Let's learn about Aripiprazole Extended-Release Injection?

Has your doctor told you about a drug called Aripiprazole? Or is a family member or friend using this medication? You probably have a lot of questions about what kind of medication it really is, what conditions it is useful for, and what things you should be aware of when taking it. Don't worry, we'll talk about it all very simply today, in a way that you can understand.

What kind of medicine is Aripiprazole?

Simply put, Aripiprazole is a medication used to treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. It is given as an injection, which means it is released into the body over a period of time (Extended-Release Injection).

This medication works by balancing the levels of two chemical messengers in your brain called dopamine and serotonin . Dopamine and serotonin are two very important neurotransmitters that help control our mood, behavior, and the way we think. When their activity becomes imbalanced, the symptoms seen in conditions like schizophrenia or the mood swings like extreme happiness or extreme sadness in bipolar disorder occur. So this medication helps to correct that imbalance.

This medicine belongs to a group of medicines called antipsychotics . These medicines are used to treat a variety of mental health conditions. Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine for another reason. So if you have any questions, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You may be familiar with the brand names of this medication , Abilify Maintena and Aristada .

What are the important things to tell the medical team before taking this medicine?

Before you start taking Aripiprazole, there are some things you need to tell your doctor or healthcare team. This will help them decide if this medicine is right for you, how it should be given, and what other things you should be aware of. Here are some of them:

• If you have dementia , a disease that causes memory loss.
• If you have diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) .
• If you have difficulty swallowing food.
• If you have difficulty controlling your muscles .
• If you have impulses that you cannot control (for example, gambling, spending money unnecessarily, or eating excessively without controlling your food).
• You have a heart condition.If there is.
• If you have previously had an irregular heartbeat .
• If you have had a previous stroke .
• Low blood counts , for example, low white blood cells, platelets, or red blood cells.
• If you have low blood pressure .
• If you have Parkinson's disease .
• If you have a condition like seizures .
• If you have had an unusual or allergic reaction to Aripiprazole, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor without hiding this information.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is given as an injection into a muscle . You usually cannot get this at home, it is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic .

Before each treatment, you will be given a special medication guide (MedGuide) . It contains a lot of important information about this medicine. Always remember to read it carefully .

Important: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, or if you suspect an overdose, call a poison control center or emergency room immediately. This is an emergency.

And remember, this medicine is for you only . Never share this medicine with anyone else.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

This vaccine is given on a scheduled schedule. Therefore, it is very important to keep your appointments for follow-up doses . It is very important not to miss your scheduled dose. If for any reason you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, call your healthcare team immediately and let them know .

What other things can interact with this medicine?

Aripiprazole can interact with some medications and other things you are taking. This means that taking it together with these things may affect how well it works or increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, you should not take any of the following medications with this medicine:

• Brexpiprazole
• Cisapride
• Dextromethorphan; quinidine
• Dronedarone
• Metoclopramide
• Pimozide
• Quinidine
• Thioridazine

Also, this medicine can interact with some other medications :

• Types of Antihistamines for Allergies, Coughs, and Colds
• Carbamazepine
• Some medications for anxiety or insomnia
• Some medications for depression, for example, Amitriptyline, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline
• Some medications for fungal infections, for example, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Posaconazole, Voriconazole
• Clarithromycin
• General anesthetics, for example, Halothane, Isoflurane, Methoxyflurane, Propofol
• Levodopa or other medications for Parkinson's disease
• Medications to control blood pressure
• Medicines for seizures
• Muscle relaxants used during surgery
• Narcotic medications for pain
• Other medications that can cause abnormal heart rhythms (QT interval prolonging medications)
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine and prochlorperazine
• Rifampin

This list does not include all interactions. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines (prescribed and over-the-counter), herbs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are taking . Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of these things can interact with this medicine.

What are the things to be careful about when taking this medicine?

Your medical team will monitor you closely while you are taking this medicine. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, tell your medical team right away.

• Dizziness or drowsiness: This medicine may make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other activities that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up suddenly, especially if you are elderly. Doing so may make you dizzy and fall.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medicine. Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol .
• Body temperature control:This medicine may affect your ability to regulate your body temperature. Your body's response to cold weather may be reduced. Avoid going out in cold weather as much as possible. If you must go, dress warmly . Also, your body's response to extreme heat may be reduced. Therefore , avoid excessive exposure to heat, do not exercise excessively . Protect yourself from the sun as much as possible. If you must be in the sun, wear light clothing, and drink plenty of water . If you feel that you are having difficulty regulating your body temperature, call your medical team immediately.
• Eyesight: This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. If this problem persists or worsens, see your eye doctor.
• Blood sugar levels: This medication may cause high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). If you have diabetes, ask your healthcare team if you need to make any changes to your diet or medications.
• Strong urges: Some people have reported having strong urges that are difficult to control, such as excessive sexual desire, gambling, overeating, or buying things you normally wouldn't do, while taking this medication. If you experience any of these, tell your healthcare team right away .

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medicine, this Aripiprazole injection can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone gets them. Also, some side effects can be serious, so you should tell your doctor right away. Let's see what they are.

Side effects that require immediate medical attention:

If you experience any of the symptoms below, notify your medical team immediately without delay :

• Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia): Excessive thirst or frequent urination, unusual tiredness or weakness, blurred vision.
• High fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion: These may be signs of a serious condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) .
• Low blood pressure: dizziness, fainting, blue eyes.
• Pain or difficulty swallowing.
• Prolonged or painful erection.
• Seizures.
• Symptoms of a stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, loss of balance, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision.
• Uncontrolled repetitive body movements, muscle stiffness or contractions, tremors, loss of balance, restlessness, shuffling gait: These may be signs of Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) .
• Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself, worsening mood, depressed feelings.
• Urges to engage in impulsive behaviors, such as gambling, binge eating, sexual activity, or shopping, in ways that are unusual for you.

Side effects that usually do not require medical advice (but should be reported to a doctor if they persist or are bothersome):

These usually subside within a few days. But if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor.

• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Weight gain

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, please seek medical advice.

How should I store the medicine?

You will not be allowed to keep this medicine at home. This vaccine is given at a hospital or clinic . So you don't have to worry about how to store the medicine.

The most important things for you to remember

Okay, so let's remind you again of the most important things you need to remember from what we've talked about.

Aripiprazole is a medication that balances brain chemicals and is used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.

• Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and all other medicines you are taking. This is very important.
• Since taking the medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness , be careful when driving or doing work that requires concentration.
• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Take care of body temperature control ; protect yourself from extreme cold and extreme heat.
• If you experience unusual impulses (gambling, excessive spending), tell your doctor immediately.
• If you experience serious side effects (high fever, muscle stiffness, allergies, stroke symptoms) , seek medical advice immediately.
• Do not skip scheduled vaccinations. If you miss any, tell your doctor .
• This medicine is for you only . Do not share it with others.

This is just a summary. If you have any further questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. They will be able to help you.

` Aripiprazole, long-acting vaccine, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, antipsychotics, mental health, side effects