As with other drugs, Abilify Maintena (aripiprazole) can cause side effects, such as weight gain and restlessness. If you’re not able to tolerate side effects of Abilify Maintena, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Abilify Maintena (aripiprazole) is a brand-name injectable drug prescribed to treat schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder in adults. Abilify Maintena is given as an intramuscular injection in a doctor’s office or other clinical setting.

If you have problems with side effects from Abilify Maintena, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss ways to manage side effects or other available treatment options. Do not stop Abilify Maintena treatment without consulting your doctor first.

Abilify Maintena has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Boxed warnings for Abilify Maintena” section.

Abilify Maintena can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects persist, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who received Abilify Maintena in clinical trials:

  • constipation
  • injection site pain
  • sleepiness
  • weight gain
  • akathisia (restlessness with an urge to move)

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.

Mild side effects can occur with Abilify Maintena use. This list does not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the prescribing information for Abilify Maintena.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Abilify Maintena include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects continue, worsen, or become too difficult to tolerate, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.

Note: After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect during treatment with Abilify Maintena and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Abilify Maintena may cause serious side effects. The following list may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the drug’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects during treatment with Abilify Maintena, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section and “Boxed warnings for Abilify Maintena” section.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Abilify Maintena has a boxed warning about the increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Older adults (ages 65 years and older) with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotics, such as Abilify Maintena, have an increased risk of death. This finding is based on an analysis of 17 studies comparing antipsychotic treatment with placebo (treatment with no active ingredient).

Older adults receiving antipsychotic treatment for dementia-related psychosis may also have a higher risk of stroke.

Due to this risk, Abilify Maintena is not approved to treat psychosis related to dementia. If you have dementia-related psychosis, your doctor will recommend a different medication for your condition. If you have questions about this warning, talk with your doctor.

While receiving Abilify Maintena, you may be able to take steps to make side effects easier to manage.

If you have problems with side effects that do not go away or they become worse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss options for managing side effects or other available treatment options.

Akathisia

Akathisia was a common side effect reported in studies of Abilify Maintena. Akathisia is the inability to remain stillTrusted Source. You may feel restless and have an intense urge to move. Symptoms of akathisia may include:

  • moving your legs more than is typical, such as crossing and uncrossing them
  • rocking or swaying
  • tapping your fingers or feet

Akathisia is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications and certain other medications. It’s more likely to occur at the beginning of treatment or with dosage increases.

If you experience symptoms of this side effect, talk with your doctor. They may decide to lower your dosage of Abilify Maintena. They may also recommend treatments for akathisia, such as mirtazapine and trazodone. Some evidenceTrusted Source suggests vitamin B6 may be an effective treatment as well.

Sleepiness

Abilify Maintena may cause sleepiness. This was a common side effect reported in the drug’s clinical trials. Sleepiness may result in problems with thinking, judgment, and coordination.

Insomnia was a less frequently reported side effect of Abilify Maintena. Insomnia is difficulty falling or staying asleep. So it’s possible that receiving this drug could either make you sleepy or keep you awake.

Until you know how Abilify Maintena will affect you, consider avoiding activities that require your full attention, such as driving a car or making important decisions.

If you experience bothersome sleepiness during treatment with Abilify Maintena, talk with your doctor. They may decide to lower your dose. They may also recommend ways to support sleep, such as sleep hygiene.

Metabolic changes

Treatment with atypical antipsychotic drugs, including Abilify Maintena, can cause changes in your metabolism. These changes include weight gain, high blood sugar levels, and high cholesterol. These were common side effects reported in studies of Abilify Maintena for schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. (Note: Both weight gain and weight loss were reported in the drug’s studies for treating bipolar I disorder.)

With high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), you may feel thirsty and urinate more often. Hyperglycemia can lead to type 2 diabetes. High cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms. Note that hyperglycemia, overweight, and high cholesterol are risk factors for heart disease.

If you experience symptoms of hyperglycemia, talk with your doctor right away. They’ll check your blood sugar level. If your levels are high, your doctor may stop Abilify Maintena. They may also prescribe medication to help manage your blood sugar levels.

If you experience changes in your weight or cholesterol levels, your doctor will discuss options for managing the side effect. For example, they may recommend:

  • changes in your treatment plan, which may include stopping Abilify Maintena
  • additional medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs
  • lifestyle modifications, such as:
    • eating balanced and nutritious meals
    • exercising most days of the week

Before starting Abilify Maintena and during treatment, your doctor will record your weight and order tests to check your blood sugar and cholesterol levels (cholesterol and triglycerides). If your weight, blood sugar, or cholesterol increase, your doctor may monitor your metabolic health more closely. They may also prescribe treatments to manage the side effect, such as the possible options listed above.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Abilify Maintena can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep receiving the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Abilify Maintena injection, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.

    Abilify Maintena may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

    Does Abilify injection cause long-term side effects?

    It’s possible. Long-term side effects include those that may start at any time you’re taking a drug, even if you’ve taken it for a long time. It also includes side effects that may not go away, even after you stop taking the drug.

    Examples of long-term side effects reported in Abilify Maintena’s studies include:

    For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.

    Talk with your doctor to learn more about possible side effects of Abilify Maintena and how long they may last.

    What are the unusual urges with Abilify Maintena?

    Unusual urges that may occur with Abilify Maintena include urges to move your body (akathisia) and other behaviors you may not be able to control (compulsions).

    Compulsive behaviors reported in studies include gambling, binge eating, shopping, and sexual urges. It’s important to note that compulsive behavior can also be a symptom of the condition Abilify Maintena is being used to treat.

    For more information about unusual urges and Abilify Maintena, talk with your doctor. You can find details about akathisia in the “Managing side effects” section earlier in the article.

    Take note of the following important information to consider before starting Abilify Maintena.

    Abilify Maintena has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Boxed warnings for Abilify Maintena” section.

    Other precautions

    Before you receive Abilify Maintena, discuss your health history with your doctor. Abilify Maintena may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

    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.