Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medication that can have potential side effects. The side effects of aripiprazole can vary in severity and duration, and not everyone who takes the medication will experience them. Some of the common and less serious side effects of aripiprazole include:
Drowsiness and fatigue
Drowsiness is a common side effect of aripiprazole and can be experienced by some individuals who take the medication. Drowsiness can be described as a feeling of sleepiness or fatigue, and it can affect an individual’s ability to perform daily activities or operate heavy machinery.
The severity of drowsiness can vary depending on the individual and the dosage of aripiprazole they are taking. Drowsiness may be more pronounced when starting the medication or when the dosage is increased, but it can also occur at any time during treatment.
Drowsiness can be managed by adjusting the timing of aripiprazole dosing, such as taking the medication at night to minimize the impact of drowsiness during the day. It is also important to avoid alcohol and other sedatives while taking aripiprazole, as they can increase the risk of drowsiness and other side effects.
If an individual experiences extreme drowsiness or finds it difficult to perform daily activities while taking aripiprazole, they should speak with their healthcare provider. In some cases, the healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or consider switching to a different medication to help manage side effects.
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Dizziness and lightheadedness are common side effects of aripiprazole. Dizziness is a feeling of being unsteady or lightheaded, while lightheadedness is a sensation of feeling faint or about to faint. These side effects can occur in some individuals who take aripiprazole, and they can be more pronounced when starting the medication or when the dosage is increased.
The exact cause of dizziness and lightheadedness with aripiprazole is not fully understood, but it may be related to changes in blood pressure or the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. These side effects can be concerning for some individuals, especially if they are experiencing other symptoms such as nausea or vomiting.
If an individual experiences dizziness or lightheadedness while taking aripiprazole, they should speak with their healthcare provider. In some cases, the healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or consider switching to a different medication to help manage side effects. It is also important to avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until the dizziness or lightheadedness resolves.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea is a common side effect of aripiprazole and can be experienced by some individuals who take the medication. Nausea is a discomfort or feeling of queasiness in the stomach that can be accompanied by an urge to vomit.
The exact cause of nausea with aripiprazole is not fully understood, but it may be related to changes in the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain or the digestive system. Nausea can be a concerning side effect for some individuals, especially if it is severe or persistent.
If an individual experiences nausea while taking aripiprazole, they should speak with their healthcare provider. In some cases, the healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or consider switching to a different medication to help manage side effects. Nausea can also be managed with lifestyle changes such as eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding spicy or fatty foods, and staying hydrated.
In some cases, nausea may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an allergic reaction or an infection. If an individual experiences severe or persistent nausea, they should seek medical attention. Other symptoms of concern may include vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
Headache
Headache is a common side effect of aripiprazole and can be experienced by some individuals who take the medication. A headache is a pain or discomfort in the head or neck that can range from mild to severe.
The exact cause of headaches with aripiprazole is not fully understood, but it may be related to changes in the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain or changes in blood pressure. Headaches can be a concerning side effect for some individuals, especially if they are severe or persistent.
If an individual experiences headaches while taking aripiprazole, they should speak with their healthcare provider. In some cases, the healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or consider switching to a different medication to help manage side effects. Headaches can also be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any new medications.
In some cases, headaches may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an allergic reaction or an infection. If an individual experiences severe or persistent headaches, they should seek medical attention. Other symptoms of concern may include fever, nausea, vomiting, or changes in vision.
Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
Insomnia is a common side effect of aripiprazole and can be experienced by some individuals who take the medication. Insomnia is a difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which can affect an individual’s ability to get adequate rest and can lead to daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
The exact cause of insomnia with aripiprazole is not fully understood, but it may be related to changes in the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain or changes in sleep patterns. Insomnia can be a concerning side effect for some individuals, especially if it is severe or persistent.
If an individual experiences insomnia while taking aripiprazole, they should speak with their healthcare provider. In some cases, the healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or consider switching to a different medication to help manage side effects. Lifestyle changes such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol, establishing a regular sleep routine, and practicing relaxation techniques can also be helpful in managing insomnia.
In some cases, insomnia may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as mania, anxiety, or depression. If an individual experiences severe or persistent insomnia, they should seek medical attention. Other symptoms of concern may include changes in mood, difficulty concentrating, or decreased energy.
Restlessness and agitation
Restlessness is a common side effect of aripiprazole and can be experienced by some individuals who take the medication. Restlessness is a feeling of agitation or discomfort that can lead to an inability to sit still or a constant need to move.
The exact cause of restlessness with aripiprazole is not fully understood, but it may be related to changes in the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain or changes in motor function. Restlessness can be a concerning side effect for some individuals, especially if it is severe or persistent.
If an individual experiences restlessness while taking aripiprazole, they should speak with their healthcare provider. In some cases, the healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or consider switching to a different medication to help manage side effects. Lifestyle changes such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and avoiding caffeine and stimulants can also be helpful in managing restlessness.
In some cases, restlessness may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as akathisia, which is a movement disorder that can be caused by antipsychotic medications. If an individual experiences severe or persistent restlessness, they should seek medical attention. Other symptoms of concern may include increased anxiety or agitation, insomnia, or changes in mood.
