--- title: "Patient Education: Aripiprazole (Abilify)" description: Learn about Aripiprazole (Abilify) for children and adolescents, including uses, dosage, side effects, and when to contact a healthcare provider. image: https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/14.png --- [![mw-logo-svg-1](https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/mw-logo-svg-1.svg "mw-logo-svg-1")](http://mindweal.com) - Our Care - Who we are - Our team - Our partners - Locations - Resources - Contact us - Login Sign up now [![mw-logo-mobile-svg](https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/mw-logo-mobile-svg.svg "mw-logo-mobile-svg")](http://mindweal.com) Sign up now [![mw-logo-svg-1](https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/mw-logo-svg-1.svg "mw-logo-svg-1")](http://mindweal.com) - Our Care - Who we are - Our team - Our partners - Locations - Resources - Contact us - Login Sign up now [![mw-logo-mobile-svg](https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/mw-logo-mobile-svg.svg "mw-logo-mobile-svg")](http://mindweal.com) Sign up now - Our Care - [Clinical Services](https://www.mindweal.com/clinical-services/) - [Advanced Testing](https://www.mindweal.com/advanced-testing/) - [How it Works?](https://www.mindweal.com/how-it-works/) - [Pricing](https://www.mindweal.com/pricing/) - [FAQs](https://www.mindweal.com/faq/) - Who we are - [About us](https://www.mindweal.com/about-us/) - [Our approach](https://www.mindweal.com/our-approach/) - [Our story](https://www.mindweal.com/our-story/) - Our team - [Meet our experts](https://www.mindweal.com/meet-our-experts/) - [Work with us](https://www.mindweal.com/work-with-us/) - [Refer to us](https://www.mindweal.com/refer-to-us/) - Our partners - [Physicians](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-physicians/) - [Counselors](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-counselors/) - [Health plans](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-health-plans/) - [Hospitals](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-hospitals/) - Locations - [Maryville](https://www.mindweal.com/maryville/) - [Hinsdale](https://www.mindweal.com/hinsdale/) - [Naperville](https://www.mindweal.com/naperville/) - [Marion](https://www.mindweal.com/marion/) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog) - [Events](https://www.mindweal.com/coming-soon/) - [Contact us](https://www.mindweal.com/contact-us/) Login #### Our care ![our-care-megamenu-2](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/our-care-megamenu-2.png?width=179&height=153&name=our-care-megamenu-2.png)   - ###### [Clinical Services](https://www.mindweal.com/clinical-services/) Discover our scientifically-supported clinical services that our members rely on and trust  [![megamenu-arrow](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/megamenu-arrow.png?width=10&height=8&name=megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/clinical-services/) - ###### [Advanced Testing](https://www.mindweal.com/clinical-services/) Explore our suite of tests enhancing our clinical services for better diagnosis and more targeted treatment plans [![megamenu-arrow](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/megamenu-arrow.png?width=10&height=8&name=megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/advanced-testing/)   - ###### [How it Works?](https://www.mindweal.com/pricing/) Navigate the journey: Our dedicated mental health care for members  [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/advanced-testing/) - ###### [Pricing](https://www.mindweal.com/pricing/) Explore our cost-effective plans tailored to your needs. [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/pricing/) - ###### [FAQs](https://www.mindweal.com/faq/) Questions in mind? 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While effective, all medications have potential side effects. It's crucial to be informed about these risks and benefits. It's also important to understand strategies to reduce their occurrence or manage them effectively. It's vital to know when to contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention. This guide aims to empower you with this knowledge, ensuring a well-informed approach to your child's treatment. If you are still unsure, always reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance.   ![Group-9747](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group-9747.png?width=56&height=50&name=Group-9747.png) ## What is Aripiprazole? ![divider](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/divider.png?width=120&height=5&name=divider.png) Aripiprazole belongs to a group of medicines known as Second Generation or Atypical Antipsychotics.  ### **![IMAGE-36-553x1024-1](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMAGE-36-553x1024-1.png?width=309&height=572&name=IMAGE-36-553x1024-1.png)** ### **When is Aripirazole prescribed to Children & Adolescents? ** Your doctor may prescribe Aripiprazole for - Behavioral disturbances or Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (also known as DMDD) - Bipolar disorder - Autism-related irritability - Psychosis - Tics or Tourette’s Syndrome - Added to antidepressants to augment their effectiveness for Depression ### **What is the Dose of  Aripiprazole?