Did your doctor prescribe you a new medication? Is it called Aripiprazole? And did he tell you about a phone app and a patch that you need to use when taking this medication? So you're probably a little curious and a little confused, "What is this medication with a sensor?" Don't be afraid of anything. Today, we'll talk about this new medication in a very simple way, in a way that you can understand.
What is Aripiprazole?
Simply put, Aripiprazole is a medication that is used to treat several mental health conditions. It belongs to a class of medications called antipsychotics .
Our brains contain chemicals (hormones) that help control our mood, behavior, and thoughts. The two main ones are `(Dopamine)` and `(Serotonin).` In some mental illnesses, the balance of these chemicals can be disrupted. Aripiprazole works by restoring that balance.
This medicine is mainly used for:
- Schizophrenia : A condition in which the connection between reality and thoughts is disrupted.
- Bipolar I Disorder: A condition in which mood swings between extreme happiness (mania) and severe depression.
- Depression: Sometimes, this medication is used in combination with other antidepressants.
How does this sensor system work?
This is the special thing about this medicine. It is designed to help you and your doctor know if you are taking your medicine on time.
Think about it this way...
1. The pill: The Aripiprazole pill you will be given contains a very small, harmless sensor. It is smaller than a grain of sand.
2. The Mycite Patch: You will be given a small patch (like a plaster) that you can stick on your body, especially on your stomach area.
3. Mycite App: You need to download the Mycite app to your smartphone.
Now let's see how it works:
When you swallow the pill with a glass of water, the acid in your stomach activates this sensor and sends a signal to the patch on your body. The patch then sends a message via Bluetooth to the app on your phone saying, "Okay, you took the pill."
This will help you avoid missing a dose and make it easier for your doctor to monitor your treatment progress. But remember, don't go back to taking a pill just because it wasn't shown on the app. If that happens, talk to your doctor.
The patch should be changed about once a week. The app will tell you how to do that.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially:
| Your health condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Dementia or memory loss | This drug may increase the risk of dementia in elderly patients. |
| Diabetes | This can increase blood sugar levels. |
| Difficulty swallowing | This condition may be exacerbated by medication. |
| Heart disease, stroke, or high/low blood pressure | This can affect heart rate and blood pressure. |
| Seizures or Parkinson's disease | The drug may affect these conditions. |
| Uncontrollable impulses (gambling, excessive spending) | This medication may increase impulsive behavior in some people. |
| Suicidal thoughts or previous attempts | This medication requires close attention because it can increase these thoughts, especially in young people. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | The doctor must determine whether there is a potential risk to the fetus or nursing infant. |
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
Be aware of mental changes.
While using this medicine, especially at the beginning, watch for any sudden changes in your mood. For example, if you feel anxious, agitated, have sudden anger outbursts, have trouble sleeping , or have thoughts of suicide , tell your doctor or a family member right away. This is very important.
Dizziness and drowsiness
This medicine may make you feel a little sleepy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. If you are an elderly person, stand up straight when you get up from a sitting position or in bed. Also, avoid drinking alcohol completely.
Body temperature control
When taking this medicine, your body's ability to withstand extreme heat or extreme cold may be slightly reduced.
- During hot weather: Drink plenty of water. Limit sun exposure. Wear light clothing.
- During cold weather: Wear warm clothes. Stay indoors as much as possible.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome | High fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness of one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, severe headache. |
| EPS symptoms (Extrapyramidal Symptoms) | Uncontrollable body movements, tremors, muscle tension, restlessness. |
| High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Unusual thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Impulsive behavior | An uncontrollable desire to gamble, overeat, or spend money unnecessarily. |
| Seizures | Sudden convulsions. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist for a period of time | |
| Constipation | Drowsiness |
| Weight gain | |
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else. Also, do not stop taking the medicine prematurely without your doctor's advice.
Take-Home Message
- Aripiprazole is a powerful medication that treats mental health conditions and should be taken under the close supervision of a doctor.
- The sensor system here (Mycite app and patch) is only to help you take your medication on time. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
- Avoid stopping this medication suddenly without medical advice.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, uncontrollable movements, or suicidal thoughts.
- It is very important to inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
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