*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.
While not common, Abilify can cause sexual side effects for some including decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, and compulsive sexual urges. If you experience Abilify sexual side effects, your healthcare provider may recommend a change in dosage, timing for taking the medication, or to another medication. Additional coping strategies, such as talking to your partner and therapy, can help you cope with these side effects.
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 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.
Key Takeaways
Abilify can cause sexual side effects for both men and women. Some effects may fade after the body adjusts to the medication, but others may persist for as long as a person takes the medication.
Your provider may offer several recommendations for managing sexual side effects from Abilify. These may include a dosage adjustment or switching to a different medication. Do not make changes with your medication or stop taking it without specific guidance from your provider.
There are several ways to cope with Abilify side effects, including self care and behavioral strategies, medication adjustments, and therapy.
If you are considering an alternative to Abilify, a good place to start is with an evaluation from a medical provider. Many online psychiatry platforms offer online assessments and medication management, such as Talkiatry, or Circle Medical.
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
Abilify Sexual Side Effects
Abilify sexual side effects are not common but may emerge at any time while taking the medication. These effects may include changes in sexual desire in both men and women, erectile dysfunction, and sexual urges.
In clinical trials, sexual side effects from Abilify were not commonly reported. Each individual responds in a unique way to medication so it’s important to discuss any side effects with your provider. They can offer strategies for avoiding or reducing these effects early in your treatment.
How Does Abilify Affect Sex Drive?
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.2
These urges were not present before aripiprazole treatment and were not related to concurrent substance abuse or manic symptoms.
Sexual Side Effects of Aripirazole in Females
Sexual side effects reported to impact women include:*1
- Delayed or no orgasm
- Decreased desire for sex
Sexual Side Effects of Aripiprazole in Males
Some men taking Abilify may also experience sexual side effects, including:*1
- Decreased desire for sex
- Inability to get or keep an erection
- Priapsim (painful erection lasting 4 hours or longer)
*The use of terms females, males, women, or men are used to describe the sex assigned at birth. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are a different gender than your sex assigned at birth to understand what you can expect from using any medicine.
What Causes Abilify Sexual Side Effects?
Many antipsychotic medications, such as Abilify, work by impacting hormone activity that may also cause sexual side effects for some.3 As an atypical antipsychotic, Abilify is formulated differently and has less negative impact on sexual functioning than other antipsychotic medications.4
How Soon Will I Start Feeling Abilify Side Effects?
Side effects from atypical antipsychotics such as Abilify can emerge during the first week or two of taking the medication. Compulsive sexual behavior may emerge shortly after starting Abilify.2
How Long Do Sexual Side Effects Last With Abilify?
Sexual side effects can develop soon after starting Abilify. These effects may fade after the first several weeks, but some may experience sexual dysfunction for as long as they take Abilify.
What If My Side Effects Persist?
If your side effects continue and they are impacting your overall quality of life, speak with your doctor. They may help you consider a change in dosage, timing of dosage, medication, or possibly adding another medication.
Should I Stop Taking Abilify If I Have Sexual Side Effects?
Do not stop taking Abilify unless you have been advised to do so by your provider. Stopping Abilify abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, also known as discontinuation syndrome. Abilify withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, insomnia, and irritability.5
If you are experiencing sexual side effects from your medication, tell your provider. If they determine it necessary, they will provide a plan for adjusting or stopping your medication gradually, which can minimize your risk of developing these symptoms.
Can You Reduce Sexual Side Effects of Abilify?
Depending on your personal experience, it may be possible to reduce or eliminate sexual side effects caused by Abilify. Take note of how your sexual health has changed since starting Abilify and speak to your prescriber about your options.
Here are possible recommendations for reducing the sexual side effects of Abilify:
Wait for Side Effects to Improve
Side effects may occur for anyone taking medication, and some initial side effects may be due to your body adjusting to the medication. These initial side effects may go away after the first several weeks or they may persist for as long as a person takes the medication.
A healthcare provider may advise you to wait for a few weeks before making medication adjustments to see if sexual side effects improve. Communicating with your provider about these issues is essential for getting the best medication choice for you.
Make a Dosage Adjustment
Abilify can affect your sex drive at any dose. If you are experiencing sexual side effects from taking Abilify, talk to your doctor about whether a lower dose would be right for you. A lower Abilify dose may potentially decrease the impact of the medication on sexual functioning. Do not adjust your dose on your own. Your healthcare provider will give you guidance to help you avoid withdrawal symptoms or other complications.
Consider Switching Antipsychotics
Atypical antipsychotics, such as Abilify, have fewer reported sexual side effects than other medications of this type. However, if you find these effects intolerable, you may discuss switching to a different medication with your prescriber.
