Interactions Related to Abilify: Other Prescriptions, Alcohol, and More
Interactions Related to Abilify: Other Prescriptions, Alcohol, and More
Aripiprazole, commonly known as Abilify, is a medication used to manage various mental health conditions like schizophrenia, depression, bipolar I disorder, Tourette's syndrome, and irritability associated with autism. This drug might interact with certain other medications, substances, and supplements, for instance, Effexor XR and benzodiazepines.
Abilify is approved by the FDA for treatment of:
- schizophrenia
- depression
- bipolar I disorder
- Tourette’s syndrome
- irritability related to autism
An interaction takes place when one substance alters another substance's intended effect.
Abilify is available in three forms, all exhibiting the same interactions:
- Abilify (oral tablet)
- Abilify Mycite (smart oral tablet for tracking medication intake)
- Abilify Maintena (intramuscular injection)
For more specific information about Abilify's interactions, continue reading below. For more detailed insights, refer to this article.
Avoiding Abilify
Several factors or health conditions might prevent your doctor from prescribing Abilify due to potential adverse effects. Such cases are referred to as contraindications. There are certain contraindications for Abilify, including:
Drug class or drug name
If you have had an allergic reaction to Abilify or its components
If you have previously experienced an allergic reaction to Abilify or any of its ingredients, your doctor most likely will not prescribe Abilify to prevent another allergic reaction. In this situation, you can consult your doctor about alternative treatments.
Drug examples
Note: Before you commencing Abilify treatment, make sure to inform your doctor if this contraindication applies to you. They can assess whether to prescribe Abilify.
Abilify and alcohol
Interaction result with Abilify
Alcohol does not generally influence Abilify's effectiveness, but both substances may cause similar side effects. Drinking alcohol during Abilify therapy might increase your risk of these side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, and low blood pressure.
You might consult your doctor about the safe alcohol intake during Abilify treatment if you consume alcohol.
Abilify interactions with other medications
Before you start taking Abilify, it is essential to communicate with your doctor and pharmacist all the prescription, over-the-counter, and additional medications you are currently using. By sharing this information, potential interactions can be prevented or mitigated.
strong CYP3A4 inducers
If you have any concerns about potential drug interactions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Below is a chart of medications that can interact with Abilify. Bear in mind that this chart does not include all medications that may interact with Abilify. Your doctor can advise on medications that should not be used in conjunction with Abilify.
• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol)• rifampin (Rifadin)• phenytoin (Dilantin)
Drug Category or Drug Name | Drug Examples | Impact on Abilify Efficiency
| --- | --- | --- || Strong CYP3A4 Inducers | • carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol)
• rifampin (Rifadin)
• phenytoin (Dilantin) | May decrease Abilify's effectiveness || Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors | • itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura)
• ketoconazole
• posaconazole (Noxafil)
• voriconazole (Vfend)
• clarithromycin
• ritonavir (Norvir) | Increases risk of Abilify side effects || Strong CYP2D6 Inhibitors | • bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin)
• quinidine
• paroxetine (Paxil)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• terbinafine | Increases risk of Abilify side effects || Certain Antidepressants | • bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin)
• paroxetine (Paxil)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• sertraline (Zoloft)
• venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• trazodone | Increases risk of Abilify side effects || Certain Antipsychotics | • quetiapine (Seroquel) | Increases risk of Abilify side effects || Benzodiazepines | • alprazolam (Xanax)
• diazepam (Valium)
• lorazepam (Ativan) | Increases risk of Abilify side effects || Blood Pressure Medications | • doxazosin (Cardura)
• prazosin (Minipress)
• furosemide (Lasix)
• hydrochlorothiazide | Increases risk of low blood pressure with Abilify || Sedating Antihistamines | • diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• chlorpheniramine
• promethazine | Increases risk of sleepiness with Abilify || Opioids | • codeine
• fentanyl (Fentora, Actiq)
• hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
• methadone
• morphine (MS Contin)
• oxycodone (Oxaydo, Xtampza ER, OxyContin, Roxybond)
• tramadol* (ConZip, Qdolo) | Increases risk of sleepiness with Abilify |
can make Abilify less effective than usual
Detailed Drug Interactions
This section provides a closer look at various Abilify interactions.
