Aripiprazole (Abilify®) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Savings

What Aripiprazole Is and How It Works

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, Tourette syndrome, and as an add-on for major depressive disorder. It is the generic for Abilify. Many people compare Aripiprazole price and Aripiprazole cost to plan longer-term treatment. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, where licensed pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing; we offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices and also carry OTC health products.

Aripiprazole tablets and orally disintegrating tablets are taken by mouth once daily in most cases. A liquid oral solution also exists. The medicine is a dopamine D2 partial agonist and a serotonin 5-HT1A partial agonist, with 5-HT2A antagonism. This balanced action helps stabilize dopamine and serotonin signaling. That is why aripiprazole is used for mood and psychotic symptoms across several conditions. The aripiprazole drug classification is “second-generation antipsychotic.”

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Common uses include aripiprazole for bipolar mania or maintenance, aripiprazole for depression as adjunct therapy, and aripiprazole for schizophrenia. It also treats irritability associated with autism and tics in Tourette syndrome in specific age groups. Talk to your prescriber about which strength fits your condition, including aripiprazole 5mg for dose starts or adjustments.

Dosage and Usage

• Follow the dose and schedule on your prescription label. Typical once-daily dosing, with or without food.
• Schizophrenia (adults): common range 10–30 mg daily; some start at 10–15 mg.
• Bipolar I mania (adults): often 15 mg once daily; adjustments made by the prescriber.
• Adjunct in major depressive disorder (adults): often 2–5 mg daily to start; titrate to response.
• Adolescents and pediatric use depend on indication and weight; specialist oversight is essential.
• Aripiprazole 5mg tablets help with fine-tuning doses during titration or maintenance.
• Take at the same time each day. If it causes sleepiness, take in the evening; if activating, take in the morning.
• Missed dose: take when remembered the same day. Skip if close to the next dose. Do not double up.
• Orally disintegrating tablets: peel back the foil with dry hands, place on the tongue, allow to dissolve, and swallow. Do not push tablets through the foil.
• Do not stop suddenly unless your prescriber instructs you, as symptoms may return.

• Storage: keep tablets in original packaging at 15–30°C (59–86°F). Protect from moisture and light.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets. Close the cap tightly after each use.
• Travel: carry in your hand luggage with the prescription label. Avoid leaving pills in a hot car.
• Use a daily pill organizer to stay on schedule. Set phone reminders if helpful.
• If the bottle gets wet or the tablets chip or crumble, consult a pharmacist before use.

Benefits and Savings

Aripiprazole offers treatment across several conditions with once-daily dosing. It tends to cause less sedation and less weight gain than some older antipsychotics, though individual responses vary. The flexible range of strengths, including aripiprazole 5mg, supports careful titration.

Buying the aripiprazole generic often reduces monthly expense compared with the brand. Compared to typical US prices, many patients see 60–80% savings when ordering through Canadian pharmacies. You can reduce per-month costs further with multi-month supplies when appropriate. Set reorder reminders so you never run short during ongoing therapy.

If you are looking for extra offers, see our aripiprazole coupon page for current promotions.

We also offer brand options. You can compare abilify price with generic options before you order.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, restlessness or akathisia, sleepiness, fatigue.
• Metabolic: changes in blood sugar and lipids, possible weight gain, increased appetite.
• CNS: tremor, extrapyramidal symptoms, blurred vision.
• Cardiovascular: orthostatic dizziness, mild blood pressure changes.
• GI: dry mouth, indigestion.
• Sexual: decreased libido.
• Aripiprazole 5mg side effects are similar to higher strengths but may be milder during dose titration.

Serious risks are uncommon but include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, seizures, severe allergic reaction, severe neutropenia, and pathologic gambling or other impulse-control problems. Antipsychotics increase mortality in elderly people with dementia-related psychosis; aripiprazole is not approved for this use. Young adults using it with antidepressants should watch for mood changes or suicidal thoughts. If used with insulin or sulfonylureas for diabetes, monitor blood glucose closely, as diet or symptom changes can increase hypoglycemia risk when regimens shift.

Read the Medication Guide for full warnings, including stroke risk in certain older adults and potential interactions. For detailed tips on effects, see our article Abilify Side Effects What To Watch For And How To Manage.

Onset Time

Some symptoms such as agitation or sleep may start to improve in 1–2 weeks. For schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, fuller effects often emerge over 2–6 weeks as the dose settles. As an adjunct for depression, benefit can begin within 1–2 weeks, with continued gains by 4–6 weeks. Your prescriber may adjust the dose during this period.

Stick with the plan unless directed to change. Consistent daily use helps clinicians judge response and tolerability.

Compare With Alternatives

Brand-name Abilify® contains the same active ingredient. Patients who prefer the brand can review labeling and pricing and compare with the aripiprazole generic. Clinical effects should be similar when the same dose is used.

Zyprexa® (olanzapine) is another atypical antipsychotic. It can be effective for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder but may cause more weight gain and metabolic effects for some people. Dosing and side-effect profiles differ.

Trifluoperazine is a first-generation antipsychotic. It may help certain psychotic symptoms but tends to have a higher risk of extrapyramidal effects compared with many second-generation options. Discuss comparative benefits and risks with your clinician.

To learn more about alcohol-related precautions, see our guide Abilify And Alcohol Risks And Safety Tips. For a broader overview, read Abilify Medication Uses Dosage And Safety Tips.

Combination Therapy

• Major depressive disorder: pair with an SSRI or SNRI; start low (often 2–5 mg) and titrate.
• Bipolar disorder: use with lithium or valproate for maintenance or mania; monitor for additive side effects.
• Tourette syndrome: may be combined with behavioral therapy; dosing is individualized.
• Short-term benzodiazepines can be used for acute agitation or insomnia under close supervision.
• Anticholinergics may be used short-term for extrapyramidal symptoms if they occur.
• CYP3A4/CYP2D6 interactions: strong inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, fluoxetine) may require a lower dose; inducers (e.g., carbamazepine) may require a higher dose per prescriber guidance.
• Diabetes therapies: monitor glucose; adjust insulin or sulfonylureas only under medical supervision to reduce hypoglycemia risk.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Aripiprazole may suit adults and adolescents with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, Tourette syndrome, or major depressive disorder (as add-on). It can be a good option when sedation or weight gain from other agents is an issue, though weight and metabolic changes can still occur.

It may not suit people with dementia-related psychosis due to higher mortality risk. Use caution with a history of seizures, significant cardiovascular disease, severe dehydration, or uncontrolled diabetes. Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding with your clinician. Neonates exposed in the third trimester may experience extrapyramidal or withdrawal symptoms after birth.

To manage Aripiprazole cost, compare strengths and quantities. Generic aripiprazole tablets usually offer the lowest per-tablet price. Multi-month supplies can lower the average monthly cost. Turn on simple reorder reminders so you can schedule refills before you run out.

If you want to read more about related conditions, browse Schizophrenia and Major Depressive Disorder for education on treatment approaches.

Authoritative Sources

Otsuka US Abilify brand information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Aripiprazole listings

FDA Prescribing Information for Aripiprazole

Order aripiprazole from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This material is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek personalized guidance from your healthcare professional.