100% Confidential
Dr. Rostislav Ignatov, MD
Chief Medical Officer
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.
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.
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 other medications to treat depression. Abilify is a widely prescribed antipsychotic medication that works by helping the brain’s natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) reach a healthier balance. This drug can reduce hallucinations while improving focus, enabling you to think more clearly, feel better about yourself, experience less anxiety, and participate more actively in daily life. Abilify is also effective in treating extreme mood fluctuations and lessening their frequency.
If you are taking Abilify, it’s important to follow your medication directions carefully. It’s best to take the medicine consistently, but if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. You can take the tablet with or without food, and you should always swallow it whole. If you have questions about your dosage or usage, consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
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.
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 when combining Abilify and alcohol, so it’s best to avoid any alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
The side effects of Abilify and alcohol can differ for each person. Some individuals may find that alcohol worsens allergic reactions or interacts poorly with their medication. It’s important to discuss your alcohol use with your doctor and inform them about any other prescriptions, vitamins, or supplements you are taking.
Abilify is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, but consuming alcohol while taking it can increase your risk of side effects and reduce the drug’s effectiveness. As an atypical antipsychotic, Abilify works by altering brain chemistry, and alcohol can interfere with this process, making symptoms harder to manage.
Alcohol and Abilify can cause unpleasant side effects such as nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Even if you have not had these reactions before, it’s best to remain cautious. Always consult your doctor before taking these medications together to avoid potential complications.
Combining Abilify with alcohol can worsen its side effects, causing drowsiness, dizziness, and dangerously low blood pressure. It may also heighten the risk of suicidal thoughts or mood changes. Always seek medical advice if your mental health feels affected by alcohol while using Abilify.
Research suggests that aripiprazole may reduce the euphoric and stimulating effects of alcohol while increasing sedation. This interaction can lessen alcohol’s pleasurable effects but heighten fatigue and drowsiness. Although these findings are not statistically significant, they highlight the importance of avoiding alcohol while taking Abilify.
Mixing Abilify and alcohol can dangerously amplify side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and mood instability, making it vital to understand why drinking on this medication can severely impact both mental and physical health.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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 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.
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 issues can lead to automobile accidents and DUI arrests, making it important to consult a psychiatrist if you’re concerned about alcohol use.
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, and antipsychotic medication is not very effective when combined with heavy alcohol use.
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, it can increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and worsen underlying mental health conditions. Alcohol consumption while on Abilify can also reduce the medication’s effectiveness and heighten suicidal ideation risk.
Alcohol can interfere with Abilify’s ability to treat depression. Many people with depression may drink alcohol, but doing so while taking this medication increases the likelihood of an adverse reaction. While both substances can momentarily elevate mood, their combined effects can worsen depression over time and make recovery more difficult. Always consult your doctor before mixing alcohol with psychiatric medications.
Navigating the journey to recovery can bring up many questions. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about our services. If you need more information or have additional questions, we are only a phone call away.
Abilify is not considered safe for long-term use. Extended use can increase the risks associated with this medication, including serious side effects. While it may provide benefits in managing symptoms, medical professionals must weigh the potential dangers against the expected outcomes. Safer or more efficient treatment alternatives should be explored whenever possible, and antipsychotic use should be kept to the shortest duration and lowest dose necessary.
You should not mix Abilify with other antidepressants such as:
Abilify should also not be combined with certain antibiotics and antifungal medications, including:
Alcohol can amplify the neurological side effects of Abilify, including lightheadedness, sleepiness, and impaired concentration. In some individuals, this combination can also lead to cognitive and judgmental impairment. To minimize risks and maintain mental stability, alcohol consumption should be strictly limited—or preferably avoided—while taking Abilify.
Get answers about your cost / coverage now.
Your information will be kept private
Let’s talk about what’s going on — no judgment. (We’ve been there before ourselves). No one will know you inquired and there is no commitment to call.
24/7 Support
No Commitment
100% Private
There’s no catch. Checking your insurance is simply a way to see what your plan covers — it doesn’t lock you into treatment, notify anyone, or cost you anything. You get answers upfront to decide what makes sense for you.
Protecting your privacy matters! No information or notifications are ever sent to your employer or family — whether you check your insurance online or call. Everything is handled through secure, encrypted systems that meet strict medical privacy laws. You stay in control of your information!
Luckily, most insurance policies cover treatment here. Depending on the healthcare you’ve already had this year, costs could even be zero. Instead of worrying, let’s just find out what your plan covers.
Most likely. We work with major providers like Cigna, Aetna, and United Healthcare, public insurances like Tricare and tribal plans, and even smaller plans like Surest Bind and Harvard Pilgrim. The quickest way to know for sure is to check online or call. It’s a quick, private way to understand what is covered upfront.
Verifying your insurance isn’t a commitment to start treatment — it’s simply a way to see what your options are. Knowing your coverage ahead of time helps you make more informed, confident decisions. It also helps flag a spot, so you’re able to get right in if you ever do decide you’re ready.
You need your policy number to check your specific policy online. If you want general information, just call. You likely have questions beyond insurance anyway. Reaching out now helps you figure out the right fit if or when you’re ready. You don’t have to put off the call until you’re in crisis. Calling is not scary, I promise!
