Aripiprazole is used for the treatment of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders.
Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medication used for the treatment of schizophrenia. It has also recently received FDA approval for the treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
Aripiprazole appears to mediate its antipsychotic effects primarily by partial agonism at the D2 receptor. In addition to partial agonist activity at the D2 receptor, aripiprazole is also a partial agonist at the 5-HT1A receptor, and like the other atypical antipsychotics, aripiprazole displays an antagonist profile at the 5-HT2A receptor.
Aripiprazole has moderate affinity for histamine and alpha adrenergic receptors, and no appreciable affinity for cholinergic muscarinic receptors.
Aripiprazole is also used in children 6 years or older who have Tourette's disorder, or symptoms of autistic disorder (irritability, aggression, mood swings, temper tantrums, and self-injury).
Aripiprazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Aripiprazole is a psychotropic agent belonging to the chemical class of benzisoxazole derivatives and is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia.
Aripiprazole is a selective monoaminergic antagonist with high affinity for the serotonin Type 2 (5HT2), dopamine Type 2 (D2), 1 and 2 adrenergic, and H1 histaminergic receptors.
Aripiprazole acts as an antagonist at other receptors, but with lower potency. Antagonism at receptors other than dopamine and 5HT2 with similar receptor affinities may explain some of the other therapeutic and side effects of Aripiprazole. Aripiprazole's antagonism of histamine H1 receptors may explain the somnolence observed with this drug.
Aripiprazole's antagonism of adrenergic a1 receptors may explain the orthostatic hypotension observed with this drug.
Aripiprazole's antipsychotic activity is likely due to a combination of antagonism at D2 receptors in the mesolimbic pathway and 5HT2A receptors in the frontal cortex. Antagonism at D2 receptors relieves positive symptoms while antagonism at 5HT2A receptors relieves negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you become pregnant, do not stop taking 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.
You should not breast-feed while using aripiprazole.
Metabolism: Hepatic
Absorption: Not Available.
Route of elimination: Less than 1% of unchanged aripiprazole was excreted in the urine and approximately 18% of the oral dose was recovered unchanged in the feces.
Half life: 75-146 hours
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.Some medical conditions may interact with Aripiprazole.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions.
Common side effects may include: uncontrolled muscle movements, anxiety, feeling restless, weight gain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased appetite, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired, sleep problems (insomnia) or stuffy nose, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.
