Opipza

Generic name: aripiprazole (oral) [ AR-i-PIP-ra-zole ]
Other brand names of aripiprazole (oral) include: Abilify, Opipza
Drug class: Atypical antipsychotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 25, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Opipza?

Opipza is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children at least 13 years old.

Opipza is also used in children at least 6 years old to treat Tourette's disorder, or irritability related to autistic disorder.

Opipza is also used alone or with a mood stabilizer medicine to treat manic or mixed episodes with bipolar disorder in adults and children at least 10 years old.

Opipza is also used with antidepressant medication to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

Some forms of aripiprazole are only indicated for certain conditions.

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

Opipza 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 Opipza, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a woman or an older adult.

Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Opipza 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);

• seizure;

• feeling unusually hot;

• drops in blood pressure or feeling light-headed when standing up;

• trouble swallowing;

• weight gain;

• abnormal blood tests (high cholesterol or triglycerides);

• signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;

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

• low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough; or

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

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

Common side effects of Opipza may include:

• blurred vision;

• increased saliva or drooling;

• muscle stiffness;

• anxiety, uncontrolled muscle movements such as tremors or feeling restless;

• nausea, vomiting, constipation;

• increased or decreased appetite;

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• fever, cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

People with depression or mental illness may have thoughts about suicide. Some young people may have increased suicidal thoughts when first starting a medicine to treat depression. Tell your doctor right away if you have any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts about suicide.

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

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Opipza if you are allergic to it.

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

People with depression or mental illness may have thoughts about suicide. Some young people may have increased suicidal thoughts when first starting a medicine to treat depression. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• heart problems or a stroke;

• high or low blood pressure;

• diabetes (in you or a family member);

• seizures;

• low white blood cell (WBC) counts; or

• high cholesterol or triglycerides.

The oral solution (liquid) contains sugar.

The orally disintegrating tablet may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about your risk.

Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause serious problems in the newborn. Tell your doctor right away if you get pregnant. Do not stop the medicine 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.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Opipza.

How should I take Opipza?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take Opipza with or without food.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Remove an orally disintegrating tablet or oral film from the package with dry hands only when you are ready to use the medicine. Allow the medicine to dissolve in your mouth without chewing, do not split.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked on a regular basis, and you may need other medical tests.

If you also use antidepressant medicine, do not stop using it suddenly or you could have unpleasant symptoms. Ask your doctor before stopping the antidepressant.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any oral solution not used within 6 months after opening the bottle.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while taking Opipza?

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 Opipza will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Opipza.

What other drugs will affect Opipza?

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

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect Opipza, especially:

• blood pressure medications; or

• a benzodiazepine sedative like lorazepam.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Opipza. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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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.

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