Abilify (Aripiprazole) Side Effects

Abilify, which is the brand name for aripiprazole, is an antipsychotic medication used to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, manic depression, major depression and now autism, and many others.  Abilify has been all over the news.  The side effects can be life threatening.  The FDA has issued warnings that Abilify can lead to Leukopenia, Neutropenia and agranulocytosis, (all abnormal lowering of the white blood cell count).  The list of adverse reactions and warnings keep mounting.

Abilify Side Effects include, but not limited to:

Confusion

Fast heart rate (tachycardia)

High fever

Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

Irregular pulse or blood pressure

Stiff muscles

Sweating

Akathesia (a movement disorder characterized by a feeling of inner restlessness and a compelling need to be in constant motion)

Weight gain

Leukemia

and more

There is an FDA warning that Abilify used in the elderly can be fatal.  Abilify increases the risk of stroke and fatal heart attacks in those with dementia.

PRECAUTIONS

and Agranulocytosis

In 2009 the FDA reported,

• Class Effect: In clinical trial and/or postmarketing experience, events of leukopenia/neutropenia have been reported temporally related to antipsychotic agents, including Abilify. Agranulocytosis has also been reported.
• Possible risk factors for leukopenia/neutropenia include pre-existing low white blood cell count (WBC) and history of drug-induced leukopenia/neutropenia. Patients with a history of a clinically significant low WBC or drug-induced leukopenia/neutropenia should have their complete blood count (CBC) monitored frequently during the first few months of therapy and discontinuation of Abilify should be considered at the first sign of a clinically significant decline in WBC in the absence of other causative factors.
• Patients with clinically significant neutropenia should be carefully monitored for fever or other symptoms or signs of infection and treated promptly if such symptoms or signs occur. Patients with severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <1000/mm3) should discontinue Abilify and have their WBC followed until recovery.

Report all adverse reactions to any drug to the FDA MedWatch.