Anxiety or nervousness
Anxiety is a common side effect of aripiprazole and can be experienced by some individuals who take the medication. Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease that can range from mild to severe.
The exact cause of anxiety with aripiprazole is not fully understood, but it may be related to changes in the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain or changes in mood. Anxiety can be a concerning side effect for some individuals, especially if it is severe or persistent.
If an individual experiences anxiety while taking aripiprazole, they should speak with their healthcare provider. In some cases, the healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or consider switching to a different medication to help manage side effects. Lifestyle changes such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and avoiding caffeine and stimulants can also be helpful in managing anxiety.
In some cases, anxiety may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or social anxiety disorder. If an individual experiences severe or persistent anxiety, they should seek medical attention. Other symptoms of concern may include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or feelings of impending doom.
Weight gain
We have talked about the effect of aripiprazole on leading weight gain in this article: Can you gain weight from aripiprazole?
Dry mouth
Dry mouth is a common side effect of aripiprazole and can be experienced by some individuals who take the medication. Dry mouth is a feeling of discomfort or a lack of saliva in the mouth, which can lead to difficulty swallowing, speaking, or tasting food.
The exact cause of dry mouth with aripiprazole is not fully understood, but it may be related to changes in the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain or changes in the salivary glands. Dry mouth can be a concerning side effect for some individuals, especially if it is severe or persistent.
If an individual experiences dry mouth while taking aripiprazole, they should speak with their healthcare provider. The healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes such as drinking more water or using mouthwash to help manage dry mouth. In some cases, the healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or consider switching to a different medication to help manage side effects.
In some cases, dry mouth may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an infection, dehydration, or a side effect of another medication. If an individual experiences severe or persistent dry mouth, they should seek medical attention. Other symptoms of concern may include difficulty swallowing, mouth sores, or a dry or sticky feeling in the mouth.
Blurred vision
Blurred vision is a common side effect of aripiprazole and can be experienced by some individuals who take the medication. Blurred vision is a visual disturbance that can cause objects to appear fuzzy or out of focus.
The exact cause of blurred vision with aripiprazole is not fully understood, but it may be related to changes in the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain or changes in blood pressure. Blurred vision can be a concerning side effect for some individuals, especially if it is severe or persistent.
If an individual experiences blurred vision while taking aripiprazole, they should speak with their healthcare provider. The healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes such as taking frequent breaks from screens or using eye drops to help manage blurred vision. In some cases, the healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or consider switching to a different medication to help manage side effects.
In some cases, blurred vision may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an eye infection, a retinal detachment, or a stroke. If an individual experiences severe or persistent blurred vision, they should seek medical attention. Other symptoms of concern may include eye pain, double vision, or sudden loss of vision.
Constipation
Constipation is a common side effect of aripiprazole and can be experienced by some individuals who take the medication. Constipation is a condition in which an individual has difficulty passing stools, which can lead to discomfort, pain, and bloating.
The exact cause of constipation with aripiprazole is not fully understood, but it may be related to changes in the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain or changes in the gastrointestinal system. Constipation can be a concerning side effect for some individuals, especially if it is severe or persistent.
If an individual experiences constipation while taking aripiprazole, they should speak with their healthcare provider. The healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes such as increasing fiber intake, drinking more water, or exercising regularly to help manage constipation. In some cases, the healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or consider switching to a different medication to help manage side effects.
In some cases, constipation may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a bowel obstruction or a side effect of another medication. If an individual experiences severe or persistent constipation, they should seek medical attention. Other symptoms of concern may include abdominal pain, vomiting, or the inability to pass gas or stool.
Muscle stiffness or tremors
Muscle stiffness or tremors are potential side effects of aripiprazole that can be experienced by some individuals who take the medication. Muscle stiffness is a feeling of tightness or rigidity in the muscles, while tremors are involuntary shaking or movements of the body.
The exact cause of muscle stiffness or tremors with aripiprazole is not fully understood, but it may be related to changes in the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain or changes in motor function. Muscle stiffness or tremors can be concerning side effects for some individuals, especially if they are severe or persistent.
If an individual experiences muscle stiffness or tremors while taking aripiprazole, they should speak with their healthcare provider. In some cases, the healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or consider switching to a different medication to help manage side effects. In some cases, medications such as beta-blockers or anticholinergics may be prescribed to manage tremors.
In some cases, muscle stiffness or tremors may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as Parkinson’s disease or tardive dyskinesia, which is a side effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications. If an individual experiences severe or persistent muscle stiffness or tremors, they should seek medical attention. Other symptoms of concern may include difficulty speaking or swallowing, changes in mood or behavior, or changes in coordination.
Less common but potentially serious side effects of aripiprazole may include:
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare, life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic medications)
- Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements of the face and body)
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Seizures
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Allergic reactions
It is important to note that aripiprazole can interact with other medications or supplements, and it may not be safe for everyone to take. It is important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the use of aripiprazole and report any concerning symptoms or side effects. If an individual experiences any serious or concerning side effects while taking aripiprazole, they should seek immediate medical attention.
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