Aripiprazole Side Effects

Anxiety, insomnia, and headaches are some of the most common side effects reported with aripiprazole. A few less common side effects include hair loss, acne, and eczema. In most cases, aripiprazole side effects are minor and don't require medical attention. However, some problems are more serious and should be reported to a healthcare provider. Among these more serious side effects are high blood pressure, suicidal thoughts, and rapid weight gain.

 

An Introduction to Aripiprazole Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with aripiprazole (Abilify®). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate aripiprazole well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with aripiprazole. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of aripiprazole side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects With Aripiprazole

Aripiprazole has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common aripiprazole side effects included:
 
Some other common aripiprazole side effects (occurring in 2 percent to 10 percent of people) included:
 
  • Indigestion or heartburn
  • Drowsiness
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Weight gain (see Abilify and Weight Gain)
  • Restlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth (see Abilify and Dry Mouth)
  • Joint pain
  • Throat pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
  • Pain
  • Cough
  • Nasal congestion
  • Increased salivation
  • Swelling or water retention in the arms, legs, or feet.
     
(Aripiprazole Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;