Information About Abilify

Common uses
Abilify is a psychotropic used to treat schizophrenia and certain symptoms of bipolar disorder. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

Prior to Use
Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: quinidine, ssri antidepressants (such as fluoxetine or paroxetine), carbamazepine, azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole or itraconazole), voriconazole, alpha-blockers (such as doxazosin or prazosin), "water pills" (such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide), other medicines for high blood pressure, or medicines that may cause drowsiness. Ask your physician if you are unsure if any of the medicines you are taking may cause drowsiness. Do not start or stop any medicine without physician or pharmacist approval. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions including heart disease (such as history of heart attacks or chest pain, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), history of stroke, dehydration, seizures, Alzheimer's disease, swallowing problems (such as history of aspiration), diabetes or a family history of diabetes, depression or other mental or mood disorders, history of suicidal thoughts or attempts, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Abilify.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Abilify. You may take Abilify with food, or on an empty stomach. Store Abilify at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in bathroom. Use Abilify regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. If your symptoms do not improve and consult your physician if they worsen. Even if you are feeling better, you should continue taking Abilify. Make sure that you do not skip a dose of Abilify. Should you skip or forget a dose of Abilify, begin using it immediately. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. Never take more than one dose at the same time.

Warnings
Do not use Abilify if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. It may take several weeks for Abilify to work. Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your physician. Do not stop using Abilify without checking with your physician. Keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are using Abilify. Laboratory and/or medical tests, such as fasting blood sugar levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Abilify may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Abilify. Avoid alcoholic beverages. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand up slowly (especially when you first start using Abilify or if your physician changes your dose). Abilify may reduce sweating do not become overheated in hot weather, during exercise, or during other activities since risk of heatstroke may be increased. Abilify may increase your risk of developing diabetes or increase blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause serious problems if left untreated. Contact your physician for more information. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . Caution is advised when using Abilify in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Abilify during pregnancy. The effects of Abilify on breast milk is not known. You should not breast-feed if you are using Abilify. DIABETICS: THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT YOUR BLOOD SUGAR. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your physician before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects you may experience while using Abilify include headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, change in weight, upset stomach, blurred vision, restlessness, tremor, increased amount of saliva, trouble sleeping, or drowsiness. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience loss of control over urination or unusual bruising under your skin. Contact your physician immediately if you experience fever, uncontrolled muscle movements (especially of the face or tongue), severe muscle stiffness, muscle pain or tenderness, decreased amount of urine produced, seizures, irregular or unusually fast heartbeat (especially with fever and increased sweating), unusual mental or mood changes, thoughts of hurting yourself, swelling of the arms or legs, chest pain, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, symptoms of a stroke (such as sudden onset of vision changes, one-sided weakness, or slurred speech), or symptoms of high blood sugar (such as unusually increased thirst, urination, or appetite; or weakness). An allergic reaction to Abilify is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Indications of an overdose are persistent vomiting or persistent drowsiness.

Additional information
Do not let anyone else use Abilify. Do not take Abilify to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children and pets. If using Abilify for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.