Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic medication that treats conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. It can also treat Tourette’s disorder and symptoms of autistic disorder like irritability and self-injury.

This medication might also be used in combination with other medication. For instance, in tandem with other forms of prescription, it can treat major depressive disorder in adults.

Because stopping your intake of this medication can worsen the condition you’re treating, it’s best if you follow the doctor and prescription label’s directions.

Avoiding taking aripiprazole for more than six weeks unless your doctor requests it. 

When you do take the medication, you can take it with or without food. And if you take it regularly, you should get the maximum benefit from the medication. So be sure to refill your prescription of aripiprazole before you run out.

Please note that some young people react adversely to aripiprazole when taking it for major depressive disorder or other psychiatric conditions. They can develop suicidal thoughts, which should be brought up during the doctor’s regular examinations.

Aripiprazole can also raise a person’s blood sugar, which could cause issues if you happen to be diabetic. So if you have been prescribed this medication, check your blood sugar levels frequently.

Other issues to look out for are cognitive impairment, alcoholic beverages, and dehydration. Aripiprazole can impair thinking or reactions, react poorly to alcohol, and dehydrate you excessively during hot weather or exercise sessions.

With aripiprazole, you may feel more sexual, more likely to gamble, or other urges. You might also experience side effects like weight gain, blurry vision, nausea, drooling, headaches, restlessness, sleep problems, and cold symptoms.

Call your doctor if you experience the following: severe agitation, twitching or uncontrollable movements, trouble swallowing, speech problems, suicidal thoughts, rigid muscles, high fever, low blood cell counts, or high blood sugar.