The dosage for Abilify (aripiprazole) may depend on the condition being treated and the form of the drug prescribed. Other factors, including your age and how you respond to treatment, may affect your Abilify dosage.
Abilify comes in the following forms and brand names:
- oral tablet (Abilify)
- extended-release intramuscular injection given by your doctor or another healthcare professional (Abilify Maintena, Abilify Asimtufii)*
Abilify oral tablet is approved to treat the following:
- major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly called depression, in adults†
- schizophrenia in adults and children ages 13 to 17 years
- Tourette syndrome in children ages 6 to 18 years
- irritability related to autism spectrum disorder in children ages 6 to 17 years
- mania and mixed episodes due to bipolar I disorder in adults and children ages 10 to 17 years‡
Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii are approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder‡ in adults.
Abilify belongs to a drug class called antipsychotics.
Abilify oral tablet is available in a generic version called aripiprazole. (Generic aripiprazole is also available as an orally disintegrating tablet, which is placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve.) Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii do not have generic versions.
This article describes the dosages of Abilify, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Abilify, including its uses and side effects, see this in-depth Abilify article.
* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time. For more details about the dosages of Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii, as well as how they differ, see the “Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii dosing” section below.
† For this purpose, Abilify is used in combination with an antidepressant.
‡ For this purpose, Abilify is used alone or in combination with lithium or valproate.
Boxed warnings
Abilify has boxed warnings about the following risks. One is about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people, which applies only to forms of Abilify approved to treat depression. The other warning concerns the increased risk of death in certain older people. These are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain younger people. Use of antidepressants, such as Abilify, is associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in younger people. This includes children and young adults under 25 years.
If your doctor prescribes Abilify, they’ll closely monitor you for certain side effects while you’re taking the drug. These include new or worsening depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It’s also important for you and others, such as family or friends, to watch for these side effects. If you do experience them, contact your doctor right away.
If you have thoughts of suicide during Abilify treatment, call 911 or your local emergency number. In the U.S., you can also call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. You can also refer to thissuicide prevention supportarticle.
Increased risk of death in certain older people. Use of Abilify in some older adults (ages 65 years and older) is linked to an increased risk of death. Specifically, older adults with psychosis related to dementia may have an increased risk of death. Due to this risk, doctors typically don’t prescribe Abilify for use to people with this condition.
Show MoreYou’ll find a summary of the dosages of Abilify oral tablet in this section. For information on the typical dosing for Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii, see the “Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii dosing” section.
Abilify form
Abilify is available as an oral tablet that you swallow.
Abilify strengths
Abilify oral tablet comes in these strengths:
- 2 milligrams (mg)
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
The prescribed dosage of Abilify oral tablet may vary depending on the condition it’s being used to treat. Always follow your prescribing doctor’s instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from taking your medication.
Abilify dosages for bipolar I disorder, schizophrenia, and depression in adults
The table below summarizes the typical dosages of Abilify oral tablet for adults, based on the condition being treated.
Depending on how well you respond to treatment, your doctor may increase your starting dosage. They’ll determine the maintenance (long-term) dose based on your response to treatment.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
| major depressive disorder | 2 to 5 mg per day | 5 to 10 mg per day | 15 mg per day |
| schizophrenia | 10 to 15 mg per day | 10 to 15 mg per day | 30 mg per day |
| bipolar I disorder | 15 mg per day when used alone, or 10 to 15 mg per day when used with lithium or valproate | 15 mg per day | 30 mg per day |
If you have questions about your Abilify oral tablet dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Abilify is approved to treat certain conditions in children. Below are the typical dosages for Abilify in children. Your child’s doctor will determine the best dosage for your child’s condition. If you have questions about your child’s dosage, talk with their doctor or pharmacist.
Dosage for bipolar I disorder in children
Abilify is approved to treat bipolar I disorder in children ages 10 to 17 years. The starting dose of Abilify, when used alone or in combination with lithium or valproate, is 2 mg once per day.
After 2 days of treatment, your child’s doctor may increase the dosage for your child to 5 mg once per day. After another 2 days, they may increase your child’s dosage to 10 mg once per day. This would be the maintenance (long-term) dosage.
Your child’s doctor may increase the Abilify dosage by 5 mg per day to a maximum dosage of 30 mg per day.
Dosage for schizophrenia in children
Abilify is approved to treat schizophrenia in children ages 13 to 17 years. The typical starting dosage is 2 mg once per day.
Your child’s doctor may increase your child’s dosage to 5 mg once per day after 2 days of treatment. Then, 2 days later, they’ll typically increase the dosage to 10 mg once per day. This will be the maintenance dosage.
