Abilify Dosage: Forms, Strengths, How to Take, & More

What Is Abilify & How Is It Used?

Abilify, also referred to by its generic name aripiprazole, is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of several disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, Tourette’s syndrome, and autism spectrum disorders. When an indication is FDA-approved, this means that regulatory bodies have looked at these studies conducted on the drug and determined that they prove it is both safe and effective for these uses.

Abilify works by affecting chemical messengers in the brain, like dopamine and serotonin.^{1, 2} It is believed to control your mood and reduce the amount of chemicals that may cause symptoms such as hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia.

Abilify Forms & Strengths

Abilify comes in a variety of dosages and formulations. Of note, there are four different formulations of Abilify: Abilify, Abilify MyCite, Abilify Maintena, and Abilify Asimtufii. Abilify is the formulation that most people will use as it can be taken as an oral tablet, oral disintegrating tablet, or oral solution at home.

Some patients may get injections at a doctor’s office to ensure appropriate dosing and schedule. What dosage form you take is dependent on various factors such as age, the condition being treated, and more.

Abilify is available in the following forms:^{3, 4, 5}

• Abilify: Oral tablet, oral disintegrating tablet (ODT), oral solution
• Abilify MyCite: Oral tablet with a sensor that can track the drug when it is ingested
• Abilify Maintena: Extended-release injectable suspension
• Abilify Asimtufii: Extended-release injectable suspension

Abilify is available in the following strengths:

• Abilify oral tablet: 2 milligrams (mg), 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg
• Abilify Discmelt (ODT): 10 mg and 15 mg
• Abilify oral solution: 1 mg/mL
• Abilify injection: 9.75 mg/1.3 mL single-dose vial
• Abilify MyCite: 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg
• Abilify Maintena: 300 mg and 400 mg in a single-dose, pre-filled, dual-chamber syringe or a single-dose vial
• Abilify Asimtufii: 960 mg/3.2 mL and 720 mg/2.4 mL single-dose prefilled syringes

All medications should be taken as prescribed. Do not take more or less than prescribed, as it may result in ineffective therapy or adverse side effects. Oral tablets and solutions should be swallowed with or without food, while ODTs should be allowed to dissolve on the tongue.

Abilify MyCite comes as a tablet that contains a sensor device which should be taken like a normal tablet, but this tablet should not be divided, crushed, or chewed to preserve the sensor. A patch comes with this medication, and instructions should be followed to apply it correctly.

How to Take Abilify

Abilify can be taken differently depending on what formulation you are prescribed. It can be broken down into if that version of Abilify is oral or injectable This can be further broken down into how each medication is taken since different oral formulations exist.

Here’s how to take Abilify in its various forms:^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

• Abilify: The tablet should be placed in the mouth and swallowed whole with or without food.
• Abilify Discmelt ODT: Do not push the tablet through the foil. instead, peel back the foil with dry hands. Place the whole tablet in the mouth and allow it to fully dissolve with or without liquid.
• Abilify oral solution: The correct dosage should be measured out with a measured syringe or cup and taken by mouth with or without food.
• Abilify MyCite: This tablet has a sensor in it, so it should be swallowed whole to maintain its function. A wearable patch detects the signal from the tablet and should be worn on the left side of the body above the lower edge of the rib cage when prompted by the smartphone app.
• Abilify Maintena: This medication is typically given by a medical professional and injected into the deltoid or gluteal muscle.
• Abilify Asimtufii: Similarly to Maintena, this medication is typically given in a healthcare setting and is injected into the gluteal muscle.

Abilify Dosage for Adults With Schizophrenia

Abilify is recommended in the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. This is used to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions.

Here is Abilify dosage information for adults with schizophrenia:^{1, 2}

• Typical starting dosage: The recommended starting and target dose for Abilify is 10 or 15 mg per day for adults.
• Dosage increases:  Dosage increases should generally not be made before 2 weeks. Maximum dosage:  The maximum dosage is 30 mg for patients with schizophrenia.

Abilify Dosage for Adolescents & Children With Schizophrenia

Here is Abilify dosage information for adolescents with schizophrenia:^{1, 2}

• Typical starting dosage: Adolescent patients 13 to 17 years of age have a starting dose of 2 mg daily.
• Dosage increases:  In adolescents, after the initial 2 mg daily dosage, it is increased to 5 mg after 2 days until the target dose of 10 mg is reached after 2 additional days.
• Maximum dosage: The maximum dosage is 30 mg/day in this population, although it was shown that it is not any more effective than the target dose of 10 mg/day.

