Abilify (aripiprazole): Uses, Safety and Drug Interactions

Uses and the oral product

Abilify contains aripiprazole, an antipsychotic medicine. This summary concerns the 5 mg oral tablet, not a long-acting injection or a separately formulated product. The reviewed UK information covers schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 15 years or older. It also covers manic episodes in bipolar I disorder, with defined adult recurrence-prevention use and a limited treatment duration for adolescents aged 13 years or older. Other countries may authorise different uses. The strength printed on a tablet is not a personal dosing recommendation.

Effects and monitoring

Restlessness or an inability to sit still, nausea, headache, sleep changes and dizziness can occur. Blood pressure can fall on standing, contributing to falls. Weight, glucose and movement symptoms need observation during treatment. New involuntary movements or severe persistent restlessness should be reported. Aripiprazole can also cause unusual urges involving gambling, shopping, eating or sexual behaviour; a family member may notice these first. Discuss any change promptly rather than assuming it is a deliberate behavioural choice.

Important interactions

Aripiprazole is broken down through CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Strong inhibitors, including fluoxetine, paroxetine and some azole antifungals, can increase exposure; strong enzyme inducers such as carbamazepine can lower it. A prescriber may need to alter treatment when these medicines start or stop. Blood pressure medicines may have stronger effects, while alcohol and other sedating medicines can worsen impairment. Medicines that affect heart rhythm or electrolyte levels require caution. This does not mean every listed combination has the same risk or requires the same action.

Urgent symptoms, pregnancy and breastfeeding

Seek urgent help for high fever with muscle rigidity and confusion, a severe allergic reaction, or serious swallowing or breathing difficulty. Report self-harm thoughts immediately. The product information does not authorise use for dementia-related psychosis and describes increased mortality in elderly people with that condition. Discuss pregnancy plans and breastfeeding with the prescriber: newborn movement, breathing and feeding problems can occur after exposure late in pregnancy. The UK label requires a decision between continuing breastfeeding and continuing aripiprazole. Do not stop an effective treatment or change formulation without medical guidance.

Sources

• Abilify 5 mg tablets - UK SmPC - eMC updated 27 April 2026
• Abilify tablets - UK patient leaflet - Leaflet revision February 2026; eMC updated 22 April 2026

Source check: 30 October 2026. This records a source check, not a clinical review by a doctor or pharmacist. Follow the leaflet supplied with your medicine and seek professional advice for personal treatment.