aripiprazole (Abilify)

Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if an antipsychotic medication like aripiprazole (Abilify) may be right for you.

Treatment for:
schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression

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What is an antipsychotic?

Antipsychotics are a class of medication that is primarily used to treat symptoms of psychosis, like hearing and seeing things that other people do not, feeling paranoid, or having delusions.

How does an antipsychotic work?

Antipsychotics work by blocking dopamine in the brain, which helps reduce the frequency and severity of psychotic symptoms.

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What is aripiprazole (Abilify) used for?

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, manic and mixed episodes with bipolar disorder, depression, irritability with autistic disorder, and Tourette syndrome.

Does aripiprazole (Abilify) cause weight gain or loss?

Yes, studies of people taking aripiprazole commonly showed side effects like increased appetite and weight gain. If you're concerned about weight gain with aripiprazole, your provider can help you find safe ways to maintain a healthy weight while on the medication.

What is considered a high dose of aripiprazole (Abilify)?

The dosage size for aripiprazole is relative to what it is being used to treat. Since aripiprazole is used to treat several different conditions, your dosage depends on the condition the drug is being used to treat as well as other factors, such as how you respond to aripiprazole, other medications you may be taking, your age, and other health conditions you may have. Your provider will likely start you on a low dose of aripiprazole and slowly increase it to treat your condition. If you're concerned that you're on a high dose of aripiprazole, ask your provider for more information about your dosage.

How long does it take for aripiprazole (Abilify) to work?

How long aripiprazole takes to work depends on various factors. Abilify, the brand name version of aripiprazole, comes in several different dosage forms, including oral tablets you swallow, disintegrating tablets that dissolve in the mouth, a liquid solution you swallow, and long-acting injections for intramuscular use given by a healthcare professional. The injectable dosage of aripiprazole (Abilify) works faster than oral forms of the medication. If you have questions about how fast your dosage form of aripiprazole will work, talk with your provider or pharmacist to learn more.

Does aripiprazole (Abilify) make you sleepy?

Yes, sleepiness is a common side effect of aripiprazole. You may experience sleepiness when you first start treatment with aripiprazole, so be careful driving or performing any tasks that require mental alertness until you become used to the effects. If sleepiness doesn't go away or becomes bothersome, talk with your provider. They can help you find ways to manage this side effect, including adjusting the time of day you take aripiprazole.

Is aripiprazole (Abilify) a controlled substance?

No, aripiprazole is not a federally controlled substance—it is not habit-forming and does not cause addiction. If you have questions about the side effects of aripiprazole, contact your pharmacist or provider.

What is the most common side effect of aripiprazole (Abilify)?

Some common side effects of aripiprazole include akathisia (restlessness), sleepiness, tremors, insomnia, headache, and more. Talk with your provider or pharmacist to learn about all the possible side effects of aripiprazole.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published October 3, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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