Abilify Dosage for Adults With Bipolar Disorder

Abilify can be used in the treatment of bipolar disorder in those 10 years of age and older, specifically for manic and mixed episodes. It can be used alone or together with lithium or valproate.

Here is Abilify dosage information for adults/children with bipolar disorder:^{1, 2}

• Typical starting dosage: The recommended starting dose in adults is 15 mg once daily if used alone, but when used in combination with lithium or valproate, Abilify can start at 10 to 15 mg once daily. In pediatric patients (10 to 17 years old), the recommended starting dose is 2 mg per day.
• Dosage increases: The recommended target dosage for adults is 15 mg/day in both monotherapy and as additional therapy with lithium or valproate. In pediatric patients, the dosage starts at 2 mg/day, increases to 5 mg/day after 2 days, and then reaches a target dose of 10 mg/day after 2 additional days.
• Maximum dosage:  In adults, the dosage may be increased to 30 mg per day based on the response patients have to the therapy.

Abilify Dosage for Children With Bipolar Disorder:

Here is Abilify dosage information for children with bipolar disorder:^{1, 2}

• Typical starting dosage: In pediatric patients (10 to 17 years old), the recommended starting dose is 2 mg per day.
• Dosage increases:  In pediatric patients, the dosage starts at 2 mg/day, increases to 5 mg/day after 2 days, and then reaches a target dose of 10 mg/day after 2 additional days.
• Maximum dosage:  The target dosage is 10 mg/day.

Abilify Dosage for Adults With Major Depressive Disorder

In major depressive disorder (MDD), Abilify is used alongside other medications to help with controlling the symptoms. This is used in an adult population.

Here is Abilify dosage information for adults with major depressive disorder:^{1, 2}

• Typical starting dosage: The starting dose for Abilify in patients already taking an antidepressant is 2 to 5 mg/day.
• Dosage increases: Dosage adjustments should be done gradually up to 5 mg/day. The intervals of these increases should be no less than one week.
• Maximum dosage:  The recommended dosage range is 2 to 15 mg/day.

Abilify Dosage for Adolescents & Children With Autistic Disorder

Abilify can be used in the treatment of irritability associated with autism in pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years of age.

Here is Abilify dosage information for adolescents/children with autism:^{1, 2}

• Typical starting dosage: Dosing should be started at 2 mg/day.
• Dosage increases:  When increasing the dosage, it should be increased to 5 mg/day with increases to 10 to 15 mg/day if needed. This dose increase should be done gradually, at intervals of no less than one week.
• Maximum dosage: The recommended dosage range for these patients is 5 to 15 mg/day.

Abilify Dosage for Adolescents & Children With Tourette’s Disorder

Pediatric patients ages 6 to 18 years old can be treated with Abilify for Tourette’s disorder.

Here is Abilify dosage information for adolescents and children with Tourette’s disorder:^{1, 2}

• Typical starting dosage: For patients weighing less than 50 kg, the dosage is started at 2mg/day. For patients weighing 50 kg ro more, dosage should be initiated at 2 mg/day.
• Dosage increases:  In patients weighing less than 50 kg, you can increase the dose to 5 mg/day, the target dose, after 2 days. Patients weighing more than 50 kg can, after being on 2 mg for 2 days, increase to 5 mg/day for 5 days with a target dose of 10 mg/day on day 8.
• Maximum dosage:  For those weighing less than 50 kg, dosage can be increased to 10 mg/day who do not have optimal control of tics, while those over 50 kg can be increased to 20 mg/day.

Abilify Dosage for Adults With Agitation Associated with Schizophrenia or Bipolar Mania

This indication is for the intramuscular injection form of Abilify. It can be used in adults with agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar mania.

Here is Abilify dosage information for adults with agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar mania:^{1, 2}

• This form of Abilify is typically used in healthcare settings, such as psychiatric wards, to calm agitated patients. The recommended dose is 9.75 m, but the recommended dosage range is 5.25 to 15 mg.

Abilify Dosage Restrictions

There may be dosage restrictions with Abilify depending on the patient’s personal factors. Some medications a patient could be on may interact with Abilify, requiring a dosage increase or decrease.

What If I Miss a Dose of Abilify?

If you miss a dose of Abilify, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not double up on dosages to make up for any doses that you may have missed. If you take Abilify Mycite and it is not detected on the app, do not repeat the dosing.^{1, 2} If multiple doses of Abilify have been missed, immediately contact your provider to determine what you should do.

