Abilify Dosage: How do you take this medication?

What is the appropriate Abilify dosage? 

The usual appropriate Abilify dosage is taken once a day with food or on an empty stomach.  This drug is available in tablet and oral solution forms. 

The usual Abilify dosage is 10 mg or 50 mg taken once a day.  Your doctor will usually wait at least two weeks before increasing the prescribed dosage. 

The usual starting Abilify dosage is 30 mg once a day.  If you experience significant side effects, your doctor may want to decrease your dose to 15 mg once a day. 

Any medication taken in excess of the prescribed amount can be dangerous or sometimes even fatal.  If you suspect an overdose of Abilify, you need to contact your physician or go to an emergency room immediately. 

Sleepiness, vomiting 

You should take your forgotten dose as soon as you remember.  If it is almost time for your next dose however, you should skip it and return to your regular schedule.  You should never take two doses at once. 

You should store Abilify at room temperature.  Keep bottles of the oral solution in the refrigerator and use it within six months of having opened it. 

Your doctor may want to reduce your Abilify dosage when you take the following additional drugs: 

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)

• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)

• Paroxetine (Paxil)

• Quinidine (Quinidex)

On the other hand, your Abilify dosage may need to be increased if you are taking Carbamazepine (Tegretol). 

Be cautious when taking Abilify with blood pressure medications classified as powerful-adrenergic blockers, including Hytrin or Cardura.  You should always be cautious when combining Abilify with drugs that act on the brain, including tranquilizers, antidepressants, sleeping pills, narcotic painkillers and other schizophrenic medications.  

Although Abilify does not interact with alcohol, the manufacturer recommends avoiding this combination.

Information from The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs 

Additional Information and webpage by Paul Susic MA Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate                                      

	Web www.SeniorCareServices.Org