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The following links have more information on a ripiprazole. Be aware that websites from other countries may contain information that differs from New Zealand recommendations: Eat more fruit, vegetables, brown bread and bran-based breakfast cereals and drink plenty of water.įor more information on side effects, see the Medsafe consumer information leaflet Aripiprazole Sandoz.ĭid you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a productĪripiprazole interacts with many other medications and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting aripiprazole or before starting any new medicines.Ask your doctor to prescribe a laxative, which you may need to take on a regular basis.Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.Feeling shaky and restless (cannot sit still).Ask your doctor if you can take your medicine at a different time or reduce the dose. Tell your doctor if sleep problems are bothering you.
Problems falling asleep or staying asleep (called insomnia).Try taking paracetamol but first check that this can be taken with any other medicines you are taking.Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine. Like all medicines, aripiprazole can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. What are the side effects of aripiprazole? You may also have your blood pressure measured and an ECG (electrocardiogram) done to check your heart rate.
You will have your weight measured regularly and may need to have blood tests to check your kidney and liver function and cholesterol and glucose levels. To keep an eye out for these effects, your doctor will check your physical health.
Blood tests and other monitoring: aripiprazole may cause changes in your blood glucose level, your cholesterol level and in your heart function. Weight: let your doctor know if you notice that you are putting on a lot of weight, especially when you first start taking aripiprazole. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care. If you answered yes to any of these questions it’s important that you let your doctor or pharmacist know before you start aripiprazole. Are you taking any other medicines, including medicines you can buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines?. Do you have diabetes or problems with high cholesterol?. Do you have Parkinson’s Disease or epilepsy?. Do you have any heart problems such as an irregular heartbeat or low blood pressure?. Precautions while taking aripiprazole Before starting aripiprazole It usually take a few weeks to start working and it can take several months before you feel the full benefits. Do not stop taking aripiprazole suddenly as your symptoms may return if stopped too early – speak to your doctor or nurse before stopping. Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. If you do drink alcohol, drink only small amounts and see how you feel. It can also cause agitation, aggression and forgetfulness. Drinking alcohol while taking aripiprazole can cause drowsiness and affect concentration, putting you at risk of falls and other accidents. Avoid alcohol while you are taking aripiprazole. Timing: Take your aripiprazole dose once a day, at the same time each day. You can take aripiprazole with or without food. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much aripiprazole to take, how often to take it and any special instructions. Always take your aripiprazole exactly as your doctor has told you. Your doctor may start you on a low dose and increase it slowly over a few weeks. The usual dose of aripiprazole is 10–15 milligrams once a day. In Aotearoa New Zealand aripiprazole is available as tablets.
Aripiprazole belongs to a group of medicines called antipsychotics.
It belongs to a group of medicines known as atypical antipsychoticsĪripiprazole is used to treat some types of mental illness such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (previously called manic depression). It does not cure these conditions, but is used to help ease the symptoms and help you on your recovery path. It can help with symptoms such as extreme mood swings of bipolar disorder, the experience of hearing voices (hallucinations), ideas that distress you and don't seem to be based in reality (delusions), and difficulty in thinking clearly (thought disorder). Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects. Aripiprazole is used to treat some types of mental illness such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.