Do not try to change your dosage without the input of a medical professional. This is especially important because some patients might decide to stop taking Abilify when they feel better or when they experience side effects. Abilify is needed to continuously manage your symptoms and should not be stopped even when you feel better, as it may cause a relapse in your condition.

*You should never suddenly stop taking your medication. Talk with your healthcare provider if you would like to stop taking your medication. They will help you create a plan to taper (slowly reduce) the medication. If you miss consecutive doses, then contact your doc

Abilify Dosage FAQs

Abilify dosages can differ from person to person. You may have questions regarding the dosage on your Abilify, as it may be confusing to keep up with how the dose is determined.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Abilify dosage:

Is There Less Risk of Side Effects With a Lower Dose of Abilify?

You may experience a lower risk of side effects if you take a lower dose of the medication. Although, people can react differently to the medication and may experience side effects even with a lower dosage.

What Factors Can Affect My Abilify Dosage?

The patient’s personal factors can change how much Abilify you need to manage your symptoms. For example, your age, kidney and liver function, and condition may influence how much of the medication you need.

Is There a Maximum Dose of Abilify?

There is a maximum dose with Abilify. The recommended maximum daily dose of oral Abilify is 30 mg for the treatment of schizophrenia. This maximum is determined by studies examining how much of the drug can be given before it becomes unsafe and overrides its effectiveness. Studies seek to find the therapeutic amounts that will treat the intended condition without causing unreasonable side effects.

The maximum dosage differs depending on the dosage form. Extended-release injectables such as Aristada and Maintena are based on the amount of oral Abilify a patient takes, their response to the therapy, and other personal factors.

How Do the Dosages of Abilify and Aristada Compare?

Both medications belong to the atypical antipsychotic drug class, but Aristada is different as it is also known as a long-acting intramuscular injection (LAIM) or long-acting antipsychotic (LAI). LAIMs are injectable medications that allow for a slow release of medicine into the body, and their effects can last weeks, which is ideal for those who may have barriers to taking oral Abilify every day.

Due to its extended-release formulation and its purpose for slow release over a period of time, the dosage is higher than Abilify at 441 mg, 662 mg, or 882 mg.⁶ Dose conversions when a person takes oral Abilify goes as follows: 10 mg daily oral Abilify converts to 441 mg Aristada monthly, 15 mg daily oral Abilify converts to 662 mg Aristada monthly, and 20 mg or more of oral Abilify converts to 882 mg Aristada monthly.⁷ These dosages may differ depending on personal factors, such as how a patient metabolizes the medication and if they can tolerate side effects.

Can You Overdose on Abilify?

It is possible to overdose on Abilify. Overdoses have been reported with Abilify in combination with other medications or alone, and both deliberately and on accident. There have been no fatalities reported with an overdose of Abilify alone. Overdosing occurs when a substance, such as Abilify, is taken in more quantity than is recommended. Symptoms of overdose can differ depending on the type of substance that caused the overdose, but some common overdose symptoms with Abilify include vomiting, drowsiness, and tremors.^{1, 2}

Signs of an overdose on Abilify include:^{1, 2}

• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Tremor
• Confusion
• Seizure
• Heartbeat changes
• Loss of consciousness

What Should You Do If You Take Too Much Abilify?

If you have taken too much Abilify, call 911 or seek emergency care. Seeking immediate medical care is important as to reduce the risk serious effects from an overdose.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Abilify Dosage

Abilify is useful in the treatment of many conditions. If you are considering taking Abilify, talk with your doctor or psychiatrist to gauge if this medication is right for you. It is important to have an open, honest conversation in which you ask what dosage is right for you, what side effects you should expect, and how this medication should affect you. If going to see a doctor in person is a barrier, consider using online psychiatry services.

Questions to ask your care team about Abilify dosage include:

• How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Abilify?
• Am I at risk for more serious side effects if I am already taking other anxiety /depression medications?
• What is the best dosage to ensure fewer side effects?
• Is there anything I should tell my therapist about this new medication?
• Does my dosage need to change because of any medications I’m taking?
• Should my dosage increase if Abilify is not managing my symptoms?
• What might increase the likelihood of side effects?
• How long does it take Abilify to work?
• Does Abilify cause weight gain?
• What are the sexual side effects of Abilify?
• If I stop taking my medication, could I go through Abilify withdrawal?