• Abilify is used to treat schizophrenia. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain

How should you take this medication?

• Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor.
   
• Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
   
• Do not take abilify for longer than 6 weeks unless your doctor has told you to.
   
• If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

General Precautions with Abilify

• Before taking aripiprazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it.
   
• Abilify may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Abilify .
   
• To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
   
• It is important to avoid overheating and dehydration while taking Abilify. Abilify may make it harder to lower your body temperature.
   
• This drug may infrequently increase your blood sugar level, causing or worsening diabetes. Rarely, very serious conditions such as diabetic coma may occur.
   
• This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
   
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Abilify.

What are the possible side effects of Abilify?

Some common side effects with Abilify include:

• fever, stiff muscles, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats
• headache
• weakness
• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• anxiety
• blurred vision
• problems sleeping
• lightheadedness (dizziness)
• sleepiness
• rash