Skip to main content
Print Save

Aripiprazole (injection)

Generic name: aripiprazole (injection) [ AR-i-PIP-ra-zole ]
Brand names: Abilify Maintena, Aristada
Dosage forms: intramuscular powder for injection, extended release (300 mg; 400 mg), intramuscular suspension, extended release (1064 mg/3.9 mL; 441 mg/1.6 mL; 662 mg/2.4 mL; 675 mg/2.4 mL; 882 mg/3.2 mL)
Drug class: Atypical antipsychotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 23, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is aripiprazole?

The Abilify Maintena brand of aripiprazole is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder (manic depression) in adults. The Aristada brand of aripiprazole is for use only in treating schizophrenia in adults.

Aripiprazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Aripiprazole is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with aripiprazole if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have never taken aripiprazole (Abilify) before.

Aripiprazole may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • a problem with your arm or buttocks where an injection will be given;

  • heart disease, heart attack or stroke;

  • high or low blood pressure;

  • high blood sugar, diabetes (in you or family member);

  • a seizure; or

  • low white blood cell (WBC) counts.

Aripiprazole may cause you to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are receiving aripiprazole.

Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop using aripiprazole without your doctor's advice.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of aripiprazole on the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using aripiprazole. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How is aripiprazole given?

Aripiprazole is injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection once every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your condition. Your doctor may occasionally change your dosing schedule.

If you have never used aripiprazole before, your doctor may want to you also take this medicine by mouth (in tablet or liquid form) for a short time before your first injection. You may need to continue taking oral aripiprazole for up to 3 weeks after your first injection. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Keep using all your anti-psychotic medications as directed by your doctor. Read the instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

Drink plenty of liquids. You can easily become dehydrated while using aripiprazole.

Your doctor will need to check your progress while you are using aripiprazole.

Detailed Aripiprazole dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your aripiprazole injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, vomiting, aggression, confusion, tremors, fast or slow heart rate, seizure (convulsions), weak or shallow breathing, or fainting.

What should I avoid while receiving aripiprazole?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how aripiprazole will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are using aripiprazole.

Aripiprazole side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

High doses or long-term use of aripiprazole can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use aripiprazole, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a diabetic or an older adult.

Aripiprazole may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);

  • feeling uncomfortably warm or hot;

  • trouble swallowing;

  • a seizure;

  • severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out;

  • low blood cell counts--sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, painful mouth sores, swollen gums, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing; or

  • high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while using this medicine. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

Common side effects of aripiprazole may include:

  • feeling restless;

  • pain where the injection was given;

  • weight gain; or

  • drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Aripiprazole side effects (more detail)

What other drugs will affect aripiprazole?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect aripiprazole. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Aripiprazole drug interactions (more detail)

Popular FAQ

Aripiprazole is one of those medications that can cause sleepiness in some people and insomnia (an inability to get to sleep) in others. Aripiprazole should be preferably taken in the morning, especially if it keeps you awake at night. Research also suggests taking it at night may antagonize D2 dopamine receptors and disrupt 24h rhythms in insulin release, possibly exacerbating metabolic dysfunction. Continue reading

Although Abilify (aripiprazole) has been found to cause less weight gain than other atypical antipsychotics, there is evidence that in certain people it can cause significant weight gain and it may be more likely to cause weight gain in people who are taking it for depression alongside other antidepressants. Side effects such as weight gain may be significant enough for some people to discontinue Abilify, even when it is working well to manage symptoms. Continue reading

Abilify (aripiprazole) and Vraylar (cariprazine) are both classified as atypical antipsychotic medications. They help treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depression) and as additive treatment for major depressive disorder. These medicines work by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain to help stabilize your thoughts, actions and moods. Continue reading

The main differences between Abilify and Abilify Maintena are how they are supplied, how they are administered, their FDA-approved uses and their costs. They both contain the active ingredient aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic, and are approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Continue reading

The oral tablet formulation Abilify MyCite (aripiprazole) is embedded with the ingestible Proteus sensor that allows patients, and, if given access, doctors and caregivers, to track ingestion of the Abilify medication on a smartphone or web-based portal. The system sends a message from the pill’s sensor to a wearable patch on the patient, which then transmits to the device. Continue reading

View more FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01.