Strong CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 Inhibitors
CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 are enzymes in your liver that aid in removing certain drugs from your system. (Enzymes are proteins that promote chemical reactions.) The CYP abbreviation stands for cytochrome P450. Drugs that act as strong CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors reduce the activity of these enzymes.
strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
Impact. Using Abilify with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or strong CYP2D6 inhibitors may enhance the risk of Abilify side effects. These side effects might include low blood pressure and drowsiness. (For more on Abilify side effects, see this source).
Explanation. CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 play a crucial role in breaking down Abilify in your body. Drugs that are strong inhibitors of these enzymes slow down this process, causing Abilify to accumulate in your system over time, which may boost the risk of Abilify-related side effects.
• itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura)• ketoconazole• posaconazole (Noxafil)• voriconazole (Vfend)• clarithromycin• ritonavir (Norvir)
Examples of strong CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors. Below are some strong CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitor drugs that might interact with Abilify:
- certain antifungal drugs, such as:
- itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura)
- ketoconazole
- posaconazole (Noxafil)
- voriconazole (Vfend)
- terbinafine
- the antibiotic clarithromycin
- certain HIV drugs, such as ritonavir (Norvir)
- certain antidepressants, such as:
- bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin)
- paroxetine (Paxil)
- fluoxetine (Prozac)
- the heart drug quinidine
can increase the risk of side effects from Abilify*
Potential next steps. If you take Abilify or Abilify Mycite tablets with a strong CYP3A4 or strong CYP2D6 inhibitor, your doctor will likely prescribe a reduced Abilify dose. However, if you take Abilify Maintena* and also use one of these inhibitors, your doctor may only decrease the Abilify Maintena dosage under specific circumstances, such as when the inhibitor is used for 14 days or longer.
Long-term usage of Abilify Maintena can lead to its concentration exceeding therapeutic levels in your body due to inhibition. The therapeutic level refers to the amount of the drug needed to effectively manage your condition or illness. This elevated state might increase the likelihood of certain adverse effects.
If you need to use the inhibitor only for a short period (less than 14 days), it will not alter the amount of Abilify Maintena you receive. During this time, the concentration of Abilify Maintena in your body will remain within the therapeutic range required for treatment.
Your physician or pharmacist can provide more information about Abilify and powerful inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6.
strong CYP2D6 inhibitors
Strong CYP3A4 suppressors
CYP3A4 is a liver enzyme responsible for removing certain drugs from your system. Drugs that are potent inducers of this enzyme enhance its activity.
• bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin)• quinidine• paroxetine (Paxil)• fluoxetine (Prozac)• terbinafine
Interaction outcome. Co-administering Abilify with a strong CYP3A4 inducer can make Abilify less effective in treating your condition.
Interaction explanation. CYP3A4 helps remove Abilify from your body. Drugs that induce this enzyme's activity speed up the elimination of Abilify. This can lower the level of Abilify in your system, thereby making it less effective.
can increase the risk of side effects from Abilify*
Examples of strong CYP3A4 inducers. The following strong CYP3A4 inducer drugs may interact with Abilify:
- specific seizure medications, such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin)
- antibiotic rifampin (Rifadin)
Actions you or your doctor might undertake. If you use Abilify tablets with a strong CYP3A4 inducer, your physician may prescribe a higher-than-usual dose of Abilify.
If you're prescribed Abilify Maintena, your doctor will most likely not permit the use of a strong CYP3A4 inducer for more than 14 days. Long-term usage of the inducer can cause Abilify Maintena levels to fall below the therapeutic level in your body. A therapeutic level is the amount of the drug needed to adequately treat your condition or disease.
certain antidepressants
However, if you need to use a strong CYP3A4 inducer for a short period (less than 14 days), it will not affect the amount of Abilify Maintena you receive. During this time, the level of Abilify Maintena in your body will still be within the therapeutic range required for treatment.
If you wish to learn more about Abilify and strong CYP3A4 inducers, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin)• paroxetine (Paxil)• fluoxetine (Prozac)• sertraline (Zoloft)• venlafaxine (Effexor XR)• trazodone
Certain antidepressants
Your physician may prescribe an antidepressant alongside Abilify. In fact, if you use Abilify to treat depression, they will often prescribe an antidepressant in combination.
can increase the risk of side effects from Abilify*
Interaction result. Taking certain antidepressants with Abilify may enhance your risk of Abilify side effects. (For more details about Abilify's side effects, see this article).
