Abilify (Aripiprazole) for Alzheimer's

Overview
Abilify is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia and manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. Abilify is also known by its drug name, Aripiprazole. Abilify is sometimes prescribed to treat hallucinations, agitation, aggression, lack of cooperativeness, delusions, and hostility in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Abilify may be considered in cases where non-drug approaches have failed to address these symptoms. Since the FDA has not approved Abilify specifically for this usage, it is considered “off-label.”

Abilify is an antipsychotic, a drug that is used to manage psychiatric problems such as delusions and disordered thoughts. Abilify is believed to work by blocking dopamine in certain pathways of the brain.

How do I take it?
Abilify is generally taken once daily either orally or by intramuscular injection.

Abilify is available in tablet, disintegrating tablet, oral solution, and injectable solution forms.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Abilify lists common side effects including dizziness, tiredness, weight gain, weakness, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, constipation, excess saliva, drooling, and insomnia.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Abilify can include seizures, worsening diabetes, fainting, or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).