Before recommending a different antipsychotic, your provider will account for many factors, including your condition, health history, and the specific sexual side effects you’re experiencing. They will also recommend a plan for transitioning from one medication to another. This can help you avoid uncomfortable symptoms that may occur when stopping your medication.
Antipsychotics with the least reported sexual side effects include:
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa): Zyprexa is an atypical antipsychotic FDA-approved to treat bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia. Side effects may include drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth, and constipation. This medication has a boxed warning label for a risk of death in older patients with dementia-related psychosis.
- Clozapine (Versacloz, Clozaril): Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic FDA-approved to for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and suicidal behavior in schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Side effects may include sedation or drowsiness, weight gain, and dizziness or lightheadedness. This medication has a boxed warning label for causing severe neutropenia, serious heart conditions, seizures and an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
- Quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel ER): Vilazodone (Viibryd) is an atypical antipsychotic FDA-approved to treat schizophrenia and as a mood stabilizer to treat manic and depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Side effects may include drowsiness, weight gain, dizziness, and upset stomach. 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.
When Should I Call My Doctor About Abilify Sexual Side Effects?
Side effects are one of the most common reasons people choose to stop taking medication. While some effects can be managed and may fade away, some do not go away unless a person stops taking the medication. Side effects can occur even if you are taking your medication correctly.
Contact your provider as soon as possible if side effects persist or become hard to tolerate so you can consider other treatment options.
How to Cope With Sexual Side Effects of Abilify
Abilify sexual side effects may only last a few weeks for some, but they can feel disruptive to a person’s typical sexual activity. It is also possible for these side effects to be long-term. If you notice changes in your sexual functioning while taking Abilify, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Here are ways to cope with sexual side effects of Abilify:
Talk to Your Partner
Talking to your partner can help you better understand the sexual side effects that may occur and how they may affect your relationship. Consider meeting with your provider together to ask questions and learn what your options are if sexual side effects become a problem.
Adjust Routines & Expectations
Changing your sexual routines and adjusting your expectations for sexual activity may help. Plan your sexual activity at times of the day when sexual side effects are less bothersome. You may also find that these changes break you and your partner out of your typical patterns, which may help raise interest in sexual activity.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Treatment
Get ED meds online with free shipping, if prescribed. Hims offers FDA-approved ED treatment options, with treatments starting at less than $2/day. 100% online process, discreet delivery. Don’t wait weeks for an appointment. Visit Hims
Get Good Sleep
Fatigue and sleep deprivation can contribute to a loss of libido. Insomnia can increase the risk for sexual dysfunction, and a lack of sleep or having disrupted sleep patterns has been linked to having a higher risk of erectile dysfunction.6 To maintain better sleep, keep a relaxing schedule in the evenings, limit phone time before bed, set the temperature comfortably, and limit disruptions.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise has sexual health benefits for both men and women. It can improve sexual functioning in men experiencing erectile dysfunction and those at risk for it.7 Exercise may also increase sexual arousal in women.8
Focus on Being Sensual
Sensual sex includes focusing more on pleasure than on performance. It encourages partners to slow down and take the time to connect more intimately.
Also consider non-penetrative sex, or outercourse. Take time to cuddle on the couch or in the bed, hold hands, or massage each other’s shoulders–even when sex isn’t the main goal. These physical connections throughout the day or the week can keep you emotionally and physically connected.
Keep a Consistent Daily Schedule
Following a consistent daily or weekly schedule can keep life more predictable and reduce stress as you adjust to the medication. Also, be sure you are taking your medication as prescribed and at the same time each day. Doing so can limit uncomfortable effects from adjusting to the medication, which may also affect your interest in sex.
Consider Therapy
Psychotherapy can support you and your partner by addressing the impact of sexual dysfunction and helping you develop strategies to manage the side effects. Sex therapy may also be helpful for addressing sexual side effects of Abilify. For in-person treatment, your primary care provider or insurance company can provide a referral, or you may get one from family or friends.
To find an online therapist, an online therapist directory is a great starting point. Many online psychiatry platforms, such as Talkiatry and Brightside Health, also offer therapy services.
When to Seek an Alternative to Abilify Due to Side Effects
Initial side effects of Abilify typically subside after a few weeks. If after some time you are looking to change your medication due to continued side effects, work with a doctor to find an alternative. There are many Abilify alternatives available. Both typical and atypical antipsychotic can help reduce symptoms of psychosis, and some are more suitable for certain conditions than others. The potential risks and benefits of each medication varies.
Other atypical antipsychotics are usually the first medications considered as Abilify alternatives because of their safety and effectiveness. These medications are newer and offer fewer side effects and less frequent dosing schedules. Still, they require close monitoring throughout therapy.
