Why is this drug prescribed?

Abilify tablets, orodispersible tablets and oral solution all contain the active ingredient aripiprazole, which is a type of drug known as an atypical antipsychotic. It is used to treat schizophrenia. The way in which aripiprazole works is not fully understood, however, it does work in a slightly different way to other antipsychotic drugs. Aripiprazole works by acting on various receptors in the brain, particularly dopamine receptors and serotonin receptors. Dopamine and serotonin are natural compounds called neurotransmitters, and are involved in transmitting messages between brain cells. Psychotic illness is considered to be caused by disturbances in the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. Aripiprazole is thought to work mainly by stabilising the dopamine activity in the brain. People with schizophrenia may experience 'positive symptoms' and 'negative symptoms'. The positive symptoms are thought to be due to overactivity of dopamine in certain areas of the brain. Aripiprazole blocks the dopamine receptors in these areas and so prevents the overactivity. This helps control the positive symptoms of the disease. The negative symptoms, as well as cognitive symptoms such as memory loss and poor attention, are considered to be due to underactivity of dopamine in other areas of the brain. In these areas, aripiprazole stimulates the dopamine receptors. This mimics the activity of dopamine in these areas of the brain and so improves their activity. This helps improve the negative and cognitive symptoms of this illness. Abilify orodispersible tablets and oral solution can be used as an alternative to the standard tablets for people who have difficulty swallowing. The orodispersible tablets are designed to dissolve on the tongue in the saliva without the need for a drink of water. These tablets are fragile and should be taken as soon as they are removed from the blister packet. Alternatively, these tablets can be dispersed in a glass of water.

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Dizziness * Difficulty in sleeping * Anxiety, restlessness and agitation * Sleepiness * Shaking, usually of the hands * Headache * Blurred vision * Weakness or loss of strength * Fatigue * Gut disturbances such as constipation, indigestion, nausea and vomiting * Increased heart rate * A drop in blood pressure that occurs when moving from a lying or sitting position to sitting or standing, causing dizziness and lightheadedness * Abnormal movements of the hands, legs, face, neck and tongue, eg tremor, twitching, rigidity * Increased blood sugar levels * Seizures * Increased salivation * Pain in the muscles * Prolonged erection * Increase or decrease in body weight * Abnormal heart beats * Inflammation of the liver or pancreas