Available on prescription.
What it treats
Which conditions is Aripiprazole used for?
Overview
What is Aripiprazole?
Aripiprazole is a third-generation antipsychotic with a mechanism genuinely different from all previous antipsychotics. Rather than simply blocking dopamine receptors, it partially activates them, acting as a stabiliser rather than a pure blocker.
It was added to the WHO Model Essential Medicines List in 2023 in recognition of its clinical value, and is also listed in Kenya's Essential Medicines List 2023.
Its most significant advantage is minimal effect on weight and metabolic markers, making it an important option where metabolic health is already a concern.
How it works
What does it do in the brain?
Formulations in Kenya
How is it available?
Availability across Africa
Where is it available in Africa and what is it called?
| Country | Common Brand Name(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Abilify, Arip, Arize, generic | On KEML 2023. Available at public and private facilities. |
| South Africa | Abilify, Arpizol, generic | On South Africa EML. Widely available. |
| Nigeria | Abilify, Aripi, generic | Available at teaching hospitals and urban private pharmacies. |
| Ghana | Abilify, generic | Available at teaching hospitals and specialist facilities. |
| Uganda | Generic aripiprazole | Available at national referral hospitals. |
| Tanzania | Generic aripiprazole | Available at regional referral hospitals. |
| Ethiopia | Generic aripiprazole | Available at major private pharmacies in Addis Ababa. |
Side effects
What might you feel while taking it?
These are the most commonly reported effects. Not everyone experiences them, and many settle within the first few weeks.
- Akathisia: an inner sense of restlessness and urge to keep moving. Tell your doctor if you experience this.
- Insomnia or feeling more energised than usual, particularly early in treatment
- Nausea and headache in the first weeks
- Dizziness
- Minimal weight gain, which is a genuine advantage over most other antipsychotics
- Severe akathisia can be very distressing. It is treatable, but you must tell your doctor.
- New or unusual compulsive behaviours such as gambling, compulsive spending, or hypersexuality
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, rare but possible with any antipsychotic
Risks
Important risks you should understand before taking this medicine
- Akathisia, an intensely uncomfortable inner restlessness and urge to keep moving, is more common with aripiprazole than with most other atypical antipsychotics. It can be severe enough to cause significant distress and treatment discontinuation. Tell your doctor at the first sign.
- In some people taking aripiprazole, impulse control problems have been reported, including unusual gambling behaviour, compulsive shopping, or sexual behaviour that is out of character. Tell your doctor if you notice changes in this area.
- Because aripiprazole has activating properties, it can worsen insomnia or agitation when starting treatment, before the full antipsychotic benefit is felt. This is a real early challenge that should be anticipated and planned for.
- As with all antipsychotics, elderly patients with dementia have an increased risk of stroke and death on aripiprazole.
- Stopping aripiprazole suddenly causes rapid return of psychotic or manic symptoms. Never stop without medical supervision.
Who should not take it
Important warnings before starting
- Known allergy to aripiprazole
Special care needed
Situations that need extra attention
- If you experience internal restlessness or an urge to keep moving, tell your doctor
- Tell your doctor about any impulse control or compulsive behaviour that is new since starting the medicine
- Elderly patients with dementia carry higher risk on any antipsychotic
Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. A careful risk-benefit assessment with a specialist is important.
Present in breast milk. Specialist guidance required.
Other medicines
Medicines and substances that can interact with it
- Carbamazepine and rifampicin: Substantially reduce aripiprazole levels. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose.
- Certain antidepressants affecting the same liver enzymes: Can raise aripiprazole levels, increasing side effects.
- Alcohol and sedating medicines: Amplify sedation.
Tests and follow-up
What your doctor will monitor
- Akathisia assessment at every appointment, particularly in the first months
- Impulse control review at each appointment
- Basic metabolic panel at initiation and annually
- Movement assessment every 6 to 12 months
Stopping this medicine
What happens if you stop taking it?
In Kenya
What you should know about this medicine in Kenya
Aripiprazole's minimal weight gain and metabolic impact gives Kenyan patients an important option, particularly for younger people sensitive to long-term metabolic consequences.
Its addition to the WHO EML 2023 and the KEML 2023 marks a recognition that treatment options should include medicines with a genuinely different safety profile.
Generic aripiprazole has become increasingly available in Kenya, improving cost accessibility.
Sources
References
- Ministry of Health, Kenya. (2023). Kenya Essential Medicines List 2023. Nairobi: Ministry of Health.
- Ministry of Health, Kenya. (2023). Kenya National Medicines Formulary, 1st Edition. Nairobi: Ministry of Health.
- Leucht, S., et al. (2013). Comparative efficacy and tolerability of 15 antipsychotic drugs. The Lancet, 382(9896), 951-962.
- World Health Organization. (2023). Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd Edition. Geneva: WHO.