What is Aripiprazole?
It is an antipsychotic whose exact functioning mechanism is not known; it is only known that it acts by influencing certain molecules in the brain.It is used in the treatment of schizophrenia .
How is Aripiprazole taken?
It can be administered orally (in the form of tablets or solutions) or via intramuscular injections .
Side effects of Aripiprazole
It can increase the risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome and that of heat stroke ; can cause uncontrolled muscle movements; it can increase stroke risk in dementia sufferers and decrease the ability to fight infections. It can also increase the risk of diabetes, influence the blood sugar level and promote body weight gain.
Other possible side effects include:
- state of constipation;
- dizziness ;
- feeling sleepy;
- headaches ;
- light-headed feeling;
- feeling sick ;
- pain, redness or swelling at the injection site;
- restlessness;
- stomach discomfort
- feeling of tiredness ;
- insomnia state;
- retching.
It is good to go to a doctor immediately in case of:
- skin rash ;
- urticaria ;
- itching ;
- difficulty breathing;
- feeling of tightness, heaviness or pain in the chest;
- swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue;
- unusual hoarseness;
- unusual thoughts;
- confused state;
- fainting ;
- slow, fast or irregular heartbeat;
- chills, fever or sore throat;
- increase in sweating ;
- involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth, jaw, arms, legs or back;
- urinary incontinence;
- loss in coordination;
- muscle tics, tremors or stiffness;
- new psychiatric problems or an increase in pre-existing ones;
- weakness on a single side of the body;
- seizure symptoms;
- strong or persistent restlessness;
- shortness of breath;
- instincts to suicide;
- swelling of the hands, ankles or feet;
- hyperglycemia;
- difficulty swallowing;
- difficulty walking;
- bruising or bleeding;
- unusual weakness or tiredness ;
- vision or speech problems.
Warnings on the use of Aripiprazole
Before taking it, it is important to inform the doctor:
- about the presence of allergies to the active substance, to its excipients, to other medicines or to various foods and substances;
- the use of other drugs, phytotherapy and supplements already taken in the past, remembering to mention in particular anticholinergics, Quinidine, Carbamazepine , Rifampicin, Alpha-Blockers, Benzodiazepines, Clarithromycin, Fluoxetine, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Paroxetine or medicines for the high pressure;
- if you suffer (or have suffered in the past) from heart problems, convulsions, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, Alzheimer’s or other dementias, high or low blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides , vascular problems, high or low white blood cells, depression or other psychiatric disorders suicidal instincts, dehydration or hypovolemia;
- in case of stroke ;
- in case of hyperglycaemia or diabetes in the family;
- if you are heavily overweight;
- if you drink alcohol;
- if you smoke;
- if you are exposed to high temperatures;
- in the case of pregnant or breastfeeding women .
Treatment can impair the ability to drive or maneuver hazardous machinery. This side effect can be aggravated by alcohol consumption and some medicines.
In addition, heat, exercise, fever and alcohol can increase the dizziness induced by the drug, especially in the morning. For this reason, care should be taken when getting up from a lying or sitting position.
