Abyraz (Aripiprazole)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Abyraz Used For?
Abyraz contains aripiprazole, which belongs to a group of medicines called antipsychotic agents that help improve symptoms of certain mental health conditions.
Primary Uses
Abyraz is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, a mental illness that causes disturbances in thinking, feelings, or behavior. Your doctor may prescribe it for other reasons as well.
How It Works
Abyraz works as an antipsychotic agent to improve symptoms of mental illness by affecting brain chemistry.
Good to know: There is no evidence that this medicine is addictive.
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How to Take Abyraz
Take Abyraz exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It's important to take it consistently to get the best results.
Dosage Instructions
Unless your doctor gives different directions, take Abyraz only once a day at the same time each day. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. You can take it with or without food. Continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop, even if you feel better.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. If it's not almost time, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you're unsure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase your chance of side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Light-headedness
- Drowsiness
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Inability to sit or stand still
- Restless movement of arms and legs
- Dizziness when standing up
- Weight gain or loss
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive sweating
- High blood pressure
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hiccups
- Frequent infections
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Speech problems
- Urinary incontinence
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Seizures, fits, or convulsions
- Fainting
- Sudden increase in body temperature with sweating
- Muscle pain, weakness, or stiffness
- Painful prolonged erection
- Abnormal tongue or mouth movements
- Temperature regulation problems
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Allergic reactions
- Severe stomach pain (pancreatitis)
- Serious lung infection
- Difficulty urinating
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Increased aggression or agitation
Impulse Control Issues
Tell your doctor if you develop obsessive thoughts or behaviors, gambling urges, sexual urges, compulsive spending, binge eating, or other uncontrollable urges while taking Abyraz.
Important Warnings
Before taking Abyraz, it's important to discuss your medical history and current health conditions with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Abyraz
Do not take Abyraz if you are allergic to aripiprazole or any ingredients in the tablets. Signs of allergic reaction include rash, itching, hives, shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat, or other body parts.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: previous reactions to medicines causing sudden temperature increase, sweating, fast heartbeat, muscle stiffness (neuroleptic malignant syndrome); abnormal tongue or mouth movements (tardive dyskinesia); low blood pressure; heart or blood vessel problems; epilepsy, seizures, or fits; swallowing difficulties; high blood sugar or diabetes; Alzheimer's disease or dementia; alcohol or drug abuse history; venous thromboembolism or risk factors; sleep apnea; lactose intolerance; history of excessive gambling.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Abyraz is not recommended during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking it, tell your doctor immediately. Babies exposed to antipsychotics during the third trimester may experience withdrawal symptoms. Do not breastfeed while taking Abyraz as it may pass into breast milk and affect the baby.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Some elderly patients with dementia taking Abyraz have experienced serious, life-threatening side effects including mini-strokes, strokes, pneumonia, or heart problems.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with how Abyraz works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you're taking.
Grapefruit interaction: Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice may affect how Abyraz works.
- Medicines for brain disorders (anxiety, depression, mood swings, epilepsy, seizures, Parkinson's disease, insomnia)
- Blood pressure medications
- Antifungal medicines
- Heart rhythm medications
- Antibiotics and antiviral medicines
- Ciclosporin (Neoral, Sandimmun)
- Cimetidine (Magicul)
Alcohol & Driving
Abyraz can affect your alertness and coordination, so take precautions with activities requiring focus.
Alcohol
Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking Abyraz. Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol completely as it can increase side effects.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Make sure you know how Abyraz affects you before driving, operating machinery, or doing anything dangerous. The medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or reduced alertness. Stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent dizziness.
Temperature Regulation
Abyraz may affect how your body reacts to temperature changes and may prevent sweating. In hot weather: wear light clothing, stay in air-conditioned areas, drink plenty of water, take cool baths/showers, and avoid exercise during hot parts of the day.
Storage
Store Abyraz in a cool place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Keep it away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Abyraz, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Improvement in symptoms may take several days to some weeks to occur. It's important to keep taking Abyraz even if you don't feel better right away.
Yes, it doesn't matter whether you take Abyraz with or without food. Take it at the same time each day for best results.
No, there is no evidence that Abyraz is addictive.
Do not stop taking Abyraz suddenly as your condition may worsen. Always check with your doctor before stopping or reducing your dose, even if you feel better.
Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking Abyraz. Your doctor may suggest you avoid alcohol completely as it can increase the side effects of the medicine.
Weight gain is listed as a possible side effect of Abyraz. Weight loss and loss of appetite are also possible. Speak to your doctor if weight changes concern you.
Elderly patients with dementia may be at higher risk of serious side effects including strokes, pneumonia, and heart problems. This medicine is not recommended for children under 18.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.