

• Reduced hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia
• Improved mood stability
• Decreased irritability
• Enhanced ability to think clearly
• Better sleep
• Reduced anxiety
• Increased ability to function in daily activities

Negative Experiences:

• Feeling “zombified” or emotionally flat
• Restlessness or inability to sit still (akathisia)
• Increased anxiety initially
• Tiredness or fatigue
• “Foggy” thinking
• Physical discomfort
• Feeling disconnected from oneself

Many clients report a combination of both positive and negative effects, especially during the initial adjustment period.

While many can begin to say that, “Abilify ruined my life,” sometimes negative feelings diminish as the body adapts to the medication, but in other cases, they may persist and require dosage adjustments or medication changes.

How Is Abilify Prescribed?

The prescription process for Abilify typically involves:

1. Comprehensive evaluation: A psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider will conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms, medical history, current medications, and other relevant factors.
2. Discussion of options: Your provider should discuss the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives to Abilify.
3. Initial prescription: If Abilify is deemed appropriate, your provider will prescribe a starting dose, usually on the lower end of the therapeutic range.
4. Regular monitoring: You’ll need regular follow-up appointments to assess the medication’s effectiveness and monitor for side effects.
5. Long-term management: Once stabilized, you’ll continue with regular (though possibly less frequent) check-ups to ensure ongoing effectiveness and safety.

How Long Does Abilify Stay In Your System?

Abilify has a relatively long half-life compared to many psychiatric medications:

• The half-life of oral Abilify is approximately 75 hours in adults
• For Abilify Maintena (the injectable form), the half-life is about 29.9 days
• After stopping oral Abilify, it takes about 2 weeks for the medication to be mostly cleared from your system
• Effects from the injectable form can last 1-2 months after the last injection

However, Abilify being present in your system doesn’t necessarily correlate with experiencing effects or side effects.

Some effects may diminish sooner, while others (particularly side effects like tardive dyskinesia) can persist even after the drug has been eliminated from your body.

Abilify’s long half-life means that missed doses won’t typically cause immediate symptom return, but it also means that side effects may take longer to resolve when the medication is discontinued.

Will I Gain Weight on Abilify?

Weight gain is a common concern with antipsychotic medications, including Abilify. However, compared to some other antipsychotics, Abilify is generally considered to have a lower risk of significant weight gain.

Research suggests:

• Approximately 25% of patients experience weight gain of 7% or more of their body weight
• The average weight gain over long-term treatment is typically 2-5 pounds
• Weight gain tends to be more pronounced in younger patients and those who haven’t previously taken antipsychotics
• Patients switching from other antipsychotics to Abilify sometimes experience weight stabilization or modest weight loss

Factors that may influence weight changes include:

• Dosage
• Duration of treatment
• Individual metabolism
• Diet and exercise habits
• Other medications taken concurrently

To minimize potential weight gain:

• Monitor weight regularly
• Maintain a balanced diet
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Consider working with a dietitian
• Discuss concerns with your healthcare provider, who may recommend metabolic monitoring or medication adjustments if necessary

More: Does Anxiety Medication Cause Weight Gain?

Abilify and Pregnancy

Using Abilify during pregnancy requires careful consideration of both risks and benefits:

• Abilify is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C, meaning animal studies have shown adverse effects, but human studies are limited
• No conclusive evidence links Abilify to specific birth defects
• Untreated serious mental illness during pregnancy also carries significant risks for both mother and baby

Potential Risks:

• Some studies suggest possible associations with:
  • Slightly increased risk of preterm birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Neonatal withdrawal symptoms if used late in pregnancy
  • Potential developmental effects that require further research

Recommendations:

• Women should not stop Abilify without consulting their healthcare providers if they become pregnant
• Pregnancy planning is ideal, allowing for medication adjustments before conception
• Treatment decisions should be individualized, weighing the mother’s mental health needs against potential risks
• The lowest effective dose should be used when Abilify is deemed necessary during pregnancy
• Close monitoring during pregnancy is essential
• Breastfeeding while taking Abilify should be discussed with healthcare providers, as the medication does pass into breast milk

Always consult with both a psychiatrist and obstetrician when managing mental health conditions during pregnancy.

Can Abilify Cause Depression?

While Abilify is often prescribed to help treat depression (as an adjunctive treatment), some patients report experiencing new or worsened depressive symptoms, hence the common saying, “Abilify ruined my life.”

