Abilify, also known as Aripiprazole, is a second-generation or atypical antipsychotic drug primarily used for treating schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, irritability associated with autistic disorder, and children with Tourette syndrome. It is an essential medication for individuals experiencing acute to severe mental and mood conditions. Taken together with other prescriptions such as antidepressants, It is also a medicinal remedy for major depressive episodes.
What is good about Abilify?
There are several good reasons why most physicians prescribe Abilify to help patients to stabilize their moods. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Abilify is an excellent prescription drug that significantly helps to diminish hallucinations and improves focus. The drug also enables patients to think more clearly and feel less worried in every day.
Some other therapeutic benefits of Abilify are the following:
- Helps to reduce anxiety
- Decreases nervousness
- Diminishes hallucinations
- Enhances concentration
- Promotes positive thoughts
- Improves the mind
- Increases mental fortitude
Abilify is also a child-friendly medication. Parents with children suffering from schizophrenia and irritability due to autistic tendencies can rely significantly on this drug to address their symptoms. Children can take Abilify as young as six years old.
How long does it take to work?
It’s challenging to be more specific as Abilify works differently for each person. The severity of each individual’s condition may also come to play when discussing the time the drug would do its magic.
In some cases, Abilify should begin working within one to two weeks of active medication, but it may take several weeks for its full effects to manifest. During the first three to four months of using this drug, continued improvement of your condition can be seen. Again, this is not to say that it would be the same for everyone.
If there is no apparent improvement in your condition upon taking Abilify for one to two weeks, it is best to pay your doctor for a consult. In this way, medical experts can offer professional aid for better ease of mind.
What does it do to the brain?
With everything that’s been discussed about Abilify, it is genuinely an excellent prescription drug. But have you wondered what it does to your brain?
To answer that, Abilify does a great job of regulating certain brain chemicals and hormones in our brain. Dopamine and serotonin (5HT) receptors are neurotransmitters tightly associated with positive feelings that promote happiness, calmness, and a sense of peace. These brain chemicals also trigger a part of the brain that is responsible for rewards, motivation, and productivity.
Abilify works by balancing these hormones in your brain. These neurotransmitters, however, can cause different symptoms leading to certain illnesses if their levels are too high or too low.
Common side effects
In taking Abilify as a medication, you should know some mild side effects upon intake. Common side effects may include:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tiredness
- Drooling (excess saliva)
- Blurred vision
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
Although many patients do not encounter severe side effects, it is strongly encouraged to see a doctor once abnormal side effects occur.
Abilify is truly a fantastic medication for treating various mental disorders. It provides patients peace with their minds and helps them get hold of their thoughts to continue living their lives brightly.