Aripiprazole

Aripiprazole is used to treat schizophrenia. Aripiprazole has not been studied in children under 18 years of age.

Do not take Aripiprazole if you are allergic to aripiprazole or any of the other ingredients in Aripiprazole.

• Aripiprazole may impair judgement, thinking, or motor skills. You should be careful in operating machinery, including automobiles, until you know how Aripiprazole affects you. 
• Aripiprazole may cause trouble swallowing (esophageal dysmotility). This can cause choking and lead to a type of pneumonia called aspiration pneumonia in some patients. 
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Aripiprazole. 
• It is important to avoid overheating and dehydration while taking Aripiprazole. Aripiprazole may make it harder to lower your body temperature.

Tell your health care provider if you: 

• have any heart problems, or have had a heart attack or stroke. 
• have or have had seizures. Aripiprazole can make it easier for you to have a seizure, especially if you have or have had seizures or certain medical conditions that increase the chances of having a seizure. 
• are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding. 

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your health care provider if you take: 

• Ketoconazole 
• Quinidine 
• Tegretol (carbamazepine) 
• Medicines to treat high blood pressure 

Some of these medicines may cause serious side effects if used while you also take Aripiprazole. Some of these medicines may affect how Aripiprazole works, or Aripiprazole may affect how these medicines work.

Some rare but serious side effects with Aripiprazole include: 

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Symptoms of NMS include high fever, muscle rigidity (tightness), confusion, change in pulse, blood pressure or heartbeat, and sweating. It can also lead to muscle breakdown and kidney failure. 
• Tardive dyskinesia (TD). Symptoms of TD include involuntary (uncontrolled) and abnormal muscle movements. 

Some common side effects with Aripiprazole include: 

• headache 
• weakness 
• nausea 
• vomiting 
• constipation 
• anxiety 
• problems sleeping 
• lightheadedness (dizziness) 
• sleepiness 
• restlessness 
• rash