What does aripiprazole do to your brain?

Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic medication that works by modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, in the brain. Specifically, aripiprazole works by acting as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, and as an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.

By acting on these receptors, aripiprazole can help to regulate the activity of dopamine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters that are involved in many aspects of brain function, including mood, motivation, reward, and perception. Aripiprazole can also help to reduce the activity of glutamate, which is another neurotransmitter that is involved in brain function.

The exact mechanism of action of aripiprazole is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve complex interactions between these neurotransmitters and their receptors. By modulating these interactions, aripiprazole can help to alleviate symptoms of certain mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.

It is important to note that aripiprazole can have both beneficial and potentially harmful effects on the brain, and it should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider. It is also important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for taking the medication and to report any concerning side effects or changes in symptoms.


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

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