Interaction explanation. Some antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil), can restrict Abilify from fully breaking down in your body. This can increase the concentration of Abilify in your system, thus increasing your risk of side effects.
Additionally, certain other antidepressants may share side effects with Abilify, including drowsiness and heart rhythm problems. Taking one of these antidepressants with Abilify may intensify these side effects or increase your susceptibility to experience them.
Examples of certain antidepressants. Here are some antidepressants that may interact with Abilify:
certain antipsychotics
- bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin)
- paroxetine (Paxil)
- fluoxetine (Prozac)
- venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
- sertraline (Zoloft)
- trazodone
Steps you or your doctor may undertake. If you use Abilify with paroxetine or fluoxetine, your doctor may prescribe a lower-than-usual dose of Abilify. (Please refer to the "Strong CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors" section above for more details.)
• quetiapine (Seroquel)
If you use other antidepressants with Abilify, your doctor will likely monitor you for side effects. If needed, they may reduce your dosage of either medication.
If you have any queries about interactions between Abilify and antidepressants, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
can increase the risk of side effects from Abilify*
Abilify and Nutritional Supplements
No particular studies suggest that supplements interfere with Abilify. Nevertheless, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before ingesting any such substances during Abilify therapy.
Abilify and Food Interactions
Your doctor may suggest avoiding grapefruit consumption and grapefruit juice intake while taking Abilify. This substance can react negatively with the medication, and grapefruit is known as a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor.
benzodiazepines
CYP3A4 is an enzyme in your liver that helps eliminate Abilify from your body. Strong inhibitors of this enzyme slow down Abilify elimination, potentially leading to its accumulation in your system and increasing the risk of drug side effects (for more details, see this resource).
Avoiding grapefruit items while taking Abilify helps prevent excessive drug levels within your body.
• alprazolam (Xanax)• diazepam (Valium)• lorazepam (Ativan)
No other foods have been reported to have negative interactions with Abilify. If you're interested in learning more about food consumption during Abilify treatment, consult your doctor.
Abilify and Vaccines
can increase the risk of side effects from Abilify*
No specific studies indicate that Abilify interacts with vaccines. However, it's essential to discuss any vaccine administration during Abilify therapy with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Abilify and Lab Tests
Abilify has not been reported to interfere with laboratory tests. When having lab work performed throughout treatment, make sure to reveal your Abilify use to the healthcare professional administering the tests.
Abilify and Cannabis or CBD
blood pressure medications
Cannabis (marijuana) and CBD products have not been specifically documented to affect Abilify. As with any drug or supplement, consult your doctor before consuming cannabis alongside Abilify. The influence of cannabis may affect your commitment to your Abilify treatment plan.
Note: Cannabis is federally illegal, but it is legal in numerous states to varying degrees.
• doxazosin (Cardura)• prazosin (Minipress)• furosemide (Lasix)• hydrochlorothiazide
Abilify and Health-related Interactions
Certain medical conditions and other factors may heighten the risk of interactions with Abilify. Prior to commencing Abilify, discuss your medical history with your doctor. Abilify may not be the optimal treatment choice for you if you have specific medical conditions or other health concerns.
can increase the risk of low blood pressure with Abilify
Health conditions or factors that might interact with Abilify include the following.
Low blood pressure. Abilify may sometimes cause low blood pressure, especially upon standing or sitting up. This could result in dizziness or fainting. If you already have low blood pressure or take blood pressure medication, you may have an increased risk of this side effect. Your doctor may monitor your blood pressure while you take Abilify.
Dehydration. Antipsychotics like Abilify can sometimes make managing core body temperature more challenging. This can heighten the risk of hyperthermia or heat stroke, such as during hot weather or intense physical activity.
Becoming dehydrated while taking Abilify can increase our risk of hyperthermia. Low blood pressure becomes more probable under dehydrated conditions. (For further details, see “Low blood pressure” above.) To prevent dehydration while taking Abilify, ensure you drink plenty of fluids.
sedating antihistamines
Heart problems or stroke. Abilify can sometimes cause low or high blood pressure. If you have a heart problem or have suffered a stroke, blood pressure changes could potentially trigger a heart attack or stroke in rare cases. To determine whether Abilify is suitable for you, consult your doctor.
