Experiencing Side Effects with Aripiprazole Oral Tablets: Strategies for Management
Aripiprazole, like other medications, can have side effects. These can range from common and mild to rare and severe. If you're using aripiprazole and experiencing side effects that make it difficult to tolerate, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Aripiprazole is a generic drug with multiple FDA-approved uses:
- Treating schizophrenia in adults and children aged 13 to 17.
- Managing Tourette syndrome in children aged 6 to 18.
- Addressing irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children aged 6 to 17.
When using aripiprazole for schizophrenia, common side effects in adults and children include sleepiness, insomnia, blurry vision, akathisia (restlessness and the inability to sit still), and uncontrollable body movements, among others. When treating Tourette syndrome, the most common side effects in children include sleepiness, sedation, fatigue, nausea, headaches, and weight gain. For irritability associated with ASD, common side effects include sleepiness, sedation, fatigue, vomiting, fever, drooling, and uncontrollable body movements.
Mild side effects of aripiprazole can include headaches, nausea and vomiting, blurry vision, sleepiness, insomnia, fatigue, excessive salivation or drooling, and runny or stuffy nose, among others. Remember that this list is not exhaustive, and other mild side effects may occur.
Serious side effects of aripiprazole include metabolic issues, unusual urges and behaviors, temperature control problems, seizures, drop in blood pressure, low white blood cell count, cognitive and motor function issues, uncontrollable body movements, difficulty swallowing, weight gain, and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in younger people. Rarely, aripiprizole can also cause an allergic reaction.
It is essential to consult your doctor if you experience any unusual or severe side effects while using aripiprazole. If you have thoughts of suicide, it is crucial to seek immediate help:
- Call 911 or your local emergency number.
- In the United States, you can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
If you're calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You can remove any potential hazards, such as weapons or harmful substances, if doing so safely. If you're not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
In certain cases, you may be able to report side effects to the FDA through MedWatch. For more information, visit the MedWatch website.
Again, discuss any concerns or side effects you experience with your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide guidance and, if necessary, suggest alternative treatments.
In light of the serious side effects mentioned, such as an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in younger people using aripiprazole, it's crucial for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with mental health conditions to be vigilant and seek professional help immediately if they notice any signs of suicidal ideation. Additionally, it's worth noting that anthrax is not listed as a side effect of aripiprazole, but it's important to remember that anthrax is a serious bacterial disease and not a side effect of any medication.
