Drugs usage Warning for Abilify
It is strictly advised to consume the drug under the supervision of registered health-care practitioners. It is essential for patients to discuss with their doctor or pharmacist regarding any drug allergies or medical conditions that they may have prior to taking Abilify. The following medical conditions should be discussed with a physician or pharmacist prior to starting Abilify.
- Cerebrovascular disease like stroke
- Diabetes
- High or Low blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
- Irregular heart beat
- Nervous system problem like seizures and dementia
- Low white blood cell count
- Obesity
- Liver or Kidney disease
- High Cholesterol
- Epilepsy
Usage Instructions
Patients who are prescribed Abilify must take the dose as suggested by their doctors. They should never increase or decrease the dosage without consulting with their doctors and must follow the directions given on their prescription. Following usage instructions must be taken into consideration:
- The tablets should not be removed from its blister pack in advance.
- Abilify must be regularly consumed to get the most benefit.
- Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery or participating in dangerous activities, as this drug can cause drowsiness.
- Abilify should not be consumed for more than 6 weeks until and unless it is recommended by the doctor.
Dosages
The recommended starting dose of Abilify for adult patients is 10 or 15 mg taken once in a day. This drug has proved to be effective in the dosage range of 10 to 30 mg in a day.
The starting daily dose of Abilify in adolescents is 2 mg, which is increased to 5 mg after 2 days and then to 10 mg in another two days. It is the doctor who can determine the dosage adjustment based on the medical history of the patient and their response to the medication.
Missed Dose and Overdose
If one has missed their dose of Abilify, then the missed dose should be taken as soon as one remembers it. If it is almost the time for next dose, the person should continue with the next dose only and should not take any extra medicine to compensate the missed dose.
In the event of an overdose, one must immediately seek medical attention or call the poison help line. Anyone who has overdosed on Abilify may experience symptoms such as vomiting, confusion, tremors, drowsiness, agitation, convulsions, slow heart rate, breathing problem or fainting.
Storage Instructions
The ideal temperature for storing Abilify is 25°C but it can be stored between 15°C to 30°C. The drug should be kept away from moisture and heat to maintain its quality and efficacy. Abilify liquid must be stored in refrigerator and can be used for up to 6 months after opening. The medication must be kept out of the reach of children and pets, and the expired and unused medications must not be disposed with the household waste.
