**Abilify Side Effects: What You Need to Know**
Abilify is commonly prescribed to manage psychosis symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions. Additionally, it is used to treat acute manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder.
The medication is associated with a variety of side effects that range from mild to severe, impacting both physical and sexual health. Here, we provide comprehensive information on the potential sexual side effects of taking Abilify.
## **Sexual Side Effects of Abilify**
Taking Abilify can lead to elevated prolactin levels, which may decrease libido in women. This can manifest as lowered sexual desire, difficulty becoming aroused, and challenges with achieving orgasm. Increased prolactin levels can also cause unusual breast growth, development issues, and irregular menstrual cycles.
To lessen these adverse effects, women are encouraged to take the lowest effective dose of Abilify and avoid combining it with other medications that could similarly affect libido.
## **Common Side Effects of Abilify**
Commonly reported side effects of Abilify include:
– Dizziness
– Lightheadedness
– Drowsiness
– Weakness
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Stomach pain
– Fatigue
– Drooling
– Trouble swallowing
– Blurred vision
– Headache
– Anxiety
– Weight gain
– Insomnia
– Constipation
## **Serious Side Effects**
Severe side effects of Abilify can include:
– Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary, repetitive movements)
– Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
– Tremors
– Muscle spasms
– Fainting
– Significant mental or mood changes
– Difficulty swallowing
– Restlessness
– Seizures
– Signs of infection
## **Potential Medication Interactions**
Avoid taking Abilify with the following medications due to potential negative interactions:
– Cold or allergy medicines
– Narcotic pain medications
– Sleeping pills
– Muscle relaxants
– Medicines for seizures, depression, or anxiety
– Medications for high blood pressure or heart conditions
– Carbamazepine
– Phenobarbital
– Phenytoin
– Rifabutin
– Rifampin
– Ketoconazole
– Itraconazole
– Quinidine
– Fluoxetine
– Fluvoxamine
– Paroxetine
## **Managing Side Effects**
If you experience side effects while taking Abilify, consider the following strategies:
– Follow your prescription label instructions carefully.
– If you feel fatigued or dizzy, rest and drink plenty of fluids.
– Sip water throughout the day and before bedtime to manage dry mouth. Ensure good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth before bed.
– If Abilify raises your blood sugar levels, eat a small snack before bedtime.
– If you notice mood changes, consult your doctor, who may adjust your medication. Contact your doctor immediately if any side effects worsen.
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