Your child’s doctor may continue to increase your child’s dosage by 5 mg per day. This may be to a maximum dosage of 30 mg per day.
Dosage for Tourette syndrome in children
Abilify is approved to treat Tourette syndrome in children ages 6 to 18 years. For this use, the dosage is based on your child’s weight in kilograms (kg). (1 kg is about 2.2 pounds [lb].)
The typical starting dosage for children weighing less than 50 kg (about 110 lb) is 2 mg once per day. After 2 days of treatment, your child’s doctor will typically increase the dosage to 5 mg once per day.
If your child is still having symptoms after 1 week of treatment, their doctor may increase the dosage to 10 mg once per day. Your child’s doctor will typically adjust your child’s dosage slowly once per week until their symptoms are managed. The maximum dosage for this use is 10 mg once per day.
For children who weigh 50 kg (about 110 lb) or more, the starting dosage is 2 mg once per day. Then their doctor will increase the dose to 5 mg, to be taken for the next 5 days. They’ll eventually increase the dose to reach 10 mg once per day by day 8 of treatment.
If your child is still experiencing symptoms, their doctor may increase the dosage to a maximum of 20 mg once per day. They’ll do this by slowly increasing the daily dose by 5 mg once per week.
Dosage for irritability related to autism in children
Abilify is approved for use in children ages 6 to 17 years with irritability related to autism spectrum disorder. The typical starting dosage for this use is 2 mg once per day.
After 1 week, your child’s doctor may increase your child’s dosage to 5 mg once per day. If your child is still having symptoms, their doctor may increase the dosage to a maximum of 15 mg per day. They’ll do this by slowly increasing your child’s daily dose by 5 mg once per week.
Sometimes, a doctor may prescribe low dose Abilify off-label to treat certain other conditions. Low dose Abilify refers to taking a smaller dose of Abilify than typically prescribed. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is used for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
For example, your doctor may prescribe low dose Abilify for anxiety disorder or chronic fatigue syndrome. However, these are not approved uses for this drug. So there are no recommended dosages of Abilify for treating these conditions. Your doctor can determine whether a low dose Abilify treatment is right for you.
Low dose aripiprazole (the active ingredient in Abilify) improved symptoms in a
If you have questions about low dose Abilify, talk with your doctor. They can give you more information about its uses and the dosage that’s best for you.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Abilify’s dosage.
Is there a maximum dose of Abilify?
Yes. The maximum dose or the highest dose of Abilify depends on several factors, including:
- the condition the drug is being used to treat
- your response to treatment
- your age
- the form of Abilify prescribed
- whether you have any other medical conditions that affect how Abilify breaks down in your body
For more information about the maximum dosage of Abilify, see the “Overview of Abilify dosage” section above. For more details about the dosage of Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii, see the “Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii dosing” section below.
Your doctor will prescribe the dosage that best manages your condition while lowering your risk of side effects. If you have questions about your dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How do the dosages of Abilify and Aristada compare?
Abilify and Aristada (aripiprazole lauroxil) are both approved to treat schizophrenia. Both drugs belong to the antipsychotic drug class.
Abilify comes in both oral and injection forms. However, Aristada and another version of the drug, called Aristada Initio, only come as injections given by your doctor or another healthcare professional. Aristada Initio is a form of Aristada that’s given as a starting dose when you begin Aristada treatment.
Below is a table that compares the typical maintenance (long-term) dosages of Abilify and Aristada for treating schizophrenia:
| Abilify (oral tablet) | Abilify Maintena | Abilify Asimtufii | Aristada |
|---|---|---|---|
| • 10 to 15 mg tablet once per day | • 400 mg injection once per month, which your doctor may lower to 300 mg per month depending on your response to treatment | • 960 mg injection once every 2 months, which your doctor may lower to 720 mg once every 2 months depending on your response to treatment | • 441 mg once per month • 662 mg once per month • 882 mg once per month or every 6 weeks • 1,064 mg once every 2 months |
Learn more about Aristada and Aristada Initio dosage. Your doctor can also provide more information about the differences and similarities between Abilify and Aristada dosing.
Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii are extended-release intramuscular injections that your doctor or another healthcare professional gives you. (“Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.)
Abilify Maintena comes as a powder that is mixed with liquid before injection. It’s also available as a prefilled single-dose syringe. Abilify Asimtufii comes as a liquid suspension in prefilled single-dose syringes.
Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii strengths
- Abilify Maintena comes in two strengths: 300 mg and 400 mg.
