Aripiprazole Generic Name
Aripiprazole, known by its brand name Abilify, is a medication that received approval from the FDA in 2015 as an affordable alternative, maintaining similar efficacy.
What is Aripiprazole used for?
Aripiprazole is commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. Bipolar disorder involves intense mood swings, energy fluctuations, and significant impacts on day-to-day functioning. These mood changes can be rapid and severe. Aripiprazole also treats major depressive disorder and various other mental health issues.
The medication works by targeting serotonin receptors in the brain, which helps to stabilize mood and correct chemical imbalances. It is often used along with other medications to treat schizophrenia.
What other drugs belong to the same class as Aripiprazole?
Aripiprazole falls into several drug categories:
- Atypical antipsychotics
- Serotonin receptor antagonists
- Dopamine receptor antagonists
- Serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Dopamine reuptake inhibitors
Other medications in the same class include:
- Aripiprazole
- Asenapine
- Brexpiprazole
- Cariprazine
- Dexmethylphenidate
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Molindone
- Olanzapine
- Paliperidone
- Quetiapine
- Risperidone
- Sertindole
- Sulpiride
- Tetrabenazine
- Ziprasidone
- Zotepine
What side effects can occur when taking Aripiprazole?
The most common side effects linked to Aripiprazole include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Sleepiness
- Abdominal pain
- Weight gain
- Rash
Less frequent side effects include:
- Excessive salivation
- Muscle spasms
- Tremors
- Involuntary movements
- Disturbed walking patterns
- Irregular sexual desire
- Problems with ejaculation
- Abnormal orgasms
- Impotence
- Urinary issues
- Infertility
- Excessive drooling
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Increased sweating