What Is the Most Common Side Effect of Abilify?

Abilify (aripiprazole) is a second-generation antipsychotic (atypical antipsychotic) that alters brain chemical activity of dopamine and serotonin to improve thinking, mood, and behavior.

What Is Abilify Used to Treat?

Abilify is used to treat: 

• Schizophrenia
• Mania
• Depression
• Bipolar disorders
• Autistic disorder
• Some irritable behavior disorders

Common side effects of Abilify include:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach upset
• Tiredness
• Excess saliva or drooling
• Choking or trouble swallowing
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Weight gain
• Drowsiness
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Constipation

Serious side effects of Abilify include:

• Involuntary, repetitive movements (tardive dyskinesia)
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
  • Rare reaction to antipsychotic drugs 
  • Symptoms of NMS include high fever (102 to 104 F), muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, anxiety or other changes in mental state, fast or abnormal heartbeat, rapid breathing, more saliva than usual, muscle damage, and very high or low blood pressure
• Shaking (tremors)
• Muscle spasms
• Fainting
• Mental/mood changes (such as increased anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts)
• Trouble swallowing
• Restlessness (especially in the legs)
• Mask-like expression of the face
• Seizures
• Signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat)