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| Summary sheet: Aripiprazole |
| Aripiprazole | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Chemical Nomenclature | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common names | Aripiprazole, Abilify | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Systematic name | 7-{4-[4-(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]butoxy}-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aripiprazole (branded as Abilify, Aristada among others) is an atypical antipsychotic approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and along with an antidepressant to treat major depressive disorder.
History and culture
Aripiprazole, developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical and marketed as Abilify among others, was first approved in Japan in 2002 and subsequently in the United States. It was a novel development in the field of atypical antipsychotics, primarily intended for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder treatment. Over time, its use expanded to include treatment of major depressive disorder and irritability in autism spectrum disorders.
Chemistry
Aripiprazole is a synthetic substance of the quinolinone class and is structurally distinct from other atypical antipsychotics. Its molecular formula is C23H27Cl2N3O2, and it has a unique mechanism of action as a dopamine-serotonin system stabilizer.
Pharmacology
Aripiprazole's primary mechanism involves acting as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and D3 receptors and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, while also serving as an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This dual action contributes to its efficacy in treating both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. It also exhibits moderate affinity for histamine, adrenergic, and muscarinic receptors, contributing to some of its side effects.
Subjective effects
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This subjective effects section is a stub. As such, it is still in progress and may contain incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding or correcting it. |
Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWiki contributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.
It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.
Physical effects 
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Physical effects of Aripiprazole can vary but generally include:
- Sedation - A common effect, manifesting as general lethargy or sleepiness.
- Weight gain - Often reported, especially with long-term use.
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headache - Some users may experience mild to moderate headaches.
- Dizziness - Particularly when standing up quickly or moving suddenly.
- Restlessness - A feeling of needing to move, sometimes known as akathisia.
- Tremors - Minor shaking, especially in the hands.
- Dry mouth - A decrease in saliva production.
Cognitive effects 
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Cognitive effects of Aripiprazole can include:
- Focus intensification - Beneficial in conditions with attention deficits.
- Analysis suppression - A feeling of reduced cognitive sharpness.
- Thought deceleration
- Decreased hallucinations - Particularly effective in reducing auditory hallucinations in psychosis.
- Emotion suppression - Helps in mood stabilization, especially in bipolar disorder.
- Sleepiness
- Anxiety suppression - Can lower general anxiety levels.
- Insomnia - Difficulty falling or staying asleep in some individuals.
- Short-term memory suppression - In rare cases, may affect short-term memory.
Experience reports
There are a limited number of experience reports for Aripiprazole given its medical usage, but some can be found in the experience index and on external platforms like Erowid.
Toxicity and harm potential
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This toxicity and harm potential section is a stub. As a result, it may contain incomplete or even dangerously wrong information! You can help by expanding upon or correcting it. |
Although generally safe at therapeutic doses, Aripiprazole overdose can lead to severe symptoms like seizures, vomiting, and agitation. Long-term use may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome.
Lethal dosage
The lethal dosage of Aripiprazole is not well-established, but it is considered to have a high therapeutic index.
Tolerance and addiction potential
Aripiprazole has a low potential for abuse and addiction. Tolerance development is minimal.
Dangerous interactions
Aripiprazole should not be combined with other substances that depress the central nervous system, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids.
Legal status
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This legality section is a stub. As such, it may contain incomplete or wrong information. You can help by expanding it. |
Aripiprazole is a prescription medication in many countries. Its legal status varies, but it is generally regulated and available only with a doctor's prescription.