Aripiprazole Information

ARIPIPRAZOLE (ay ri PIP ray zole) is an antipsychotic. It is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -dehydration -dementia -diabetes -heart disease -history of stroke -low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts -Parkinson's disease -seizures -an unusual or allergic reaction to aripiprazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives -pregnant or trying to get pregnant -breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Keep appointments for follow-up doses as directed. It is important not to miss your scheduled dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications: -brexpiprazole -cisapride -dofetilide -dronedarone -metoclopramide -pimozide -thioridazine This medicine may also interact with the following medications: -alcohol -carbamazepine -certain medicines for anxiety or sleep -certain medicines for blood pressure -certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole, and itraconazole -clarithromycin -fluoxetine -other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm) -paroxetine -quinidine -rifampin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks. This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise. This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe. If you notice an increased hunger or thirst, different from your normal hunger or thirst, or if you find that you have to urinate more frequently, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible. You may need to have your blood sugar monitored. This medicine may cause changes in your blood sugar levels. You should monitor you blood sugar frequently if you are a diabetic. There have been reports of uncontrollable and strong urges to gamble, binge eat, shop, and have sex while taking this medicine. If you experience any of these or other uncontrollable and strong urges while taking this medicine, you should report it to your health care provider as soon as possible.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: -allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue -breathing problems -confusion -feeling faint or lightheaded, falls -fever or chills, sore throat -increased hunger or thirst -increased urination -joint pain -muscles pain, spasms -pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected -problems with balance, talking, walking -restlessness or need to keep moving -seizures -suicidal thoughts or other mood changes -trouble swallowing -uncontrollable and excessive urges (examples: gambling, binge eating, shopping, having sex) -uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements -unusually weak or tired Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): -blurred vision -constipation -headache -nausea -trouble sleeping -weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.