This is something I've been ranting about for the past 35 years, for the past 15 of which I've had weekly confirmation and updates through my student who is a pharmacist.
I've sat in open-mouthed wonder at commercials such as the one for Abilify, (Aripiprazole), which is used as a companion for lithium or Valproate in the treatment of depression and bi-polar disorder ...
[h=2]Warnings[/h] Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of seizures, or have experienced symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) in the past. Tell your doctor if you have history of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, or high or low blood pressure.
For some children, teens, and young adults, this medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor right away if the person who takes this medicine becomes very depressed or has suicidal thoughts. Report any new, unusual, or worsening thoughts or behaviors, such as trouble sleeping, anxiety or panic attacks, sudden mood changes, or sudden bursts of energy. Also report violent behavior or dangerous impulses. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has bipolar disorder or has tried to commit suicide.
Tell your doctor if you have diabetes because this medicine may raise your blood sugar. You may need to check your blood sugar more often. The
oral liquid form of this medicine contains sugar.
Check with your doctor right away if you have twitching or muscle movements you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw). These could be symptoms of a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia. This disorder may not go away, even after you stop taking this medicine.
Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have a high fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, or muscle stiffness. These could be symptoms of a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
This medicine should not be used to treat Alzheimer disease or dementia in elderly adults because of an increased risk for stroke and other side effects.
The
oral disintegrating tablet form of this medicine contains phenylalanine. Make sure your doctor knows if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
You may get overheated more easily while you use this medicine. Be careful if you exercise often or are in high heat or humidity. Drink plenty of water and stay out of the sun. If your body gets too hot, you might feel dizzy, weak, tired, or confused. You might vomit or have an upset stomach.
Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
[h=2]Possible side effects[/h][h=3]Summary[/h] [h=4]Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:[/h] Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Anxiety, irritability, nervousness, restlessness, or trouble sleeping
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Chest pain, fast or slow heartbeat
Confusion, unusual behavior, depressed mood, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others
Excessive hunger or thirst, increased urination, and weakness
Extreme sleepiness or weakness with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, or muscle stiffness
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Problems with balance or walking
Seizures or tremors
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Trouble swallowing
Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
[h=4]If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:[/h] Blurred vision
Change in appetite
Drooling
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, heartburn, or upset stomach
Tiredness
Unexpected weight gain or loss
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
[h=4]More common[/h]
- Difficulty with speaking
- drooling
- loss of balance control
- muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness
- restlessness
- shuffling walk
- stiffness of the limbs
- twisting movements of the body
- uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back
[h=4]Less common[/h]
- Blurred vision
- dizziness
- headache
- inability to move the eyes
- increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid
- nervousness
- pounding in the ears
- slow or fast heartbeat
- sticking out the tongue
- trouble with breathing or swallowing
- unusual facial expressions
[h=4]Rare[/h]
- Convulsions
- fast heartbeat
- high fever
- high or low blood pressure
- increased sweating
- lip smacking or puckering
- loss of bladder control
- muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
- puffing of the cheeks
- rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue
- severe muscle stiffness
- sudden loss of consciousness
- tiredness
- uncontrolled chewing movements
- uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs
- unusually pale skin
[h=4]Incidence not known[/h]
- Hives or welts
- itching skin
- itching, puffiness, or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- redness of the skin
- shortness of breath
- skin rash
- tightness in the chest
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- wheezing
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
[h=4]Symptoms of overdose[/h]
- Bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)
- diarrhea
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
- lack or loss of strength
- nausea
- sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- vomiting
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
[h=4]More common[/h]
- Acid or sour stomach
- anxiety
- belching
- blurred vision
- difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
- dry mouth
- fear
- fever
- headache
- heartburn
- hyperventilation
- inability to sit still
- indigestion
- irritability
- lightheadedness
- need to keep moving
- nervousness
- rash
- runny nose
- shaking
- sleeplessness
- sore throat
- stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
- trouble sleeping
- unable to sleep
- weight gain
[h=4]Less common[/h]
- Accidental injury
- bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
- body aches or pain
- congestion
- coughing
- difficulty with moving
- dryness or soreness of throat
- hoarseness
- increased appetite
- increased salivation
- joint pain
- muscle aching or cramping
- muscle pains or stiffness
- rapid weight gain
- sneezing
- stuffy nose
- swollen joints
- tender, swollen glands in the neck
- tingling of the hands or feet
- tremor
- unusual weight gain or loss
- voice changes
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
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So here's your choice: deal with a little bit of schizophrenia / bi-polar disorder through counseling or other non-invasive methods, or take your medication like a good little patient and run the certain risk of developing far more life-threatening disorders.
