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Abilify is an antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The drug is administered orally. It can be taken with or without food. The dose of Abilify is determined by your doctor, based on your health, age and medications.
Abilify is a medicine used to control anxiety and behavioral disorders in people with schizophrenia. Before starting treatment, it is essential to inform the doctor about the medications you are taking and about your health condition. There are some precautions you should take when using Abilify.
Abilify – action
Abilify can be used for:
- schizophrenia;
- depression as an adjunct treatment;
- mania associated with bipolar disorder;
- rare developmental disorders in infants;
- bipolar disorder;
- Tourette’s syndrome;
- remission of bipolar disorders.
Abilify – application
Abilify is taken by mouth with or without food. Follow your doctor’s instructions. The dosage depends on your medical condition, response to treatment, age and other medications being taken. To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor may recommend that you start taking Abilify with a low dose and increase it gradually.
When using Abilify, do not increase the dose or take the medicine more or less frequently than prescribed. You will not get better any faster and the risk of side effects will increase.
The effects of Abilify treatment are visible after a few weeks of use. Abilify should be taken regularly to get the most benefit, preferably at the same time. Treatment should be continued and it is the doctor who decides to end the therapy. Do not put the medicine down suddenly.
Abilify – side effects
Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, drooling, blurred vision, weight gain, constipation, headache and trouble sleeping may occur while taking Abilify.
Contact your doctor immediately if you have any serious side effects including: fainting, changes in mood (e.g. anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide), difficulty swallowing, tremors, muscle spasm, seizures, problems controlling some urges (such as such as gambling, sex, eating or shopping), sleep apnea.
Occasionally, Abilify can cause a very serious condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include fever, muscle stiffness and pain, weakness, severe tiredness, severe confusion, sweating, fast and irregular heartbeat, dark urine, signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine).
Abilify may lead to a hypersensitivity reaction.
Abilify – precautions
Before the doctor prescribes Abilify for us, he should be informed about all the medications we are taking, including over-the-counter medications. Abilify may affect the way other medicines work and increase the risk of side effects.
In addition, the physician must know the complete medical history of the patient. He should be informed in particular about cerebral blood flow disorders, diabetes, heart disease, nervous system disorders, obesity, low levels of white blood cells, swallowing disorders and sleep apnea.
Abilify may affect the safety of driving and operating machinery. Also, do not perform any activities that require vigilance. Older people are also more prone to developing side effects.
The drug is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It can only be used when absolutely necessary.
Do not give this medicine to other people. Keep Abilify away from light and moisture, and out of the reach of children.
Abilify — cena
Abilify costs from PLN 6 to PLN 130.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.