** - The dose typically ranges from 2 to 20mg. - Starts at a low dose, gradually increasing to effectiveness. ## ![afterHourCRisis (1)](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/afterHourCRisis%20(1).png?width=70&height=71&name=afterHourCRisis%20(1).png) ## **What can be the possible** ## **side-effects from the medication?** Common Side-Effects Uncommon Side-Effects - **Fatigue:** - - - Might occur initially but usually improves. - Started at a low dose to minimize effects. - Switching to bedtime if taking in morning helps with this side-effect - Consult with your provider if persistent. - **Insomnia:** - - - Switching to morning if taking at bedtime helps with this side-effect - Consult with your provider if persistent. - **Increased appetite and weight gain:** - - - More likely at higher doses. - Can lead to risks like high blood pressure,increased total and bad cholesterol,  and diabetes. - Regular monitoring of weight, waist size, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol is important. - Monitor your child’s diet and inform your doctor of significant weight gain. - **Akathisia: ** - - Intense inner restlessness, possibly manifesting as excessive physical activity or anxiety. - Management may involve adjusting dosage or medication, or adding another medication (beta-blocker) - **Tremor**: Consult your provider. Dose adjust might be needed - **Dystonia: ** - - Symptoms include involuntary muscle contractions leading to unusual postures, such as neck twisting, back arching.  - Seek emergency care if these occur. Medications (Benadryl or Benztropine) may be used for relief. -   - **Tardive Dyskinesia (TD):**  - - - Characterized by involuntary, repetitive body movements. - Regular monitoring with the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) is essential. - **Excessive Saliva:**  - Consult with your provider if persistent. Adjustment in medication may be necessary. - **Heart Rhythm Disturbances: ** - - - QTc prolongation, a condition that lengthens the heart's electrical cycle, may lead to irregular heartbeats. - If you notice an irregular heartbeat, inform your healthcare provider. - Stopping or changing the medication might be required.   ### ![Group-10151](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group-10151.png?width=84&height=79&name=Group-10151.png) ## Serious but Rare Side-Effects   **![IMAGE-37-553x1024](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMAGE-37-553x1024.png?width=290&height=537&name=IMAGE-37-553x1024.png)**   - **Neuroleptic malignant syndrome**             To learn more about this medication please visit MedlinePlus, a official US government website, part of National Library of Medicine and managed by National Institute of Health by clicking [HERE](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603012.html)     ## Similar posts Lurasidone ##### [Patient Education: Lurasidone (Latuda)](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog/patient-education-lurasidone) Aripiprazole is prescribed by your healthcare provider based on current guidelines to address specific mental health ... Dr. Rahul Bansal Oct 28, 2024 MD10001335356 ##### [Patient Education: Ziprasidone (Geodon)](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog/patient-education-ziprasidone) Aripiprazole is prescribed by your healthcare provider based on current guidelines to address specific mental health ... Dr. Rahul Bansal Dec 23, 2024 Quetiapine ##### [Patient Education: Quetiapine (Seroquel)](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog/patient-education-quetiapine) Aripiprazole is prescribed by your healthcare provider based on current guidelines to address specific mental health ... Dr. Rahul Bansal Dec 23, 2024 [![mw-logo-black-footer](https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/mw-logo-black-footer.svg "mw-logo-black-footer")](http://mindweal.com) ###### Our care - [Clinical services](https://www.mindweal.com/clinical-services/) - [Advanced testing](https://www.mindweal.com/advanced-testing/) - [Conditions we support](https://www.mindweal.com/adhd-conditions/) - [How it works](https://www.mindweal.com/how-it-works/) - [Pricing](https://www.mindweal.com/pricing/) - [FAQ](https://www.mindweal.com/faq/) ###### Who we are - [About us](https://www.mindweal.com/about-us/) - [Our approach](https://www.mindweal.com/our-approach/) - [Our story](https://www.mindweal.com/our-story/) ###### Our team - [Meet our experts](https://www.mindweal.com/meet-our-experts/) - [Work with us](https://www.mindweal.com/work-with-us/) - [Refer to us](https://www.mindweal.com/refer-to-us/) ###### Our partners - [Physicians](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-physicians/) - [Counsellors](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-counselors/) - [Hospitals](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-hospitals/) - [Health Plans](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-health-plans/) ###### Resources - [Blog](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog) - [Events](https://www.mindweal.com/coming-soon/) ###### Stay in touch Subscribe for news and tips about psychiatry, mental health and more. © 2023 Mindweal Services, PLLC. 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