Aripiprazole
Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. It works by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain to help improve mood, thinking, and behavior.
Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic that treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder by modulating dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05AX12
- RxNorm
- 89013
- Generic
- Aripiprazole
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- Opipza, Abilify
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, prefilled syringe, solution, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 15mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits significantly outweigh risks; consider discontinuing gradually before planned pregnancy if possible
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks; lowest effective dose recommended
fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near term if possible; consider dose reduction if discontinuation not feasible
fetal monitoring and assessment for neonatal withdrawal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid
breastfeeding not recommended during aripiprazole therapy; drug is excreted in breast milk
if breastfeeding continues, monitor infant for sedation, feeding problems and developmental milestones
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlydose reduction recommended
start at low dose (2mg daily) and titrate slowly; not approved for dementia-related psychosis due to increased mortality risk
regular assessment of cognitive function, orthostatic hypotension and metabolic parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 13 17age-specific dosing required
approved for schizophrenia (ages 13+) and bipolar disorder (ages 10+); start at 2mg daily titrating to target dose 10-15mg
monitor weight, BMI, blood glucose, lipids and prolactin levels; assess for suicidal ideation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 6 12age-specific dosing required
approved for Tourette's disorder (ages 6+); not approved for schizophrenia or bipolar in this age group; use only if benefits clearly outweigh risks
monitor growth velocity, weight, metabolic parameters and extrapyramidal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severedose reduction required
for severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min), recommended starting dose is 2mg daily with maximum dose of 15mg daily; use with caution
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severedose reduction required
for moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B or C), start with 2mg daily; maximum recommended dose is 15mg daily
monitor liver function tests periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information - ATC code N05AX12
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Aripiprazole is FDA-approved for treating schizophrenia in adults and adolescents, bipolar I disorder (manic and mixed episodes), major depressive disorder (as adjunctive therapy), irritability associated with autistic disorder, and Tourette's syndrome.
Aripiprazole functions as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, while also blocking 5-HT2A receptors. This unique mechanism helps regulate neurotransmitter activity in the brain, improving symptoms of psychosis and mood disorders.
Common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and weight gain. Patients should avoid alcohol and be monitored for changes in mood or behavior, including suicidal thoughts, particularly when starting or adjusting dosage.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy