Abyraz (Aripiprazole)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick 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 affects thinking, feelings, and behavior. Your doctor may prescribe it for other reasons as well.
How It Works
Abyraz belongs to antipsychotic agents that work to improve symptoms of certain types of mental illness by affecting brain chemistry.
Good to know: There is no evidence that this medicine is addictive.
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 even if you feel better, as improvement may take several days to weeks.
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 not, 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
- abnormal tongue or mouth movements
- muscle pain, weakness, or stiffness
- painful prolonged erection
- yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- allergic reactions with rash or breathing problems
- severe upper stomach pain with nausea and vomiting
- serious lung infection with fever and chest pain
- difficulty passing urine
- thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm
- increased aggressive behavior or agitation
Impulse Control Issues
Some patients may develop obsessive thoughts or behaviors, gambling urges, sexual urges, compulsive spending, binge eating, or other impulse control problems. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these issues.
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 medication. Signs of allergic reaction include rash, itching, hives, shortness of breath, wheezing, or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Also avoid if the packaging is damaged or past expiry date.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: previous reactions to medicines causing sudden temperature increase, sweating, fast heartbeat, or muscle stiffness (neuroleptic malignant syndrome); abnormal tongue or mouth movements (tardive dyskinesia); low blood pressure; heart or blood vessel problems; epilepsy or seizures; swallowing difficulties; high blood sugar or diabetes; Alzheimer’s disease or dementia; alcohol or drug abuse history; blood clot risks; sleep apnea; lactose intolerance; or 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: Elderly patients with dementia taking Abyraz have experienced serious, potentially life-threatening side effects including mini-strokes, strokes, pneumonia, and heart problems.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with how Abyraz works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines 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)
- medicines for high blood pressure
- medicines for fungal infections
- medicines for heart rhythm problems
- medicines for bacterial or viral infections
- 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 medication 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 during hot weather. Stay cool by wearing light clothing, staying in air-conditioned areas, drinking plenty of water, taking cool showers, and avoiding exercise during hot parts of the day.
Storage
Store Abyraz in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, car, 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, even if you feel better, without checking with your doctor first. If you stop suddenly, your condition may worsen.
Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking Abyraz. Your doctor may suggest you avoid alcohol completely as it can increase the medication’s side effects.
Yes, Abyraz may cause either weight gain or weight loss as side effects. Monitor your weight and discuss any significant changes with your doctor.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
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.