Brand name: Arip-mt
ARIP MT ( Abilify , Aripiprazole )
Pronounced: a-BILL-i-fie
Generic name: Aripiprazole
Why is Arip-mt prescribed?
Arip-mt is used in the treatment of schizophrenia, the psychological
disorder that causes its victims to lose touch with reality, often
triggering hallucinations, delusions (false beliefs), and disorganized
thinking. The drug is thought to work by modifying sensitivity to two
of the brain's chief chemical messengers, serotonin and dopamine.
Most important fact about Arip-mt
Arip-mt can cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition marked by involuntary
movements in the face and body, including chewing movements, puckering,
puffing the cheeks, and sticking out the tongue. This condition may
be permanent and appears to be most common among older adults, especially
women. Ask your doctor for more information about this possible risk.
How should you take without prescriptions
Arip-mt ARIP MT ( Abilify , Aripiprazole )?
Arip-mt should be taken once a day. It may be taken with or without
food.
If you miss a dose ARIP MT ( Abilify , Aripiprazole )
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return
to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
Special warnings about Arip-mt
The risk of tardive dyskinesia (see "Most important fact about
Arip-mt") increases with the total amount of Arip-mt that you've
taken. To reduce the risk, the doctor will prescribe the lowest effective
dose and resort to long-term therapy only if necessary. If you develop
symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, see your doctor immediately. Therapy
with Arip-mt may have to be discontinued.
In rare cases, Arip-mt has been known to cause a potentially fatal
condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include
high fever, rigid muscles, irregular pulse or blood pressure, rapid
heartbeat, excessive perspiration, altered mental status, and changes
in heart rhythm. If you develop these symptoms, contact your doctor
immediately. Arip-mt should be discontinued.
Certain antipsychotic drugs, including Arip-mt, are associated with
an increased risk of developing high blood sugar, which on rare occasions
has led to coma or death. See your doctor right away if you develop
signs of high blood sugar, including dry mouth, unusual thirst, increased
urination, and tiredness. If you have diabetes or have a high risk
of developing it, see your doctor regularly for blood sugar testing.
Because Arip-mt tends to make some people sleepy, you should be cautious
about operating hazardous machinery such as cars until you are certain
the drug will not impair your ability.
In a few people, Arip-mt can cause an abrupt drop in blood pressure
when they stand up, leading to light-headedness or even fainting. Use
Arip-mt with caution if you have any kind of heart or circulatory problem,
take blood pressure medication, or tend to become dehydrated.
Arip-mt has triggered seizures in a very small number of patients,
and can also interfere with the swallowing mechanism. The risk of either
problem is greater among older adults. If you've ever had a seizure,
be sure to tell the doctor. Arip-mt should be used with caution.
Drugs such as Arip-mt can cause the body to overheat. Be cautious
in hot weather and when exercising strenuously, and be sure to get
plenty of liquids.
Arip-mt has not been tested in children or teenagers. Older adults
should use the drug with caution.
Possible food and drug interactions when
taking Arip-mt
The doctor will need to reduce the dosage of Arip-mt when you take
the following additional drugs:
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
On the other hand, the dosage of Arip-mt should be increased when
you take carbamazepine (Tegretol).
Be cautious when taking Arip-mt with blood pressure medications classified
as alpha-adrenergic blockers, including Hytrin and Cardura. Caution
is also advised when combining Arip-mt with drugs that act on the brain,
including tranquilizers, antidepressants, sleeping pills, narcotic
painkillers, and other schizophrenia medications.
Although Arip-mt does not interact with alcohol, the manufacturer
recommends avoiding the combination.
Special information if you are pregnant
or breastfeeding
The effects of Arip-mt during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
The drug is recommended only if its benefits are thought to outweigh
the potential risk to the baby. If you are pregnant or planning to
become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
Breastfeeding is not recommended during Arip-mt therapy.
Recommended dosage
ADULTS Overdosage Arip-mt ARIP MT ( Abilify , Aripiprazole
)
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
* Symptoms of Arip-mt overdose may include:
Sleepiness, vomiting
Storage instructions ARIP MT ( Abilify , Aripiprazole
)
Store at room temperature.
Arip-mt side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe to continue using Arip-mt.
* Side effects may include:
Anxiety, blurred vision, constipation, cough, headache, insomnia, light-headedness,
nausea, rash, restlessness, runny nose, sleepiness, tremors, vomiting,
weakness, weight gain
Why should Arip-mt not be prescribed?
If Arip-mt causes an allergic reaction, you'll be unable to use it.
