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Abilify |
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What is Abilify and why is it prescribed? Abilify is used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Abilify is thought to work by modifying sensitivity to two of the brain's chief chemical messengers, serotonin and dopamine. Abilify can cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition marked by involuntary movements in the face and body, including chewing movements, puckering, puffing the cheeks, and sticking out the tongue. This condition may be permanent and appears to be most common among older adults, especially women. How should you take Abilify? Follow your doctors directions for taking Abilify. Abilify should be taken once a day. It may be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Abilify at room temperature. Are there any Abilify side effects? Abilify side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Abilify side effects may include anxiety, blurred vision, constipation, cough, headache, insomnia, light-headedness, nausea, rash, restlessness, runny nose, sleepiness, tremors, vomiting, weakness, and weight gain. Less common Abilify side effects may include abnormal gait, anemia, appetite loss, blood pressure changes, bruising, chest pain, confusion, depression, dry skin, ear pain, eye inflammation, fever, flu symptoms, heart rate changes, hostility, increased salivation, itching, jerkiness and rigidity, mania, muscle cramps, neck pain or stiffness, nervousness, pneumonia, shortness of breath, skin sores, suicidal thoughts, sweating, swelling, urinary incontinence, and weight loss. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Abilify? If Abilify is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Your doctor will need to reduce the dosage of Abilify when you take Fluoxetine (Prozac), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Paroxetine (Paxil), or Quinidine (Quinidex). The dosage of Abilify should be increased when you take carbamazepine (Tegretol). Be cautious when taking Abilify with blood pressure medications classified as alpha-adrenergic blockers, including Hytrin and Cardura. Caution is also advised when combining Abilify with drugs that act on the brain, including tranquilizers, antidepressants, sleeping pills, narcotic painkillers, and other schizophrenia medications. Although Abilify does not interact with alcohol, the manufacturer recommends avoiding the combination. Are there any special warnings about Abilify? The risk of tardive dyskinesia increases with the total amount of Abilify that you have taken. To reduce the risk, your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose and resort to long-term therapy only if necessary. If you develop symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, see your doctor immediately. Therapy with Abilify may have to be discontinued. In rare cases, Abilify has been known to cause a potentially fatal condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include high fever, rigid muscles, irregular pulse or blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive perspiration, altered mental status, and changes in heart rhythm. If you develop these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Abilify should be discontinued. Because Abilify tends to make some people sleepy, you should be cautious about operating hazardous machinery such as cars until you are certain the drug will not impair your ability. In a few people, Abilify can cause an abrupt drop in blood pressure when they stand up, leading to light-headedness or even fainting. Use Abilify with caution if you have any kind of heart or circulatory problem, take blood pressure medication, or tend to become dehydrated. Abilify has triggered seizures in a very small number of patients, and can also interfere with the swallowing mechanism. The risk of either problem is greater among older adults. If you have ever had a seizure, be sure to tell the doctor. Abilify should be used with caution. Drugs such as Abilify can cause the body to overheat. Be cautious in hot weather and when exercising strenuously, and be sure to get plenty of liquids. Abilify has not been tested in children or teenagers. Older adults should use the drug with caution. |
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