Typical antipsychotic medications are also known as first-generation antipsychotics. These medications usually come with a risk of more severe side effects that need to be monitored. Additionally, typical antipsychotics often need to be taken multiple times per day.
How to Get a Prescription for Abilify or an Alternative
If you are looking to start Abilify, or are considering an alternative due to side effects, start by speaking with a prescriber. To get a prescription for an Abilify or an alternative in person, start with an evaluation for your symptoms. Your primary care provider, who may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, can help you get the process started. They may make a referral to a psychiatrist or specialist to determine if a prescription Abilify alternatives should be included in your treatment plan.
To get an online prescription for Abilify or an alternative, you will also start by getting evaluated by an online psychiatric provider. We have thoroughly reviewed platforms like Talkiatry or Circle Medical that prescribe non-controlled substances such as antipsychotic medications.
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.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
Your prescriber will share important information about your Abilify prescription. They will explain how to take and store your medication, what to avoid when taking it, and what to do about sexual side effects from Abilify. Follow these tips for safe and effective use of Abilify.
Questions to ask your care team about the sexual side effects of Abilify include:
- Is there any relationship between Abilify and erectile dysfunction?
- After how long after starting Abilify can sexual side effects start?
- What is the best dosage to get fewer sexual side effects?
- When should I contact you if I am experiencing sexual side effects?
- Does Abilify lower libido?
- What are some of the Abilify orgasm effects?
- What other side effects should I look out for once I start my Abilify dose?
- Does Aristada, an injectible form of aripiprazole, cause the same sexual side effects as the Abilify tablet?
Prescriber’s Tips
Your prescriber will share important information about your Abilify prescription. They will explain how to take and store your medication, what to avoid when taking it, and what to do about sexual side effects. Follow these tips for safe and effective use of Abilify.
- Take your medication as prescribed, do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your prescriber tells you to. Keeping a consistent dosing schedule reduces the chance of unwanted side effects and can prevent withdrawal symptoms.1
- Limit alcohol while taking Abilify and eat a balanced diet to minimize sexual dysfunction and ensure your body can experience and enjoy sex. This is because drinking alcohol can make it hard for your brain to send and receive signals to feel different parts of your body during sex. It can also make it harder for men and women to reach orgasm when having sex. Your healthcare provider can help to determine what is a safe amount of alcohol for you to drink and the best-balanced diet for you.
- Take your medication at the same time each day. Doing so can help you remember to take it, making it as effective as possible. Your healthcare provider can help determine the optimal timing based on your sleep patterns and initial medication response.
- Tell your prescriber right away if you or your child have any worsening mental health symptoms. Abilify has a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors when used with antidepressants and increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.1
- Abilify can cause drowsiness and may affect your decision making. Talk to your doctor about how taking one of these medications may affect your ability to drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities safely.
- Tell your prescriber about all medications and supplements you take, including over-the-counter treatments. Many over-the-counter medications and supplements can interact with prescription medications such as Abilify.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Abilify (Aripripazole) & How Is it Used?
Abilify (aripiprazole) is an antipsychotic FDA-approved to treat several conditions for adults and children including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. It belongs to the atypical antipsychotic drug class, which affects the level of serotonin and dopamine in the body.1
Does Abilify Affect Libido?
Reduced libido is an infrequently reported side effect of Abilify. Rarely, Abilify may increase sex drive. While not the same as sex drive, Abilify may potentially cause compulsive sexual urges for some.1
Does Abilify Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Yes, Abilify can cause erectile dysfunction for some men who take it, meaning that they may have difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection.1
How Common Is Long-term Sexual Dysfunction From Taking Abilify?
Sexual side effects from taking Abilify are likely common for men and women. These effects are often underreported, with studies reporting a wide range of occurrences.
Can You Take Viagra With Abilify?
Yes, it’s possible. If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction, talk with your doctor about whether taking a medication like Viagra would be a fit for you.
Which Antipsychotics Cause the Fewest Sexual Side Effects?
Atypical antipsychotics, such as olanzapine, clozapine, quetiapine, and aripiprazole, reportedly cause the fewest sexual side effects.9 Side effects may be different for every person so it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any medication you are considering to take.
Which Antipsychotics Cause the Most Sexual Side Effects?
Risperidone and other typical antipsychotics are associated with a higher rate of sexual dysfunction as compared to atypical antipsychotics such as Abilify.9 Side effects may be different for every person so it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any medication you are considering to take.
Should I Stop Taking Abilify If I Experience Sexual Side Effects?