- Abilify Asimtufii comes in two strengths: 960 mg per 3.2 milliliters (mL) and 720 mg/2.4 mL.
Abilify Maintena injection dosing is once per month. The typical starting dosage and maintenance (long-term) dosage is 400 mg once per month. Your doctor may lower the dose to 300 mg based on how you respond to treatment. Dosages above 400 mg every month have not been evaluated in clinical trials.
Abilify Asimtufii injection dosing is once every 2 months. The typical starting dosage and maintenance dosage is 960 mg once every 2 months. Your doctor may lower the dose to 720 mg based on how you respond to treatment. The effectiveness of dosages above 960 mg every 2 months is unknown.
You may be able to switch from Abilify Maintena to Abilify Asimtufii if you prefer fewer trips to a doctor’s office to receive your dose.
You may also be able to switch from Abilify Maintena or Abilify Asimtufii to Abilify if your doctor recommends it.
Typically, Abilify Maintena 400 mg once monthly is equivalent to a daily oral dose of 20 mg of Abilify. And Abilify Maintena 300 mg once monthly is equivalent to a daily oral dose of 15 mg of Abilify.
Abilify Asimtufii 960 mg once every 2 months is about equivalent to a daily oral dose of 20 mg of Abilify. And Abilify Asimtufii 720 mg once every 2 months is about equivalent to a daily oral dose of 15 mg of Abilify.
If you’re interested in taking Abilify tablets instead of Abilify Maintena or Abilify Asimtufii injections, talk with your doctor. They can tell you more about the dosing differences between the drugs.
If you forget to take your usual dose of Abilify tablets, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s too close to your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your usual schedule for Abilify. Do not take two doses of Abilify at once. This can increase your risk of Abilify side effects.
If you miss a dose of Abilify Maintena or Abilify Asimtufii, call your doctor’s office to reschedule your injection as soon as you remember. Depending on how long it’s been since your last dose, your doctor will determine whether you need a new dosing schedule.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
The Abilify dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition Abilify is used to treat
- the form of Abilify you use
- your age
- other medications you may be taking
- other medical conditions you have that may affect how Abilify works in your body
- how you respond to treatment
Dosage adjustments
Tell your doctor about all medications you take. They’ll prescribe the Abilify dosage that’s best for you based on other drugs you may be taking.
Below is information about how Abilify is administered:
How to take Abilify
Abilify comes as tablets that you swallow. Do not crush, chew, or split Abilify tablets. Be sure to swallow them whole. You can take Abilify with or without food.
Abilify tablets are typically taken once per day. However, the drug’s manufacturer doesn’t recommend a specific time to take the drug. It may be helpful to take Abilify around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Abilify can work effectively.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more information about when to take Abilify tablets.
If you have trouble swallowing Abilify tablets, see these tips for how to swallow pills.
How Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii are given
Your doctor or another healthcare professional will inject Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii into your muscle. You will receive the injection at a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital.
Abilify Maintena is injected into your deltoid (shoulder) or gluteal (buttock) muscle. Abilify Asimtufii is injected only into your gluteal muscle. Your doctor will help schedule your doses of Abilify Maintena or Abilify Asimtufii.
If you have questions about what to expect during your injection appointment, talk with your doctor.
Long-term treatment
Abilify is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Abilify is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term. Your doctor will also monitor you during your treatment to determine whether you should still take the drug.
Abilify is not known to cause misuse and isn’t considered a controlled substance. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way or for a purpose that it’s not prescribed for. Controlled substances are substances that have an increased risk of physical dependence. With physical dependence, you need to take a certain substance for your body to feel as usual.
If you have a history of substance misuse or addiction, your doctor may suggest a different medication. If they recommend Abilify treatment as the best option for you, they’ll monitor you more closely.
If you have questions about Abilify and misuse, talk with your doctor. For details about withdrawal and dependence, see the “Abilify and withdrawal and dependence” section below.
If you take more Abilify tablets than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects. It’s important that you do not take more Abilify than your doctor advises.
Symptoms of an overdose
Overdose symptoms of Abilify can include:
- sleepiness
- tremors
- vomiting
If you take more than the recommended amount of Abilify
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Abilify. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
It’s not known for sure whether Abilify causes physical dependence in humans. With physical dependence, you need to take a certain substance for your body to feel as usual.
However, suddenly stopping Abilify may lead to withdrawal. With withdrawal, you experience uncomfortable side effects after you stop taking a certain substance. Symptoms of withdrawal may include nausea, headache, and increased heart rate.
If you’d like to stop Abilify treatment, talk with your doctor first. Your doctor will advise gradually reducing your dosage in stages to lower the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
