Abilify Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment
Abilify (aripiprazole) is an antipsychotic medication used to treat various mental health conditions, including:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder
Abilify works by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which helps to improve symptoms like hallucinations, concentration problems, mood swings, and anxiety.
What are the Side Effects of Abilify?
Like all medications, Abilify can cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects include:
- Akathisia (restlessness)
- Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements)
- Weight gain
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
If you experience any side effects that are bothersome or that don’t go away, talk to your doctor.
Does Abilify Cause Withdrawal?
Yes Abilify can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly. This is because your body becomes dependent on the medication over time. Withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
What are the Factors that Influence How Long Abilify Withdrawal Lasts?
The length of time that Abilify withdrawal lasts can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The length of time you were taking Abilify
- The dosage you were taking
- Your individual body chemistry
- Whether you taper off the medication gradually or stop taking it suddenly
In general, Abilify withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. However, in some cases, they can last longer.
How to Prevent Abilify Withdrawal Symptoms
The best way to prevent Abilify withdrawal symptoms is to taper off the medication gradually under the supervision of your doctor. This will give your body time to adjust to the lower doses of the medication and reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
How to Find Help for Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there is help available There are many different treatment options available, including:
- Inpatient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Therapy
If you are concerned about Abilify withdrawal, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a plan to taper off the medication safely and effectively.
Additional Resources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
Abilify withdrawal can be a difficult experience, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you through this process. If you are concerned about Abilify withdrawal, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a plan to taper off the medication safely and effectively.
Is Abilify used to treat OCD, sleep disorders, ADHD, or bipolar II disorder?
Abilify isn’t currently approved to treat the following conditions:
But Abilify may sometimes be used off-label for these conditions. (Off-label use means a drug is given for a condition it hasn’t been approved to treat. ).
To learn more about using Abilify to treat OCD and other conditions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And to view a list of Abilify’s approved uses, see the “What is Abilify used for?” section below.
Questions about Abilify’s dosage
Here’s a list of common questions related to Abilify’s dosage.
- What happens if I forget to take my Abilify dose? Take your missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, you can skip the missed dose if your next dose is almost due. Then, take your next dose at its usual time. To find out if you should take a missed dose or not, speak with your pharmacist or doctor.
- Is it likely that I will need to use Abilify for the long term? If the medication is helping you and isn’t having any unpleasant side effects, your doctor might recommend Abilify in the long run.
- How long does it take for Abilify to work? It might take a few weeks for you to notice a difference in your symptoms.
Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Abilify.
In Abilify’s studies, the drug wasn’t shown to cause misuse or dependence in people. (Misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how it’s prescribed. And dependence means your body needs a drug in order to function like usual. ).
These conditions can sometimes lead to addiction. With addiction, a substance is taken even though it may be causing harmful outcomes.
If you have concerns about addiction with Abilify, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How did going off my antipsychotics too quickly go?
FAQ
What happens if you suddenly stop taking Abilify?
How long does it take for Abilify to get out of your system?
Does Abilify need to be tapered off?
What happens if you miss a day of Abilify?
What happens if you stop taking Abilify ‘cold turkey’?
But possible symptoms you may have after stopping Abilify “cold turkey” (suddenly) include: Do not stop taking Abilify unless your doctor tells you it’s safe to do so. When it’s time for you to stop taking the drug, your doctor will show you how to taper off Abilify. They’ll likely lower your Abilify dosage slowly over time.
What happens if you stop taking Abilify?
Make sure you have a strong plan to either taper off the medication or try something else to alleviate the symptoms someone may be going through.” Abilify withdrawal can happen when you stop taking the medication suddenly. The main symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, and mood swings.
How long do Abilify withdrawal side effects last?
Abilify withdrawal side effects can last for weeks to months. It depends on the person. Severe symptoms will be experienced for a few days. They don’t last for several months. Those who abruptly stop the medication are more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms than those people whose abilify is gradually tapered.
What happens if you stop taking a medication ‘cold turkey’?
By gradually tapering off of a medication, it reduces the possibility that you will endure major withdrawal symptoms. If you immediately stop taking your medication “cold turkey,” your brain may not know how to react – especially if you had been taking it for an extended period of time.