Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Aripiprazole is a neuroleptic drug often used in the treatment of patients suffering from schizophrenia and type I affective disorder. Although its effects have been confirmed by research, it is not often prescribed by psychiatrists. What influences it? We are reviewing what precautions to take when dosing aripiprazole.
Aripiprazole – use
Aripiprazole is given to adult patients and adolescents over 15 years of age. Works best with:
- the treatment of moderate and severe manic episodes;
- preventing the recurrence of manic episodes.
The drug is also given to children over 13 years of age, with treatment lasting more than 12 weeks.
Aripiprazole – dosage
Aripiprazole is in the form of tablets that are administered orally to the patient. The medicine should be washed down with a glass of water. Aripiprazole should be administered at specific times each day. You may notice improvement after a few days, or it may take several weeks.
Aripiprazole – precautions
The use of aripiprazole should be under the careful supervision of a psychiatrist, as the drug may lead to an increased occurrence of suicidal thoughts. Full caution should also be exercised in people with dementia. Monitoring should also be performed in patients with ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, seizures, diabetes mellitus, pituitary adenoma, and a risk of pneumonia.
Your doctor will also monitor for symptoms such as excessive thirst, polyuria and constant fatigue. In younger patients, attention is paid to weight gain. There is lactose in the drug, so patients are monitored for symptoms of galactose intolerance. An absolute contraindication to the use of Aripiprazole is hypersensitivity to any of the substances contained in the drug.
Aripiprazole – pregnancy and lactation
Pregnant women should not use aripiprazole as it may cause foetotoxicity. The drug is administered only in extreme cases. Newborns who have been exposed to antipsychotics at the end of the third trimester are more likely to experience side effects, including:
- extrapyramidal syndrome;
- withdrawal syndrome;
- stimulation;
- suction disorder;
- hypertonia;
- hypotension;
- trembling;
- somnolence.
Studies have also confirmed that aripiprazole is excreted in human milk, therefore, nursing mothers should not take the drug. This is only justified in extreme cases.
Aripiprazole – side effects
The most common side effects with aripiprazole are:
- dizziness;
- somnolence;
- akathisia;
- trembling;
- nausea;
- constipation;
- bow;
- insomnia;
- restlessness (most often movement);
- extrapyramidal disorders;
- blurred vision;
- tiredness;
- excessive salivation.
Side effects such as:
- hypersexuality;
- tachycardia;
- double vision;
- depression;
- orthostatic hypotension.