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What Is Abilify?

Abilify is the brand name for aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic medicine. Its current tablet formulation is used for schizophrenia, manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder, irritability associated with autistic disorder, and Tourette's disorder. Approved ages and dosing vary by condition, so treatment is individualized by a prescriber.

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What Is Abilify?

Abilify is the brand name for aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic medicine. Its current tablet formulation is used for schizophrenia, manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder, irritability associated with autistic disorder, and Tourette's disorder. Approved ages and dosing vary by condition, so treatment is individualized by a prescriber.

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How Does Abilify Work?

The exact mechanism of aripiprazole is not fully understood. Its effects are thought to involve partial agonist activity at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and antagonist activity at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This receptor activity can influence signaling involved in mood, thinking, behavior, and movement. Clinical effects depend on the condition being treated and the dose used.

What Is Abilify Used For?

Abilify is approved for schizophrenia and acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. It can also be added to antidepressant treatment for adults with major depressive disorder. In pediatric patients, approved uses include irritability associated with autistic disorder and Tourette's disorder, along with age-specific treatment of schizophrenia and manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.

How Is Abilify Taken?

Current Abilify tablets are taken by mouth once daily, with or without food. The dose depends on the diagnosis, age, other medicines, and response to treatment. Some medicines that strongly affect CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 enzymes can change aripiprazole levels and require dose adjustment. Patients should take Abilify exactly as prescribed and discuss medication changes with their clinician.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings?

Abilify carries a boxed warning about increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Its boxed warning also addresses suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressant drugs. Other serious risks include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, metabolic changes, compulsive behaviors, low blood pressure, seizures, and blood-cell changes. New movement problems, severe fever, fainting, or marked behavioral changes need prompt medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Abilify

Is Abilify the same as aripiprazole?

Yes. Abilify is a brand name for aripiprazole. Generic aripiprazole contains the same active ingredient, although inactive ingredients and product presentations can differ.

Is Abilify an antidepressant?

No. Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic. In adults with major depressive disorder, it can be prescribed alongside an antidepressant as adjunctive treatment.

Can Abilify be taken with food?

Yes. Current Abilify tablets can be taken with or without food. Patients should follow the dose and schedule prescribed for their specific condition.

Is Abilify approved for dementia-related psychosis?

No. Abilify is not approved for dementia-related psychosis. Its boxed warning states that antipsychotic treatment increases mortality risk in elderly patients with this condition.

References

ABILIFY (aripiprazole) Prescribing Information. https://www.otsuka-us.com/media/static/Abilify-PI.pdf. Date Accessed September 10, 2026.

Aripiprazole. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603012.html. Date Accessed September 10, 2026.

Aripiprazole. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547739/. Date Accessed September 10, 2026.

DailyMed - ABILIFY (aripiprazole) Tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c040bd1d-45b7-49f2-93ea-aed7220b30ac. Date Accessed September 10, 2026.

FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA Warns About New Impulse-Control Problems Associated With Mental Health Drug Aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Maintena, Aristada). https://www.fda.gov/media/97624/download. Date Accessed September 10, 2026.