Abilify

Generic name: aripiprazole
The brand name is Abilify
Drug class: Atypical antipsychotics

Abilify Weight Gain

Abilify weight gain may result from metabolic derangement. The reports about diabetic Mellitus include increases of the blood levels of insulin, as well as a decline in the tolerance to carbohydrates, not insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, reduced glucose tolerance and glycosuria.

Analyzing 13 monotherapy trials that were placebo-controlled adults suffering from bipolar disorder or schizophrenia showed a mean rise in blood glucose levels at rest of 4.4 mg/dL and an average time of exposure. It was not substantially different from the placebo (+2.5 mg/dL with a median exposure of 22, days). A pooled study of pediatric patients showed a mean change in the fasting glucose level of 2.4 mg/dL as compared to 0.1 mg/dL in placebo patients after 12 weeks of treatment. In long-term, open-label schizophrenia studies using Aripiprazole (the active ingredient found within Abilify) lauroxil one-fourth of the patients who had HbA1c lower than 5.7 % at baseline showed levels of 5.7% or greater after baseline.

The lipids are prone to alterations that have not been seen in those who receive an antipsychotic that is atypical. Analyses of patients taking this drug aren’t as extensive due to the low number of patients that received this medication for long time periods during clinical trials. In open-label, long-term schizophrenia studies that included aripiprazole, lauroxil, changes in fasting total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides from normal levels to high levels were observed in  1-8% of patients.

Weight gain has been noted for patients taking Atypical antipsychotics. A review of 13 placebo-controlled monotherapy trials for adults with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia found a change to weight +0.3 kilograms (n=1673) with the median duration of 21 – 25 days, compared to the decrease of 0.1 kg in the placebo-treated patients (n=1100).

A pooled study of children (10 to 17 years old) found a mean change for the weight that was +5.8 kilograms (n=62) in comparison to +1.4 kilograms (n=13) in placebo-treated patients after 12 weeks of treatment. In a 12-week fixed dose schizophrenia trial in patients treated with aripiprazole and lauroxil IM increase in weight of 7percent or more from baseline was seen in 10 percent (n=207) in 9 percent (n=208) from patients who received 882 mg and 441 mg IM respectively.

During clinical trials, the percentage of pediatric and adolescent patients by indication with weight gain of 7% or more of body weight compared to placebo was (5.2% vs 1.6%), (26.3% vs 7.1%), and (20% vs 7.6%), respectively for schizophrenia/bipolar mania, irritability associated with autistic disorder, and Tourette’s disorder, respectively. The duration of treatment was between 4 and 6 weeks, eight weeks as well as 8-10 weeks in turn.¶

Other Side Effects

See a doctor immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms warnings of an allergic response Abilify Hives and breathing difficulties or swelling of your lips, face or tongue.

Inform your doctor immediately in the event of any abrupt or new changes in your mood or behavior, such as more or worse depression, anxiety, panic attacks and trouble sleeping or if you are feeling angry, irritable, or impulsive and aggressive, anxious, more active or emotive, if you have thoughts of taking your own life or hurting yourself.

Contact your doctor immediately If you suffer from:

• extreme disturbance or distress the sensation of being uneasy;
• Uncontrollable or jerky movements of your lips, eyes or tongue, arms, face or legs;
• Face with a mask-like appearance difficulty swallowing, issues with speech;
• seizure (convulsions);
• extreme nervous system reactions very rigid (rigid) muscles with high fever, sweating and confusion, rapid or irregular heartbeats, tremors or the sensation that you may be stricken;
• lower blood-cell counts such as chills, fever, sore throat weakening, bleeding that is unusual, easy bruising or red or purple spots on your skin or
• blood sugar levels are high increasing thirst, more urine, dry mouth, the smell of fruity breath.

There is a possibility that you will experience increased sexual urges, unusual cravings towards gambling or any other intense desires while taking this medication. Consult your physician in the event of this.

Common side effects of Abilify include:

• blurred vision
• more saliva or the drooling;
• muscle stiffness;
• shakes, uncontrolled muscle movements anxious, feeling restless;
• weight gain
• nausea, vomiting, constipation;
• an increase or decrease in appetite;
• headache dizziness, drowsiness and fatigue;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• signs of cold like nasal stuffiness, sneezing, sore throats;

This isn’t a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.