Diabetes. Antipsychotic medications like Abilify can sometimes elevate blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, this could make blood sugar control more difficult. As a result, your doctor may wish to monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently while you take Abilify. If necessary, they can adjust the dosages of your diabetes medications.
• diphenhydramine (Benadryl)• chlorpheniramine• promethazine
Your doctor may also monitor your blood sugar levels regularly while you take Abilify if you have obesity or prediabetes. If your blood sugar becomes too high, your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower it.
High cholesterol or triglycerides. Antipsychotic medications like Abilify can sometimes increase blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If you already have high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, Abilify use could exacerbate your condition.
can increase the risk of sleepiness with Abilify
Your doctor may monitor your cholesterol and triglyceride levels while you take Abilify. If required, they can prescribe medication to decrease these levels. If you already take cholesterol or triglyceride medication, your doctor may adjust the dosage.
Low white blood cell count. Abilify can sometimes decrease white blood cell counts, increasing the risk of infection. If you've had decreased white blood cell counts in the past, you may have an increased risk of experiencing this side effect with Abilify. Your doctor can advise you if Abilify is an appropriate treatment option for you. If they prescribe the drug, they'll likely monitor white blood cell counts throughout treatment.
Seizures. Abilify can sometimes cause seizures. If you've suffered from seizures before, you may have an increased risk of experiencing seizures with Abilify. To determine whether Abilify is suitable for you, consult your doctor.
CYP2D6 Inefficient Processors. CYP2D6 is a liver substance that aids in breaking down certain medicines within your body. If your CYP2D6 mechanism fails to function properly, your body may not metabolize CYP2D6 as it should. Consequently, certain medications, like Abilify, could accumulate in your system, resulting in severe side effects.* If your body cannot metabolize CYP2D6 effectively, your physician may suggest a lower-than-usual dosage of Abilify.
opioids
Pregnancy. Scant information is available regarding the safety of Abilify during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or contemplating pregnancy, it's essential to consult your doctor about the potential dangers and benefits of Abilify.
Breastfeeding. Abilify might seep into breast milk. If you're breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed, discuss alternative feeding options and Abilify's suitability with your doctor.
• codeine• fentanyl (Fentora, Actiq)• hydromorphone (Dilaudid)• methadone• morphine (MS Contin)• oxycodone (Oxaydo, Xtampza ER, OxyContin, Roxybond)• tramadol (ConZip, Qdolo)
Allergic Reaction. If you've previously experienced an adverse reaction to Abilify or its constituents, your doctor may refrain from prescribing Abilify to you. For further details, refer to "Abstain from Abilify" above.
Senior Age. Physicians generally avoid administering Abilify to older individuals with psychosis connected to senile dementia. Antipsychotic drugs such as Abilify may augment the risk of death in this demographic.† Abilify is not approved for dealing with psychosis related to senile dementia.
can increase the risk of sleepiness with Abilify
Older adults may also face an elevated risk of low blood pressure when using antipsychotics like Abilify. Low blood pressure could induce dizziness, potentially increasing the risk of falls in this age group. Learn more about "Low blood pressure" above.
You may also consult your doctor for additional information about Abilify and the elderly.
Children and Adolescents Under 25 Years. Abilify is utilized to manage various psychological health conditions, including melancholy. These conditions may elevate the likelihood of suicidal sentiments and behaviors.
Research indicates that antidepressants could enhance the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adults under 25 years old.† (Abilify is often prescribed in conjunction with an antidepressant to treat melancholy.) The risks are higher in the early stages of treatment and following dosage adjustments. Abilify is not approved for treating melancholy in individuals under 18 years old.
Regardless of your reason for taking Abilify, contact your doctor promptly if you detect symptoms of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These can encompass any novel or sudden alterations in your mood, feelings, thoughts, or behavior. Ensure that people close to you are also aware of these changes.
Suicide Prevention
If someone appears to be at imminent risk of self-harm, suicide, or causing harm to others:
- Address the issue directly: "Are you contemplating suicide?"
- Listenable without judgment.
