Abilify is an antipsychotic medication used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) alongside other symptoms of psychosis or mania such as in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Your doctor will closely monitor you to ensure you get the best results.
Abilify may cause some side effects, but they are usually minor. They may go away after a few days, but you should consult your doctor if they persist or worsen. Abilify is a prescription drug, and it can cause interactions with other medications, food, and supplements, including alcohol.
Uses of Abilify
Specific mental and mood problems such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Tourette’s syndrome, and irritability related to autism disorder are treated with Abilify.
Additionally, it may be used with additional medications to treat depression. Abilify is a popular, typical type of antipsychotic medication. It functions by aiding the brain’s natural chemicals to balance out again (neurotransmitters). This drug can lessen hallucinations while enhancing focus. It enables you to think more clearly, feel better about yourself, be less anxious, and participate more actively in daily life. Abilify can also treat extreme mood fluctuations and lessen their frequency.
If you are taking Abilify, you should make sure that you follow the directions on your medicine label carefully. It’s best to take medicine regularly, but it is possible to miss a dose. You can call your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to take medicine. You should take the tablet whole, and you can take it with or without food. If you miss a dose, it’s best to take it as soon as you remember.
Abilify Dosage
Abilify is available in tablet form, which can be taken with or without food. The dosage is dependent on your age and medical history. Your dose may need to be adjusted if you take another medication, such as a CYP2D6 inhibitor or a CYP3A4 inducer.
Patients with the major depressive disorder should be closely monitored, particularly by their caregivers and family members. These individuals should be watched for suicidal behavior and urged to report it to medical personnel immediately. The dosage of Abilify should be as low as possible and consistent with good patient management. As a result, it is best to replace the Abilify injection with an oral dose of 10 to 30 mg daily. Professional doctors at Haven Detox will guide you by seeing your health condition.
Side Effects of Abilify
One of the side effects of Abilify is sleep problems. The drug can cause insomnia and sleep talking. It can also cause an uncontrollable movement called tardive dyskinesia. These side effects are usually temporary. However, if they persist or cause trouble sleeping, you should consult a doctor.
Side effects of Abilify also include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- increased or decreased appetite.
It may also cause dizziness or fatigue. Children may also experience constipation, increased saliva, or increased appetite. Before starting the drug, patients should discuss any side effects of Abilify with their healthcare provider.
Other side effects of Abilify include:
- Lowered blood pressure
- Increased risk of seizures
People with heart conditions, diabetes, or high blood sugar should discuss the risks of taking Abilify with their doctor. If these side effects occur, your doctor may reduce your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
Abilify can increase the risk of a rare condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). This type of illness is usually rare but can be fatal. It can result in the following:
- High fever
- Sweating
- Rigid muscles
- Confusion
If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Also, if you face any of these symptoms, you should not drive or operate machinery.
You should be aware that Abilify can cause sleepiness and sedation. It may also impair your coordination and make it difficult to think clearly. If you experience drowsiness, you must consult your doctor about whether Abilify is right for you.
Can You Mix Abilify and Alcohol?
The combination of alcohol and Abilify can be dangerous and is often associated with increased risks of heart failure. It also increases the risk of seizures and respiratory depression. The combination can also lead to a coma. Although the effects of this combination are often hidden, it is essential to be aware of possible side effects before mixing alcohol and Abilify.
People with certain medical conditions should talk to their doctor if they take Abilify and alcohol. For example, if you have diabetes or have seizures, you may have a higher risk of experiencing side effects from Abilify. If you are pregnant, taking this drug and alcohol is not recommended. It has not been proven that Abilify is safe for pregnant women. However, it is safe for women who are already taking antidepressants and don’t have heart problems.
Interaction of Abilify and Alcohol
A drug known as aripiprazole, commonly sold under the trade name Abilify, can interact with alcohol. The drug enhances the sedative and depressant effects of alcohol by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. This, in turn, lessens the reinforcing effects of alcohol. Several side effects have been reported with Abilify and alcohol. The results of alcohol and this medication are best understood by avoiding any alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
Effects of Mixing Abilify and Alcohol
The side effects of Abilify and alcohol can be different for everyone. However, you may find that alcohol is not the best option if you have an allergy to alcohol. If this is the case, you should discuss it with your doctor. In addition, you should tell him about all other medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements.
Increase Side Effects of Abilify
The drug Abilify is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions. However, if you consume alcohol while taking Abilify, you are increasing your risk of side effects and making it less effective. Abilify belongs to the class of antipsychotics known as atypical antipsychotics. These medications work by affecting certain chemicals in the brain.
Adverse Reactions
Alcohol and Abilify can have different effects on the body. Alcohol can cause unpleasant side effects, including nausea, blurred vision, and low blood pressure. You should still be careful if you have not had any adverse reactions. Your doctor will want to help you get better. It would help to always talk to your doctor before taking these medications.
Health Issues
Combining Abilify with alcohol can worsen the side effects of this medication. It can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. This drug can also make people more prone to suicidal ideation. It’s vital to read the instructions that accompany your medications and always seek medical advice if you feel that your mental health is affected by alcohol and Abilify.
Reduced Euphoric Effects
A recent study found that the drug aripiprazole significantly reduced the euphoric effects of alcohol. It reduced euphoria scores by 0.40 units and decreased stimulation subscale scores. Furthermore, it increased sedative effects. In addition to its sedative effects, aripiprazole may also reduce the reinforcing effects of alcohol. The study results were not statistically significant, but they should be studied further.
