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Home > Drug Category > Psychiatric Medication > Abilify Maintena and Equivalent

Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) Information

Abilify maintena, which contains the active ingredient aripiprazole, is an atypical antipsychotic used for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. It is designed for long-acting intramuscular injection, typically administered once monthly, to help maintain symptom control in patients who have responded to oral aripiprazole. This formulation is beneficial for patients who have difficulty adhering to daily oral medication, as it provides steady medication levels over time and reduces the risk of relapse. Abilify maintena is administered only by doctors in a clinical setting.

The mechanism of action for aripiprazole in this long-acting formulation is the same as that of oral aripiprazole. It works by partially stimulating dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors while blocking serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. This balancing effect helps reduce psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while supporting mood and cognitive function. Unlike many older antipsychotics that completely block dopamine, aripiprazole’s partial agonist activity can stabilize both overactive and underactive dopamine pathways. The long-acting injection provides consistent blood levels, reducing fluctuations in symptom control.

Abilify Maintena Side Effects

Abilify maintena is generally well-tolerated, but some common side effects may occur. Commonly reported effects include injection-site reactions such as pain, redness, or swelling, as well as headache, dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness or fatigue, nausea or vomiting, increased appetite or weight gain, and restlessness or akathisia.

However, more serious side effects can occur, leading to significant monitoring protocols. If any of the following symptoms are experienced, the patient should stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention:
• Impulse-control problems, such as compulsive gambling, eating, shopping, or sexual behaviors;
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): high fever, severe muscle stiffness, confusion, sweating, rapid heartbeat;
• Seizures;
• Severe allergic reactions: swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, rash;
• Severe orthostatic hypotension: dizziness or fainting, particularly in volume-depleted patients;
• Sudden mood or behavior changes, including worsening depression or suicidal thoughts;
• Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): involuntary movements of the face, lips, tongue, or limbs;
• Very high blood sugar: extreme thirst, frequent urination, confusion, sweet-smelling breath

Injection-site reactions are generally mild and resolve without intervention, but any persistent or severe reaction should be reported to a doctor.

Abilify Maintena Precautions

Do not use Abilify maintena if you are allergic to aripiprazole or any of its ingredients. Before starting treatment, inform your doctor of your complete medical history. Patients with diabetes, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, heart conditions, low blood pressure, a history of fainting, seizures, or liver problems may require additional monitoring. Those who have experienced movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia or Parkinson’s disease may be at higher risk of involuntary movements.

Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Some drugs, particularly strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers, can affect aripiprazole levels and may require dose adjustments. Avoid alcohol and other sedating substances because of the increased risk of drowsiness or impaired judgment.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Using aripiprazole during the third trimester may affect the newborn, causing complications such as breathing difficulties, feeding problems, or muscle stiffness. If you are breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor, as aripiprazole passes into breast milk and may affect the infant.

Use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Abilify maintena is available as an injection. It is administered intramuscularly by a doctor once every 4 weeks, usually into the gluteal or deltoid muscle. The dose is individualized based on previous oral aripiprazole therapy and clinical response. Your doctor may start you on oral aripiprazole for 14 days, along with the first injection, to assess tolerability.

Do not attempt to self-administer Abilify maintena. Do not stop treatment abruptly without consulting your doctor, as sudden discontinuation may increase the risk of symptom recurrence. Monitor for injection-site reactions, sedation, changes in mood, or abnormal movements and report any concerning symptoms promptly. Store Abilify maintena vials at the recommended temperature.

Do I need a prescription to order Abilify Maintena?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Abilify Maintena.