When treating your mental health condition, sometimes your doctor may prescribe an injection instead of pills. This may seem a bit new to some people. But it is a very effective treatment. Today we are going to talk about one such special injection, Aripiprazole. If you or someone in your family has been prescribed this, this article will be very useful for you.
What is this medicine called Aripiprazole?
Simply put, Aripiprazole is a medication used to treat several mental health conditions. It is mainly used for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder .
This medicine belongs to a group of medicines called antipsychotics . Our brains contain two chemicals called dopamine and serotonin . These help control our mood, behavior, and thoughts. In some mental illnesses, the balance of these chemicals is disrupted. So, Aripiprazole works by restoring that balance. This can help control symptoms.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this vaccine
Before you start this vaccine, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. Because some medical conditions require special care when using this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed in the table below.
| Health condition or habit | Why do you need to tell the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Dementia or memory loss | Elderly dementia patients may be at increased risk from this class of drugs. |
| Diabetes | This medicine may increase blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should be monitored closely. |
| Difficulty swallowing food or liquids | You need to be careful about this, as it may increase your difficulty swallowing. |
| Heart disease , a history of irregular heartbeat, or a stroke | May affect heart rate or blood pressure. |
| Low blood pressure | This medicine may cause dizziness and fainting. |
| Parkinson's disease | Parkinson's symptoms may sometimes worsen. |
| A history of seizures | This medicine may slightly increase the risk of seizures. |
| Uncontrollable urges (Urges) | A history of impulsive behaviors such as gambling, excessive spending, and overeating. |
| Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts | Sometimes, mental status can change, so it's important to keep your doctor informed. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | Find out if you are allergic to aripiprazole or any of its ingredients. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | It is essential to talk to the doctor about the possible effects on the child. |
How do I get this vaccine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. This injection is given into a muscle . It is given in a hospital or clinic by a trained doctor or nurse. You will not be able to take it home with you.
The most important thing is that this is a medicine prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
Before each treatment, you will be given a special leaflet (`MedGuide`) with details about this medicine. Always read and understand it carefully.
What if the dose increases?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if you think you may have overdosed , immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Interactions with other medications
It is very important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking, as some medications can cause unwanted effects when combined with Aripiprazole.
| Never use Aripiprazole with this medicine. | |
|---|---|
| Brexpiprazole | Pimozide |
| Cisapride | Quinidine |
| Dronedarone | Thioridazine |
| Metoclopramide | Dextromethorphan; quinidine |
| Be careful when using Aripiprazole with these medications. | |
| Medication for anxiety or sleep | Blood pressure medication |
| Medications for depression (e.g. Fluoxetine, Paroxetine) | Narcotic pain medications |
| Medicines for fungal infections (e.g. Ketoconazole) | Medications for Parkinson's disease |
| Anticonvulsant medications such as carbamazepine | Medications that affect the rhythm of the heart beat (QT interval) |
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to consider during treatment
- Dizziness and drowsiness: You may feel a little drowsy or dizzy when taking this medicine. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when getting up from a sitting position or sitting down suddenly.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can interfere with the effects of this medication. It can also increase drowsiness. Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol completely .
- Body temperature: This medicine may slightly affect your body's ability to regulate temperature. Your tolerance to extreme cold or heat may be reduced. Therefore, avoid sun exposure and excessive exercise during hot weather. Drink plenty of water.
- Uncontrollable impulses: This is very important. Some people may experience unusual urges to gamble, spend money excessively, engage in sexual activity, or overeat while taking this medication.. Imagine that you have never played online games for money, but when you take this medicine, you feel an irresistible urge to do so. If you experience any unusual urges like this, tell your doctor immediately . This is nothing to be ashamed of, it could be a side effect of the medicine.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like all medicines, this one can have side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Be aware of the following.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome | High fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion. |
| Stroke | Numbness/weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking. |
| Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) | Uncontrolled body movements, muscle tension, tremors, restlessness. |
| High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Unusual thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Suicidal thoughts | Mood swings, depressive thoughts. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Constipation | Drowsiness |
| Weight gain | |
Take-Home Message
- Aripiprazole is a prescription medication for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
- Before starting this treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Avoid alcohol completely during treatment. Avoid driving as it may cause drowsiness.
- If you experience unusual, uncontrollable impulses, such as gambling or excessive spending, do not be shy and inform your doctor immediately.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as high fever, muscle stiffness, or confusion, seek medical advice immediately.
- Never stop treatment without medical advice. If you have any problems, talk to your doctor openly about them.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Aripiprazole Injection / Abilify Maintena, Aristada used for?
This is the world's most successful new generation (Atypical antipsychotic) vaccine for the treatment of severe 'Schizophrenia' and Bipolar Disorder (an illness that changes anger/happiness)! Since this is a long-acting injectable injected into the buttock or arm once a month/two months, it is like a gift from God for patients who do not like/forget to take pills daily.
💬 How does this vaccine (Aripiprazole) go into the brain and calm the patient for a month?
This is the biggest magic of this medicine! Other psychiatric medications completely block the 'Dopamine' in the brain. But this is like a 'Smart thermostat' (Dopamine partial agonist). It blocks the receptors in the brain where dopamine is too high, and on the other hand, it stimulates and increases it in the areas where dopamine is low/insufficient! Then the brain chemicals are 100% balanced and the disease improves without becoming rigid.
💬 What are the most dangerous side effects that people who take this vaccine (Aripiprazole Injection) can experience?
The most annoying side effect of this drug is 'Akathisia'. This means that the body feels restless and restless, unable to keep the legs in one place (this is why some people have restless legs). The other most dangerous thing is that because it plays with dopamine in the brain, some people may develop impulse control disorders (impulse control disorders).
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