Aripiprazole is a medication that is preferred by healthcare providers for several reasons. Some of the potential advantages of aripiprazole include:
- Efficacy: Aripiprazole is an effective medication for managing symptoms of certain mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
- Tolerability: Aripiprazole is generally well-tolerated by most individuals, with a low incidence of side effects compared to some other antipsychotic medications.
- Versatility: Aripiprazole can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, and it can be used as a monotherapy or as an adjunct medication.
- Reduced risk of weight gain: Aripiprazole is associated with a lower risk of weight gain compared to some other antipsychotic medications, which can be an important consideration for some individuals.
- Reduced risk of extrapyramidal symptoms: Aripiprazole is associated with a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms, such as tremors or muscle stiffness, compared to some other antipsychotic medications.
- Unique mechanism of action: Aripiprazole has a unique mechanism of action compared to other antipsychotic medications, which may provide some advantages in terms of tolerability and efficacy.
It is important to note that aripiprazole may not be the best choice for every individual, and the decision to use the medication should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. The healthcare provider will consider the individual’s specific needs and medical history when determining the most appropriate treatment plan.
There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.
You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:
- The British National Formulary (BNF)
- Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
- The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.
Search for PILs on websites like:
France
- ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr
Spain
- AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es
Germany
- BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de
Italy
For questions about your medication:
- Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist
France
- Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
- For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00
Belgium (French)
Switzerland (French)
- La Main Tendue: 143
- Website: 143.ch
Canada (French)
- Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
- Website: cpsquebec.ca
Spain
- Contact emergency number: 112
- For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717
Germany
- Contact emergency number: 112
- For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222
Italy
- Contact emergency number: 112
- For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284
Netherlands
- Contact emergency number: 112
- For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113
Portugal
- Contact emergency number: 112
- For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60