Aripiprazole (Abilify)

What the word means

Aripiprazole is the drug. Abilify is the brand.

It’s an atypical antipsychotic, and the word “antipsychotic” is why a lot of people are alarmed when they’re offered it for depression. That reaction is understandable and mostly a problem of naming. These medications are used well beyond psychosis, and here it’s frequently used as an augmentation strategy, meaning it’s added to an antidepressant that’s working only partly.

The side effect most specific to it is akathisia, a deeply unpleasant inner restlessness that makes it impossible to sit still. It’s easy to mistake for anxiety, and it’s important to name correctly, because the answer is a medication change, not more anxiety treatment.

Where to read the full guide

Shrinktionary defines the word.

Read the full aripiprazole guide at PsychiatryRx, which covers uses, side effects, and monitoring.

Related terms you’ll see next

• Antipsychotic
• Augmentation
• Akathisia
• Tardive dyskinesia

When to seek professional care

Tell your prescriber about restlessness or an inability to sit still, because that’s likely akathisia and it’s treatable, and it’s the most common reason people quietly stop this drug. Report any new involuntary movements of the face, tongue, or limbs promptly, since tardive dyskinesia is easier to address when caught early. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, get help right away by calling 911, or call or text 988 in the US to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Aripiprazole (Abilify):</strong> Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic, sold as Abilify, used for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and as an add-on for depression that hasn't responded to an antidepressant alone.</p>
  <p>&mdash; <a href="https://shrinktionary.com/terms/aripiprazole/">Shrinktionary</a>, a plain-English mental health dictionary, medically reviewed by a board certified psychiatrist.</p>
</blockquote>