Talking to Your Doctor about Alcohol
When trying to take Abilify, it is imperative to discuss with your doctor whether it is safe to mix alcohol with it. Haven detox has a professional doctors’ team that tells you about the possible side effects and consequences of alcohol and Abilify interactions. Depending on the amount you plan to consume, your doctor may even give you the green light. However, you should consult a doctor before mixing alcohol and Abilify.
If you’re taking an anti-anxiety medication, you must talk to your doctor about your drug intake and health history. Those with alcohol allergies should discuss this with their doctors. Also, you must inform them about any other medications you take. Abilify may interact with certain prescription medications, so it’s helpful for you to talk to your doctor about them before starting any new medication.
Can I Drink Alcohol with Other Antipsychotics?
Alcohol and antipsychotic medications often interact negatively with each other, and this can have serious long-term ramifications. Alcohol may worsen mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression and can decrease the effectiveness of antipsychotics. Understanding these effects is essential for ensuring the safe use of your medication.
Side Effects of Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can lead to drowsiness, nausea, and blurred vision. It can also affect your blood pressure. Before you begin your treatment, you should inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking. This will help them to determine if there are any possible drug interactions.
In general, you should drink alcohol only in moderation. If you drink alcohol in excess, you should contact your doctor.
Decreased Decision-Making Abilities
Alcohol has been shown to impair judgment and decision-making abilities. People with schizophrenia already suffer from poor judgment and impulse control, and drinking alcohol can exacerbate these problems. These problems can even lead to automobile accidents and DUI arrests. It is best to consult a psychiatrist if you’re concerned about alcohol use.
Liver Damage
Alcohol may also inhibit the absorption of antipsychotic medications. It’s essential to avoid drinking for at least two hours before or after taking your antipsychotic medication. Additionally, drinking alcohol can damage your liver. Antipsychotic medication is not very effective when combined with heavy alcohol.
Suicidal Thoughts
Some people may experience suicidal thoughts or behavior while on Abilify. Contact your doctor or local emergency services if you notice suicidal thoughts or actions.
While alcohol does not directly cause suicide, alcohol can increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Dementia is a mental health condition in which someone has delusions. Psychosis is a condition that affects the ability to think or remember things.
Alcohol consumption while on Abilify can decrease the effectiveness of the medication and increase the risk of side effects. In addition, alcohol can worsen your depression and increase the risk of suicidal ideation.
Increased Depression
Alcohol can harm the ability of Abilify to treat depression. It is common for depression patients to drink alcohol, and taking this drug while drinking may increase the risk of an adverse reaction.
However, these two substances can work together to improve your mood. It is essential to consult with your doctor to understand the effects and risks associated with alcohol and other drugs. You can feel better and enjoy life again by taking the proper medications.
Whether it’s okay to drink alcohol while taking Abilify or another antipsychotic medication depends on the severity of your condition. The two drugs can interfere, and the results can be disastrous.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drink alcohol while taking naltrexone?
When you consume alcohol, naltrexone prevents intoxication’s pleasurable effects and sensations. As a result, individuals with alcohol use disorders can reduce their drinking habits just enough to continue receiving treatment, prevent relapses, and take their medication. Your alcohol cravings will lessen with time.
But naltrexone won’t stop you from getting drunk and losing control of yourself. Use of naltrexone while intoxicated is not recommended if you plan to drive or engage in other activities.
Is Abilify safe for long-term use?
Abilify is not safe to use. If you are using it for the long term, then there are risks associated with this medication. Nobody who truly understands drugs would ever claim that Abilify or other antipsychotics are ever safe. When debating the benefits of prescription, that is not the point of contention! Instead, medical professionals and individuals must weigh the dangers and probable adverse effects against the benefits actually encountered. This entails utilizing less harmful or more efficient alternatives whenever possible and using antipsychotics for as little time and at the lowest dose necessary to produce the anticipated outcomes.
What can you not mix with Abilify?
You can not mix it with other antidepressants including:
Fluoxetine (Prozac®)
Paroxetine (Paxil®)
Nefazodone
Also, you can not mix it with the antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin®) and antifungal medications including:
Itraconazole (Sporanox®)
Ketoconazole (Diflucan®)
Fluconazole (Diflucan®)
Is it okay to drink alcohol while taking Abilify?
Alcohol can increase the adverse effects of ARIPiprazole on the neurological system, including lightheadedness, sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating. Additionally, a cognitive and judgmental impairment may be experienced by some people. While using Abilify, alcohol use should be avoided or limited.
Get Help with Alcohol Abuse from The Haven
Drinking in high amounts while taking Abilify is not recommended, but some find it hard to cut back on drinking after they are prescribed Abilify.
It’s not recommended to continue drinking because alcohol can amplify the depressive effects of Abilify. The drug can also affect your physical body, such as your breathing, so it is important to drink responsibly—if ever. You should immediately seek medical attention if you experience any of these effects. Get detox in the supportive community of The Haven if you struggle to stop drinking on your own.
Our residential treatment rehab provides you with 24-hour quality care. Our therapy program aims to improve your physical as well as mental health. If you have any health concerns, call us at (561) 328-8627.