- Contact 911 or your local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the individual till professional help arrives.
- Secure any potential hazards, weapons, medications, or other harmful objects if it's feasible to do so.
If you or someone vicariously is experiencing suicidal thoughts, a prevention hotline can assist. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is accessible 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people with hearing impairments can utilize their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Explore more links and local resources.
Frequently Asked Questions about Abilify and Interactions
Bear in mind these frequently asked questions regarding Abilify and potential interactions.
Is there an interaction between Abilify and Vyvanse?
Abilify has not been documented to interact with lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse), a stimulant medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder.
Taking Abilify along with Vyvanse is not known to modulate how these medications operate in your body. However, both medications may cause similar side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbances, and tension. Consequently, using these drugs together might increase the chance of these side effects.
If you have additional questions about Abilify and Vyvanse, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does Abilify interact with thyroid medications?
No, Abilify is not known to interact with thyroid medications.
The thyroid gland plays a vital role in managing your metabolism by producing certain hormones. If your body fails to produce enough natural thyroid hormones, your doctor might prescribe thyroid medication, like levothyroxine (Synthroid).
Abilify can lead to modifications in your metabolism, causing elevations in blood sugar and cholesterol levels. However, these modifications do not involve thyroid hormones. Abilify does not affect how thyroid medications function.
Your doctor and pharmacist can provide you with more information about Abilify and thyroid drugs.
Does caffeine interact with Abilify?
Caffeine has not been reported to interact with Abilify.
Abilify can sometimes produce sleepiness. Conversely, caffeine functions as a stimulant that may increase alertness. It's found in beverages like coffee, tea, and cola, as well as in foods like chocolate. Caffeine is also present in certain medications.
Consuming caffeine alongside Abilify might lessen the drowsiness that Abilify might induce. However, both caffeine and Abilify have the potential to cause irregular heartbeats. Therefore, you could potentially encounter this side effect more frequently if you consume caffeine while taking Abilify.
Discuss with your healthcare provider if it's safe for you to consume caffeine with Abilify.
Avoiding conflicts
You can implement a few strategies to minimize potential conflicts with Abilify. Your doctor and pharmacist are crucial sources of information, so don't hesitate to reach out to them before commencing treatment. Consider planning the following:
- Inform them if you consume alcohol or use cannabis.
- Share details about any other medications you're taking, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
- Fill out a medication guide that your doctor and pharmacist can assist you in completing.
It's also advisable to read the Abilify label and accompanying documents. The label may feature colored stickers indicating a potential interaction. The documents, known as the Patient Medication Information, may contain information about potential interactions. If this information is hard to comprehend, don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain it.
You can also help avoid conflicts with Abilify by strictly following your doctor's prescription instructions.
Additional resources
Aside from learning about potential interactions, you might be interested in learning more about Abilify. These sources could be helpful:
- Information about Abilify. To get a general understanding of Abilify, you can check out this resource.
- Side effects. If you're interested in learning about Abilify's side effects, see this resource. Alternatively, you can refer to the prescribing information for Abilify, Abilify Maintena, and Abilify Mycite.
- Dosage details. To find out about Abilify's dosage, see this resource.
- Cost information. If you're curious about Abilify and its associated costs, see this resource.
- Drug comparisons. To learn how Abilify compares to Abilify Maintena, Rexulti, and Latuda, see this resource.
- Facts about your condition. To learn more about your condition, check out our:
- mental health hub
- bipolar disorder hub
- autism hub
Disclaimer:Medical News Today has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually correct, detailed, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. 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 potential uses, instructions, 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.
- The drug class of Aripiprozole, or Abilify, includes medications used to manage conditions like schizophrenia, depression, bipolar I disorder, Tourette's syndrome, and irritability associated with autism.
- It's crucial to inform your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter, or additional medications you're currently using before starting Abilify, as interactions with certain drugs may affect its efficiency.
- Certain contraindications, such as having an allergic reaction to Abilify or its components, may prevent your doctor from prescribing the medication. Consulting your doctor for alternative treatments is then advisable.
- In some cases, alcohol consumption while on Abilify may increase your risk of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, blurred vision, and low blood pressure, so it's a good idea to consult your doctor about the safe alcohol intake during Abilify treatment.