*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
Abilify, a medication used for mental health conditions, can sometimes lead to sexual side effects. These can include problems like difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, reduced interest in sex, trouble getting aroused, or issues with ejaculation. These effects may vary from person to person, and the specific medication can also make a difference.
If you are considering Abilify or want to discuss your current medication treatment with a provider, online psychiatry platforms, such as Talkiatry and Brightside Health are a good place to start. Their providers offer assessments and prescription consultation, and can answer any questions you have about Abilify’s potential sexual side effects.
Boxed Warning: Aripiprazole (Abilify)- Risk of death in older patients with dementia-related psychosis and risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Aripiprazole, the active ingredient in Abilify, has a black box warning. This is the most serious type of warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Aripiprazole can increase the risk of dealth in older patents with dementia-related psychosis as well as increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Regardless of your age, you should talk with your doctor about serious risks with aripiprazole and any other medications before starting treatment.
Concerned About Medication Side Effects? Ask a Doctor
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
What is Abilify & How Is It Used?
Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is FDA-approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, manic and mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder, irritability associated with autism, and Tourette’s disorder.1
Abilify can also have non-FDA-approved uses, also known as off-label uses. These are uses that are not formally approved by the FDA but are backed by research and may be beneficial for some conditions. Abilify may be used off-label to treat major depression, eating disorders, anxiety, and substance use disorders.2
What Are the Sexual Side Effects of Abilify?
Abilify may cause sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, arousal difficulties, ejaculatory problems, and delayed or absent orgasm.1 These effects vary in intensity and prevalence among individuals.
How Does Abilify Affect Sexual Desire?
Abilify (aripiprazole) has been associated with impulse-control problems, including compulsive sexual behavior in some cases.1 Patients reported experiencing new urges leading to compulsive sexual behavior shortly after starting aripiprazole treatment, which resolved within days to weeks of discontinuation.3
These urges were not present before aripiprazole treatment and were not related to concurrent substance abuse or manic symptoms.
Abilify & Erectile Dysfunction
Abilify may lead to erectile dysfunction in some cases. This side effect, although infrequent, is a potential concern for individuals taking the medication. Those experiencing erectile dysfunction while on Abilify need to discuss these concerns with their healthcare provider to explore appropriate management options and potential alternatives.1
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Abilify & Female Sexual Dysfunction
Women taking Abilify have experienced sexual disorders, such as issues with sex drive, arousal, or achieving orgasm. If you encounter such problems, it’s advisable to discuss them with your healthcare provider for guidance and support in managing these issues.
Does Aripiprazole Cause Arousal?
Aripiprazole, an antipsychotic medication, can trigger compulsive behaviors like hypersexuality. In one case, a 24-year-old male with schizophrenia exhibited inappropriate sexual behavior after starting aripiprazole.4 These behaviors disappeared after discontinuing aripiprazole and switching to another antipsychotic.
*All medications, including Abilify, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive discussion of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.
Impact of Abilify Sexual Side Effects on Relationships
The sexual side effects of medications like Abilify can significantly impact intimate relationships. Issues like erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, or difficulty achieving orgasm can strain the emotional connection between partners. It’s crucial for individuals and their partners to maintain open and supportive communication when these side effects arise.
Seeking professional guidance is important to address these concerns while ensuring the continuation of necessary mental health treatment. Managing these side effects and maintaining emotional intimacy can be essential for preserving the overall quality of relationships.
How to Manage Abilify Sexual Side Effects
Sexual side effects are a potential concern with medications like Abilify. If you experience these side effects, communicate openly with your healthcare provider. They can adjust your treatment plan, possibly changing your Abilify dosage, or exploring alternative medications with fewer sexual side effects.
Additionally, lifestyle changes, counseling, or the use of specific medications designed to counteract these effects might be considered. The key is to address these issues promptly with your healthcare team, as managing the side effects is possible and essential to ensure both your mental health and overall well-being.
Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
Engaging in a conversation with your healthcare provider about the sexual side effects of medications like Abilify can be a crucial step in finding effective coping strategies. Your provider can help assess the severity of the side effects and explore potential solutions, such as adjusting your treatment plan, trying different medications, or using supplementary treatments.
They can also offer guidance on lifestyle changes or therapies that may aid in managing these effects and maintaining your emotional well-being. Open communication is essential to ensure you receive the necessary support and care to address these concerns and improve your overall quality of life.
Have a Question About Medication? Ask a Doctor
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They are in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment.
Medication Adjustments
If you’re dealing with sexual side effects from medications like Abilify, medication adjustments can often provide relief. Your healthcare provider can modify your treatment plan by either reducing the dosage or switching to an alternative medication that is less likely to cause these side effects.
By tailoring your treatment, you can maintain your mental health while minimizing the impact on your sexual well-being. However, do not make any changes to your dosage on your own. Always consult with your healthcare provider about potential adjustments to your medication and treatment plan.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are valuable for coping with sexual side effects from medications like Abilify. Regular exercise can enhance blood flow and overall well-being, potentially mitigating issues such as erectile dysfunction. A balanced diet and hydration support overall health. Stress management techniques like mindfulness for anxiety and yoga can reduce anxiety related to sexual performance.
Open communication with your partner and exploring alternative forms of intimacy can strengthen relationships during this period. These lifestyle changes offer a comprehensive approach to addressing sexual side effects while maintaining mental health and healthy relationships.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About the Sexual Side Effects of Abilify
If you’re experiencing sexual side effects from Abilify, discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider. Ask your psychiatrist, therapist, or doctor about the nature and severity of these side effects and inquire about potential solutions, including adjustments to your treatment plan or alternative medications. If you need to change prescribers, online psychiatry services can be a convenient option to connect with a new provider and address these issues while ensuring continued mental health support.
Questions to ask your care team about sexual side effects of Abilify include:
- How common are sexual side effects with Abilify?
- What specific sexual side effects should I watch for while taking Abilify?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to reduce these side effects?
- Can adjusting the dosage or the timing of the medication help minimize these effects?
- Are there alternative medications with fewer sexual side effects that I can consider?
- If I’m taking other anxiety or depression medications, is there an increased risk of sexual side effects?
- How long should I give Abilify before determining if the side effects persist?
- When is it appropriate to reach out to you if I experience sexual side effects?
- Should I inform my therapist about these side effects and any changes in my mood or behavior?
- Are there any non-pharmacological strategies, like therapy or counseling, that can complement my treatment?
- Can you provide resources or support for dealing with the emotional impact of sexual side effects?
- Are there any potential interactions with other medications or substances that may exacerbate these side effects?
- Does Aristada, an injectible form of aripiprazole, cause the same sexual side effects?
In My Experience
“In my experience, I’ve encountered clients who have used Abilify for managing various mental health conditions. While some individuals reported successful outcomes in terms of symptom control and improved daily functioning, others faced challenges related to the sexual side effects associated with the medication.
Discussing these issues with a healthcare provider is crucial. It allows for tailored adjustments to the treatment plan, whether through dosage modifications, alternative medications, or the inclusion of non-pharmacological interventions.”
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
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Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.