Do not stop taking Abilify unless you have been advised to do so by your provider. Abilify withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, and irritability, can occur if you stop taking the medication abruptly.5 Talk to your provider for guidance about managing sexual side effects you may experience.
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
-
ABILIFY- aripiprazole tablet. (July 17, 2024). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
-
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2016). FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns about New Impulse-control problems associated with mental health drug aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Maintena, aristada). Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-about-new-impulse-control-problems-associated-mental-health
-
Mir, A., Shivakumar, K., Williamson, R. J., McAllister, V., O’Keane, V., & Aitchison, K. J. (2008). Change in sexual dysfunction with aripiprazole: a switching or add-on study. Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England), 22(3), 244–253. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881107082901
-
Wu, T. H., Lin, C. H., Goh, K. K., Chen, C. Y., Chen, C. H., Lane, H. Y., & Lu, M. L. (2021). The Relationships Between Hyperprolactinemia, Metabolic Disturbance, and Sexual Dysfunction in Patients With Schizophrenia Under Olanzapine Treatment. Frontiers in pharmacology, 12, 718800. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.718800
-
Sansone, R. A., & Sawyer, R. J. (2013). Aripiprazole withdrawal: a case report. Innovations in clinical neuroscience, 10(5-6), 10–12. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3719459/
-
Cho, J. W., & Duffy, J. F. (2019). Sleep, Sleep Disorders, and Sexual Dysfunction. The world journal of men’s health, 37(3), 261–275. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6704301/
-
Khera, M., Bhattacharyya, S., & Miller, L. E. (2023). Effect of aerobic exercise on erectile function: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The journal of sexual medicine, 20(12), 1369–1375. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdad130
-
Stanton, A. M., Handy, A. B., & Meston, C. M. (2018). The Effects of Exercise on Sexual Function in Women. Sexual medicine reviews, 6(4), 548–557. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.02.004
-
Park, Y. W., Kim, Y., & Lee, J. H. (2012). Antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction and its management. The world journal of men’s health, 30(3), 153–159. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.2012.30.3.153
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Condensed “What is Abilify & How Is It Used?” and moved to FAQs. Added sections “How Soon Will I Start Feeling Abilify Side Effects?”, How Long Do Sexual Side Effects Last With Abilify?”, “What If My Side Effects Persist?” “Should I Stop Taking Abilify If I Have Sexual Side Effects?”. Retitled “How to Manage Abilify Sexual Side Effects” to “Can You Reduce Sexual Side Effects of Abilify?”. Added new sections “Consider Switching Antipsychotics”, “Talk to Your Partner”, “Adjust Routines and Expectations”, “Get Good Sleep”, “Exercise Regularly”, “Focus on Being Sensual”, “Keep a Consistent Daily Schedule”, “Consider Therapy”. “When to Seek an Alternative to Abilify Due to Side Effects”, “How to Get a Prescription for Abilify or an Alternative”. Retitled sections “Questions to Ask Your Health Team” to “Questions to Ask Your Provider”, and “Make a Dosage Adjustment”. Retitled and expanded “In My Experience” section to “Prescriber’s Tips”. Removed “Does Abilify Cause Arousal?”, “Lifestyle Changes”, “For Further Reading”. Added FAQs.
Author: Max Ruvinov, PharmD, MBA
Reviewer: Heidi Moawad, MD
Your Voice Matters
Can't find what you're looking for?
Request an article! Tell ChoosingTherapy.com’s editorial team what questions you have about mental health, emotional wellness, relationships, and parenting. Our licensed therapists are just waiting to cover new topics you care about!
Leave your feedback for our editors.
Share your feedback on this article with our editors. If there’s something we missed or something we could improve on, we’d love to hear it.
Our writers and editors love compliments, too. :)
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.
Online Psychiatry
Circle Medical – ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment. Affordable and accessible ADHD evaluations and treatment, including possible controlled substances medication if clinically appropriate. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. Same & next day appointments available. Visit Circle Medical
Talkiatry – Get help from a real doctor who takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with expert psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment in days. Free Assessment
ADHD Medication Management + Therapy
Brightside Health – Different people experience ADHD in different ways. That’s why Brightside Health develops personalized plans that are unique to you and offers 1-on-1 support from start to finish. Brightside Health accepts United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna. No controlled substances. Appointments in as little as 24 hours. Start your free assessment.
ADHD Management Tool
Inflow App – is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain and build lifelong skills. Free Trial
Best Online Therapy Services
There are a number of factors to consider when trying to determine which online therapy platform is going to be the best fit for you. It’s important to be mindful of what each platform costs, the services they provide you with, their providers’ training and level of expertise, and several other important criteria.
Best Online Psychiatry Services
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.
