For many people, Abilify has been a source of considerable relief, easing symptoms that had previously caused great distress. For others, their experience with this medication has been far less enjoyable, prompting some to claim, โAbilify ruined my life.โ
Are you or a loved one struggling with addiction? Our team is available now to answer your questions, discuss treatment options, and verify your insurance. Take the first step toward healingโcall us today to get started.
What Is Abilify?
Abilify is the brand name of a prescription medication that is used to treat a variety of mental health concerns. The primary active ingredient in Abilify is aripiprazole, which is classified as a second-generation, or atypical, antipsychotic.ย
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally approved Abilify in 2002. The medication is also on the World Health Organizationโs Model List of Essential Medicines.
Patients typically take Abilify by mouth in pill form, though the drug can also be administered via intramuscular injection. Dosage level can range from 2mg to 20mg depending on factors such as the patientโs age, their diagnosis, and how long they have been taking Abilify.ย
In 2022, experts estimate that U.S. physicians wrote more than 6 million prescriptions for Abilify or its generic version (aripiprazole) for more than 1.2 million patients.
Common Uses
The FDAโs initial approval for Abilify authorized it to be used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia. While that remains the most common use of this medication, the FDAโs approval has expanded through the years to include:
- Bipolar I disorder
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Touretteโs syndrome
Abilify is approved in all cases for use by adults ages 18 and over. The minimum authorized age for use with adolescents ranges from 6 to 13 depending on which condition it is being used to treat.
Doctors also prescribe Abilify on an off-label basis to treat several other conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar II disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)ย
- Parkinsonโs disease
- Dementia
Side Effects
Common side effects of Abilify use include:
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Digestive problems
- Constipation
- Weight gain
Abilify and other second-generation antipsychotics can also cause a variety of adverse movement-related effects, including:
- Akathisia (restlessness)
- Tremors
- Oculogyric crises (involuntary eye movements)
- Tardive dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements of the mouth, face, and limbs)
- Muscle spasms and stiffness
In addition to the movement-related effects listed above, other more severe side effects of Abilify include:
- Seizure
- Abnormal heart rate
- Dangerously high body temperature
- Elevated blood sugar levels
- Low blood cell count
- Uncharacteristic aggressiveness and hostility
- Impulse-control problems
- Suicidal ideation
Given the obvious seriousness of suicidal thoughts, it is important to clarify that a direct cause/effect relationship between Abilify and suicidal ideation has not been conclusively established.
Though there have been multiple case reports of people developing suicidal thoughts after taking Abilify, a population-based cohort study that was published in January 2019 found no link between taking the drug and having an increased risk of self-harm or suicide.
Why Some People Say โAbilify Ruined My Lifeโ
No prescription medication works for everyone, and every prescription medication can cause side effects. So itโs hardly uncommon for patients to be unhappy with the meds they have been given.ย
In the case of Abilify, though, several patients have expressed their displeasure in particularly harsh terms. Some have gone as far as saying, โAbilify ruined my life.โ
Why has this medication prompted such a drastic response from some patients? While every person has their own experience with the drug, common concerns among dissatisfied patients include Abilifyโs impact on their physical, mental and behavioral well-being.
Abilify and Physical Health
As indicated in the previous section, some of Abilifyโs physical side effects can be particularly distressing. It is understandable why a person might describe symptoms such as elevated body temperature, racing heart rate, uncontrolled facial movements, muscle spasms, and seizures as life-altering or even life-ruining.ย
Abilify and Mental Health
Abilify is prescribed primarily for the purpose of alleviating certain distressing mental health symptoms, such as mania and psychosis. Unfortunately, the side effects of this medication may include the onset or worsening of other highly disruptive symptoms, including depression and suicidal ideation.
Abilify and Compulsive Behaviors
In June 2016, the FDA issued a warning about a possible association between Abilify and several problematic behaviors, including โcompulsive or uncontrollable urges to gamble, binge eat, shop, and have sex.โย
The warning noted that from 2002-2015, the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) had registered 184 case reports linking aripiprazole with these and other impulse-control problems.ย ย
Abilify Withdrawal Symptoms
Abilify isnโt typically thought of as an addictive drug. But if a person has been using it for an extended period, and then abruptly stops, their body may react with a variety of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Potential symptoms of Abilify withdrawal include:
- Abnormal muscle activity in the face and hands
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Excessive perspiration
- Racing heart rate
- Nausea and other flu-like symptoms
- Insomnia
- Dysphoria (deep sense of unease or dissatisfaction)
How to Safely Stop Using Abilify
If you have been taking Abilify, you should never stop or alter your dosage regimen without first consulting with the physician who prescribed the medication.ย
Given the risk of intense side effects โ as well as the possible sudden return of the symptoms that the drug had been treating โ trying to stop on your own without professional guidance could expose you to significant harm.
If your doctor agrees with your decision, they can set up a tapering schedule, so that you can slowly reduce your Abilify use over time. Allowing your body to gradually adapt to diminishing amounts of the drug may prevent or at least minimize withdrawal symptoms.ย
Consulting with your doctor first will also ensure that you have a plan in place to address the symptoms that were previously being treated with Abilify. This plan may include a different medication, therapy, and/or certain lifestyle adaptations.
Find Addiction & Mental Health Treatment in Georgia
Serenity Grove is a premier source of personalized care for adults who have been living with schizophrenia, other complex mental health concerns, and substance use disorders (addictions).
Treatment options at our rehab in Athens, GA, include on-site detox, residential care, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and an outpatient program. When you choose Serenity Grove, a team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to determine which programs and services best align with your unique needs and goals.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.
