adhd - Drugs for ADHD

Abilfy (aripiprazole) is a a very powerful antipsychotic medication with many serious side effects.

Abilfy is generally used to treat adult psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression). However, I occasionally see it prescribed for children who have ADHD, which worries me. If your physician prescribes it for your child, get a second opinion.

Alcohol can increase the side effects of Abilfy.

Abilfy may impair thinking or reactions. Be careful doing anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Abilfy.

Since it is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking Abilfy, avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise.

Abilify Discmelt, the orally disintegrating tablet, contains 3 milligrams of phenylalanine per tablet. Before taking, tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria.
 
Diabetes: Liquid Abilify contains 15 grams of sugar per dose. Before taking Abilfy oral solution, tell your doctor if you have diabetes.
Abilfy can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If you experience increased thirst or urination, excessive hunger, or weakness discuss this with your doctor. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels regularly.

Abilify is an FDA pregnancy category C drug, which means it may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant during treatment or are breast-feeding a baby.  Abilfy can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.  

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Side effects that require immediate medical attention:

Stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, uncontrolled muscle movements, symptoms that come on suddenly such as numbness or weakness, severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or balance; mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself or signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
 
Less serious side effects may include:
Choking or trouble swallowing; dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness; constipation, mild stomach upset; headache, anxiety; sleep problems (insomnia); or weight gain.