
bipolar-disorder.emedtv.com/abilify/abilify-side-effects.html
The most common Abilify side effects included:
- Headaches — in up to 27 percent of people
- A sedated feeling — up to 23 percent
- Agitation — up to 19 percent
- Insomnia — up to 18 percent
- Fatigue — up to 17 percent
- Anxiety — up to 17 percent
- Drowsiness — up to 16 percent
- Nausea — up to 15 percent
- Vomiting — up to 14 percent
- Restlessness — up to 12 percent
- Constipation — up to 11 percent.
- Dizziness
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Shakiness (tremors)
- Weight gain
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Joint pain
- Throat pain
- Blurred vision
- Stomach pain
- Pain
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
- Increased salivation
- Swelling or water retention in the arms, legs, or feet.
- Signs of diabetes, such as:
- High blood sugar
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Large or rapid weight gain
- Suicidal thoughts
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Dizziness or fainting when going from a sitting or lying-down position to standing
- Feelings of internal restlessness or jitteriness
- Any abnormal muscle movements (these movements can become permanent if Abilify is not stopped quickly)
- A painful erection of the penis that does not go away (priapism)
- Signs or symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which can include:
- A high fever
- Stiff muscles
- Confusion
- Irregular pulse or blood pressure
- An increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Sweating
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Signs of an allergic reaction, including:
- Unexplained rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Unexplained swelling
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Important Warning: Rare Abilify Side Effects
Some side effects occur in less than 2 percent of people taking Abilify. Because these side effects are so uncommon, it is difficult to tell whether they are actually caused by the medication or something else.
- Anemia
- Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Low thyroid (hypothyroidism) or high thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Gas
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hemorrhoids
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Canker sores
- Gallstones
- Yeast infections
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Kidney stones
- Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction or ED)
- An increased or decreased sex drive
- Acne
- Eczema
- Hair loss
- Varicose veins.
Final Thoughts...
You may experience some or none of the Abilify side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking the drug, or something that “just does not seem right.” While it may not be a side effect, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
The following information was taken from the National Institute of Health Website
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000221
Important warning for older adults with dementia:
Studies have shown that older adults with dementia (a brain disorder that affects the ability to remember, think clearly, communicate, and perform daily activities and that may cause changes in mood and personality) who take antipsychotics (medications for mental illness) such as aripiprazole have an increased chance of death during treatment. Older adults with dementia may also have a greater chance of having a stroke or mini-stroke or other severe side effects during treatment. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: slow or difficult speech, sudden dizziness or faintness, weakness or numbness of an arm or leg, drowsiness, or difficulty swallowing.
Aripiprazole is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of behavior problems in older adults with dementia. Talk to the doctor who prescribed this medication if you, a family member, or someone you care for has dementia and is taking aripiprazole. For more information visit the FDA website: www.fda.gov/Drugs.
Important warning for people who have depression:
A small number of children, teenagers, and young adults (up to 24 years of age) who took medications for depression during clinical studies became suicidal (thinking about harming or killing oneself or planning or trying to do so). Children, teenagers, and young adults who take antidepressants to treat depression or other mental illnesses may be more likely to become suicidal than children, teenagers, and young adults who do not take antidepressants to treat these conditions. However, experts are not sure about how great this risk is and how much it should be considered in deciding whether a child or teenager should take an antidepressant. Children younger than 18 years of age should not normally take aripiprazole to treat depression, but in some cases, a doctor may decide that aripiprazole is the best medication to treat a child’s condition.
You should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways when you take aripiprazole or other antidepressants even if you are an adult over age 24. You may become suicidal, especially at the beginning of your treatment and any time that your dose is increased or decreased. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; aggressive behavior; irritability; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood). Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.
My thoughts and comments: Taking ANY prescription drug is risky. All other natural remedies should be considered first. Drugs and surgery are over-prescribed and over-used. I cannot believe how many times in one evening I have seen commercials for Abilify and other prescription drugs while trying to watch a little TV.
After listening to all the side effects I decided I would google and check the side effects for Abilify….UNBELIEVABLE!!! And what’s amazing is that ALL prescription drugs have MANY side effects. It is no wonder many Holistic doctors, scientists and health writers have stated the number one cause of death in the United States is prescription drugs, hospital and doctor errors. And the sad part is that millions of people continue taking theses pills… because their doctor prescribed them.
The good news is that there is an awakening of the consciousness of thousands of people. There is a healthcare revolution. We are going from “sick care” not healthcare to “self care”. People are learning that all those pills they have taken for years has not healed their bodies. They are learning that The Best Doctor For You Is You! www.hangingoutforthehealthofit.com/2011/01/doctor/
Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Holistic Medicine, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, natural remedies and so many other natural treatments continue to grow by leaps and bounds!I hope you are in this group of people.
To Your Health … Naturally!