Aripiprazole: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medicine used most commonly to treat schizophrenia. It is also used for bipolar disorder, as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder, and certain symptoms linked with autism or Tourette’s disorder. Aripiprazole requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and is available as a generic medicine, as well as under the brand name Abilify.

Aripiprazole is used to treat schizophrenia, a condition that can affect thoughts, perceptions and behaviour. It is also used for the acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. In major depressive disorder, aripiprazole can be prescribed alongside an antidepressant.

In children and young people, it is used for irritability associated with autistic disorder and for Tourette’s disorder. Tourette’s disorder involves involuntary movements or sounds known as tics. Aripiprazole is not approved for psychosis associated with dementia, and its use in that setting is linked with increased risks for elderly patients.

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic. It acts on chemical messenger systems in the brain, particularly dopamine and serotonin pathways. Rather than simply blocking dopamine activity, aripiprazole partly stimulates some dopamine receptors and blocks or modulates others.

This balancing effect can reduce excessive dopamine signalling associated with psychotic symptoms, while supporting activity where signalling may be low. Effects on serotonin receptors also contribute to its actions on mood, anxiety and behaviour.

The overall effect may help reduce hallucinations, unusual beliefs, agitation, mood elevation and irritability, depending on the condition being treated. The precise response varies between individuals, and treatment is monitored by the prescriber.

The label lists oral tablets of 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg, orally disintegrating tablets of 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg, soluble oral forms of 2 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg, and oral solution of 1 mg/mL. The label lists extended-release intramuscular injection strengths of 720 mg/2.4 mL and 960 mg/3.2 mL. The usual starting dose is 10 to 15 mg/day for adults with schizophrenia.

The usual starting dose is 15 mg/day for adults with bipolar mania as monotherapy, or 10 mg to 15 mg/day with lithium or valproate. The usual starting dose is 2 to 5 mg/day when added to antidepressants for major depressive disorder. The usual starting dose is 2 mg/day for several paediatric indications.

Oral formulations are listed as once daily without regard to meals. Known CYP2D6 poor metabolisers are listed as receiving half the usual dose.

A missed dose should be handled according to the prescriber’s or pharmacist’s advice. The label describes aripiprazole oral formulations as once-daily treatment, but it does not provide a separate missed-dose schedule.

A missed dose should not be compensated for by changing the prescribed amount without professional advice. If several doses are missed, contact the prescriber or pharmacist, particularly when aripiprazole is being used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder.

Available published data have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Exposure during the third trimester may cause extrapyramidal or withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies, including agitation, tremor, sleepiness, breathing problems or feeding difficulties. Aripiprazole exposure during pregnancy can have variable effects on milk supply after birth.

Breastfed infants should be monitored for dehydration and lack of appropriate weight gain. Pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist before treatment changes.

Store aripiprazole oral solution at 20°C to 25°C. Opened bottles can be used for up to 6 months after opening, but not beyond the expiry date on the bottle. Keep the bottle closed and discard the bottle and contents after the expiry date, as directed on the label.