Do you sometimes experience mood swings that are so out of control that you suddenly feel very happy and overactive (mania) and at other times suddenly feel very sad and depressed (depression)? This is what we call Bipolar I Disorder in medicine. Today we are talking about a special injection that is given once a month to control these severe mood swings. That is Abilify Maintena.
What is Bipolar I? How does Abilify Maintena work?
Simply put, bipolar disorder is a mental illness in which a person's mood, energy level, and activity levels change unexpectedly and dramatically. It can include manic episodes, when they are extremely happy and active, depressive episodes, when they are extremely sad and negative, and mixed episodes, when they are a mixture of both. A person with bipolar I disorder will have experienced at least one manic episode. But remember, the way the condition affects each person, the severity of the symptoms, and the length of time they last are different.
Although there is no complete cure for bipolar disorder, it is definitely possible to control symptoms and maintain a good quality of life with the right medications and treatment .
The Abilify Maintena injection contains a drug called `aripiprazole`. This belongs to a class of drugs called `second-generation antipsychotics`. This class of drugs differs from older drugs in that they are less likely to cause movement-related side effects (` extrapyramidal symptoms` ) such as tremors and restlessness.
Exactly how this drug works in the brain is not yet fully understood, but it is currently believed to help balance the activity of the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which control our mood.
How do I get this vaccine?
Abilify Maintena is not a medicine you can take on your own. It is an injection given once a month by your doctor or a trained healthcare professional. It is usually injected into your arm or buttock.
Treatment often starts with a dose of 400mg. However, if you experience side effects, your doctor may decide to reduce it to 300mg.
These things are important when starting treatment.
- If you are already taking another type of bipolar medication: After you receive your first dose of Abilify Maintena, your doctor will tell you to continue taking your previous dose for about 14 days. This is to help control your symptoms until the level of the medication in your blood stabilizes.
- If you have not taken any medication for bipolar disorder before: Your doctor will give you a pill called `aripiprazole` (Abilify) by mouth for about two weeks before giving you your first shot to see if your body can tolerate the medication and if you have any serious side effects. You may then be given the same pill for another two weeks after giving you your first shot. As mentioned earlier, this is to maintain the drug levels in your blood until the shot takes full effect.
It is very important that you do not miss the scheduled date for your vaccination for any reason. If you miss the due date, call your doctor immediately. Also, you cannot get the next vaccination until at least 26 days have passed since the previous vaccination.
What are the benefits of this medicine? How long does it take to work?
Clinical studies of Abilify Maintena have shown that people who took Abilify Maintena had significantly fewer severe mood episodes than those who took a placebo. Simply put, people who took this medication were able to maintain their moods more stable and calmer for longer.
This is an ``extended-release'' vaccine. This means that the medicine is released into the body gradually and works over a long period of time. Therefore, you may not notice much difference right after the shot. That's why you are given oral medication for the first two weeks. If your symptoms don't improve after a few months, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
Side effects and how to manage them?
Like all medicines, Abilify Maintena can cause some side effects , although not everybody gets them. Below are the most common side effects and what you can do about them.
| Side Effect | How to Manage |
|---|---|
| Restlessness (akathisia) and uncontrolled movements (extrapyramidal symptoms) | If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately . He or she may reduce the dosage or prescribe a different medication for these symptoms. |
| Weight gain, elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels | Your doctor will monitor your weight and blood tests regularly. It is very important to follow a healthy diet and exercise . |
| Anxiety | Limit caffeine-containing drinks like coffee. Get enough sleep. Calm your mind with things like yoga and exercise. If it persists, tell your doctor. |
| Insomnia | Keep your bedtime and wake-up times consistent. Avoid using your phone or watching TV before bed. Talk to your doctor about this as well. |
| Excessive fatigue and drowsiness | Avoid driving and doing anything that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. |
| Pain at the injection site | This pain will go away in a few hours or days. You can ask your doctor to apply an ice pack or a warm compress. If the pain is severe or persistent, tell your doctor . |
Drug Interactions
Other medications you are taking can affect the effects of Abilify Maintena. Abilify Maintena can also change the effects of other medications. Therefore , it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and even herbal/natural remedies.
| Type of medicine | Possible impact |
|---|---|
| Antifungals (such as `ketoconazole`) and some antidepressants (such as `paroxetine`, `fluoxetine`) | It can increase the level of Abilify in the blood, increasing the risk of side effects. |
| Medicines for epilepsy and nerve pain (such as carbamazepine) | It can reduce the level of Abilify in the blood, reducing the effectiveness of the drug. |
| Medication for high blood pressure | Your blood pressure may be too low. Your doctor will check your blood pressure regularly. |
| Tranquilizers (benzodiazepines) | Excessive sleepiness and a drop in blood pressure when standing up suddenly (orthostatic hypotension) may occur. |
Take-Home Message
- Abilify Maintena is a monthly injection used to treat Bipolar I Disorder.
- This is done to reduce severe mood swings and help you stay in a stable state of mind. This is a medication that controls the disease, not a complete cure.
- Do not miss the scheduled vaccination dates. If you have any problems, inform your doctor immediately.
- Be aware of side effects like weight gain, restlessness, and drowsiness. Talk openly with your doctor about anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
- You can avoid dangerous interactions by informing your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
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