This apparent contradiction can be explained by several factors:

• Emotional blunting or numbing that can feel like depression
• Changes in dopamine and serotonin signaling that affect mood
• The underlying condition worsening despite treatment
• Side effects like akathisia being misinterpreted as worsening depression
• Inadequate dosing for the specific condition

Research findings:

• Clinical trials show Abilify generally improves depressive symptoms when added to antidepressants
• Some studies note a small percentage of patients report increased depressive symptoms

Never discontinue Abilify suddenly due to depressive symptoms, as this can lead to withdrawal effects and symptom rebound.

Can Abilify Cause Compulsive Behaviors?

One of the more concerning potential side effects of Abilify is the development of impulse control disorders and compulsive behaviors, another factor causing individuals to state, “Abilify ruined my life.”

Research has established a clear link between Abilify and these behaviors, leading to FDA warnings and legal actions.

Common compulsive behaviors associated with Abilify include:

• Pathological gambling
• Compulsive shopping or spending
• Hypersexuality
• Binge eating
• Compulsive internet use or gaming

Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing these behaviors:

• Personal or family history of impulse control disorders
• Personal or family history of substance use disorders
• Higher doses of Abilify
• Longer duration of treatment
• Concurrent medications that affect dopamine

If you’re taking Abilify, it’s important to be aware of any new urges or compulsive behaviors and report them to your healthcare provider immediately. Family members should also be informed about this potential side effect so they can help identify concerning behavioral changes.

Is Abilify Addictive?

Abilify is not considered addictive in the traditional sense – it doesn’t create euphoria, cravings, or drug-seeking behavior typical of addictive substances.

However, physical dependence of Abilify can develop with long-term use.

Important distinctions:

• Addiction involves compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences, with cravings and drug-seeking behavior
• Physical dependence involves the body adapting to the medication, resulting in withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly

Stopping Abilify suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, indicating physical dependence has developed. These symptoms can include:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Return of the original symptoms the medication was treating

To avoid withdrawal effects, Abilify should always be tapered gradually under medical supervision when discontinuation is desired.

Signs and Symptoms of Abilify Abuse

While Abilify itself has low abuse potential, there are situations where misuse can occur:

Potential scenarios of misuse:

• Taking higher doses than prescribed
• Taking it more frequently than prescribed
• Using it without a prescription (often obtained from friends or family)
• Using it alongside substances of abuse to modulate their effects
• Crushing and snorting tablets (rare but reported)

Signs that might indicate Abilify misuse:

• Running out of medication before refills are due
• Seeking prescriptions from multiple providers
• Reporting lost or stolen medication repeatedly
• Changes in behavior, mood, or physical appearance
• Financial problems related to obtaining medication
• Withdrawal symptoms between doses

Consequences of misuse:

• Increased risk of side effects
• Higher likelihood of severe adverse reactions
• Potential development of tardive dyskinesia
• Metabolic complications
• Cardiovascular problems

If you or someone you know may be misusing Abilify, it’s important to seek help from healthcare providers who can address both mental health needs and potential substance use issues.

Can You Overdose On Abilify?

While Abilify overdoses are less common than with some other psychiatric medications, they can occur and may be serious:

Overdose symptoms can include:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Slurred speech
• Dizziness and fainting
• Seizures
• Respiratory depression (in severe cases)

Overdose risks:

• Pure Abilify overdoses without other substances are rarely fatal
• Combined overdoses (Abilify with alcohol, opioids, or other CNS depressants) are more dangerous
• Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions may be at higher risk for serious complications

If you suspect an Abilify overdose, call emergency services (911) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

How to Taper Off of Abilify?

If you believe “Abilify ruined my life,” discontinuing this medication should always be done gradually under medical supervision.

Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potential relapse of the condition being treated.

General tapering guidelines:

1. Never stop cold turkey – This increases risk of withdrawal symptoms and rebound effects
2. Work with your provider to create a personalized tapering schedule
3. Typical tapering periods range from several weeks to several months depending on:
   • How long you’ve been taking Abilify
   • Your current dose
   • Your individual sensitivity
   • Your underlying condition

Remember that some individuals may require extremely slow tapers, particularly after long-term use at higher doses.

Find Help For Your Mental Health Today

If you’re among those who feel “Abilify ruined my life,” you’re not alone.

At Peachtree Wellness Solutions, we understand that medication experiences can be deeply challenging and even traumatic for some individuals. We believe you deserve compassionate support and alternative treatment options.

Our mental health experts are experienced in helping people who have had negative experiences with psychiatric medications.

No one should have to suffer through adverse medication effects alone. Whether you need help managing side effects, tapering safely, or exploring completely different treatment paths, our team is here to support you.