What it means
An atypical antipsychotic that partly stimulates and partly blocks dopamine receptors. It is used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, as an add-on in major depression, and for irritability in autism and for Tourette syndrome. Compared with many antipsychotics it causes less weight gain and sleepiness, but it often causes restlessness and an urge to keep moving (akathisia), and rarely urges to gamble or spend.
For the nurse
Watch for restlessness, abnormal movements, mood changes and thoughts of suicide, especially in young people. Check weight, blood glucose and lipids over time. In older adults with dementia, antipsychotics raise the risk of death, which is why they carry a boxed warning and appear on the Beers list.
At a glance
| Drug class | antipsychotic (second-generation) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Abilify, Abilify Maintena, Abilify Asimtufii |
| Spanish | aripiprazol |
| Also written | Abilify, Abilify Maintena, Abilify Asimtufii |
Related terms
bipolar disorder
A mental health condition with periods of very high mood and energy (mania) and, often, periods of depression.
neurotransmitter
A chemical that a nerve cell releases to pass a signal to another nerve, muscle or gland cell.