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ARIPIPRAZOLE (ay ri PIP ray zole) treats schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. It may also be used with antidepressant medication to treat depression. It works by balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your brain, hormones that help regulate mood, behaviors, and thoughts. It belongs to a group of medications called antipsychotics. Antipsychotics can be used to treat several kinds of mental health conditions.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Abilify Mycite
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take the tablet by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medication with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your care team.
The Mycite smartphone app: Before using this medication, your care team will assist you with setting up the Mycite smartphone app, which is part of your treatment with this medication. Before taking this medication, download the Mycite app to your smartphone and follow the instructions for setting up the system. Make sure the Mycite app is compatible with your smartphone. After you take each dose, the Mycite smartphone app will detect that the dose was taken. If the tablet is not detected by the smartphone app after you take it, do not repeat the dose.
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The Mycite patch: Do not place the patch where the skin is scraped, cracked, inflamed, or irritated, or in an area that overlaps the most recently removed patch. Keep the patch on while you are showering, swimming, or exercising. Change the patch weekly or sooner if needed. The Mycite patch will communicate with a paired device, such as your smartphone, when it is within 9 feet of the device. Your smartphone device must be powered on and Bluetooth-enabled. The smartphone app let you know when and how to change the patch. If your smartphone becomes lost or unusable, change your Mycite patch right away and connect to the new mobile device using your current account information. Information that was previously synched to your account will be available.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take.
Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of antidepressant treatment or after a change in dose, call your care team.
You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medication can cause problems with controlling your body temperature. It can lower the response of your body to cold temperatures. If possible, stay indoors during cold weather. If you must go outdoors, wear warm clothes. It can also lower the response of your body to heat. Do not overheat. Do not over-exercise. Stay out of the sun when possible. If you must be in the sun, wear cool clothing. Drink plenty of water. If you have trouble controlling your body temperature, call your care team right away.
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This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye care specialist if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medication may increase blood sugar. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.
There have been reports of increased sexual urges or other strong urges such as gambling while taking this medication. If you experience any of these while taking this medication, you should report this to your care team as soon as possible.
If you are going to need surgery, an MRI, CT scan, or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication. You may need to remove the sensor patch before the procedure.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep the tablets and patches dry. Do not store the tablets or patches in places with high humidity. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.