*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 withdrawal can happen when you stop taking the medication suddenly. The main symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, and mood swings.1 Symptoms usually last a few weeks but can vary. Gradual tapering under a doctor’s guidance is recommended and can prevent or minimize withdrawal symptoms. Coping methods like exercise, therapy, and support help manage symptoms, making the process smoother.
It is important to discuss medication withdrawal risks with your prescriber. If you want to discuss your current prescription with a provider or are considering a prescription for Abilify, online psychiatry platforms such as Talkiatry and Brightside Health can be good places to start. They offer assessments and prescription consultation, and can also discuss the risks of Abilifty withdrawal and how to avoid it.
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.
What is Abilify Withdrawal?
Abilify withdrawal, also known as discontinuation syndrome, occurs when someone abruptly stops or significantly reduces their use of Abilify, an antipsychotic medication. It happens because the body needs time to adjust to the absence of the drug’s influence. Symptoms often kick in within a few days to a week after discontinuation and might include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, nausea, and dizziness.2
This syndrome isn’t the same for everyone; the duration and intensity of symptoms can vary widely, lasting from a few days to weeks, depending on individual factors like dosage, duration of use, and body chemistry. Gradual tapering of the medication under medical supervision can significantly minimize these withdrawal effects.
Is it Safe to Quit Abilify Cold Turkey?
According to some studies, quitting Abilify cold turkey isn’t recommended due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms.2 Withdrawal symptoms may include intense mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and even a resurgence of the initial condition it was treating. Before discontinuing, consulting a healthcare professional is vital to discuss a tapering plan that suits individual needs. Withdrawal effects can be disruptive to daily life, so a gradual reduction is advised.
Have a Question About Your 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.
8 Abilify Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal from Abilify can trigger a range of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. Common physical symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and headaches, while mental symptoms often involve anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and feelings of depression.2 These symptoms can affect typical functioning and disrupt daily life. Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms while reducing or stopping your Abilify use.
Here are 8 common Abilify withdrawal symptoms:
1. Anxiety
During Abilify withdrawal, anxiety may arise within days to a week after stopping. It can present as unease, restlessness, or racing thoughts, often accompanied by physical manifestations like increased heart rate or sweating.2
2. Insomnia
Insomnia commonly emerges shortly after stopping Abilify, typically within the first week. It presents as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to disrupted sleep patterns, fatigue, and daytime drowsiness, impacting overall well-being and daily functioning.2
3. Nausea
Nausea often emerges early in Abilify withdrawal, appearing within days after stopping the medication. It manifests as a queasy sensation in the stomach, sometimes leading to vomiting, and can significantly disrupt daily activities due to its discomfort and potential impact on appetite and overall well-being.2
4. Dizziness
Dizziness can surface during withdrawal within the first few days after stopping Abilify. It presents as a sensation of lightheadedness or unsteadiness, potentially affecting balance and causing discomfort or difficulty in performing regular tasks.2
5. Irritability
Irritability commonly emerges in the initial phases of Abilify withdrawal, usually within the first week. It manifests as increased sensitivity to frustration, leading to a quick temper, impatience, or heightened emotional responses.2
6. Mood Swings
Mood swings often arise during Abilify withdrawal, typically within the first few weeks. They present as rapid or extreme fluctuations in emotional states, ranging from euphoria to sadness, irritability, or anxiety.2
7. Headaches
Headaches can emerge as an early symptom of Abilify withdrawal, often within the first few days after stopping the medication. They present as persistent or intermittent pain in the head, ranging from mild discomfort to more severe sensations.2
8. Fatigue
Fatigue is a prevalent symptom during Abilify withdrawal, often emerging within the first week after stopping the medication. It manifests as overwhelming tiredness or a persistent lack of energy, impacting motivation levels and hindering daily activities due to reduced stamina and overall exhaustion.2
How Long Does Abilify Withdrawal Last?
Abilify withdrawal duration varies among individuals but commonly lasts for a few weeks to several months.3 The withdrawal timeline typically follows a pattern: initial symptoms, often emerging within days, peak intensity within the first two weeks, and a gradual reduction in severity thereafter. However, the exact duration and intensity depend on various factors, including dosage, duration of use, and individual physiology.
Abilify Withdrawal Timeline
The timeline for Abilify withdrawal hinges on several factors, including dosage, duration of use, and individual body chemistry. Lower Abilify doses might lead to milder and shorter withdrawal periods compared to higher doses. The length of time someone has been taking Abilify also plays a role; longer-term use might entail a more extended withdrawal period.3
Factors that may influence the withdrawal timeline of Abilify include:3
- Dosage: Higher doses may lead to more intense or prolonged withdrawal symptoms than lower doses.
- Duration of use: Long-term use of Abilify might result in a more extended withdrawal period than shorter-term use.
- Individual physiology: Individual variations can affect how quickly or slowly someone experiences and recovers from withdrawal symptoms.
- Tapering method: Gradual tapering under medical guidance often results in milder withdrawal symptoms and a smoother transition than abrupt discontinuation.
- Overall health: Individual health conditions and overall health status can influence the body’s response to withdrawal, potentially impacting the duration and intensity of symptoms.
Here’s what you may expect for the withdrawal timeline for Abilify:
- Days 1-3: Initial phase; symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and mild dizziness might emerge as the body adjusts.
- Days 4-7: Intensification; symptoms like increased anxiety, persistent insomnia, and heightened irritability could peak during this period.
- Days 8-14: Peak intensity; exacerbation of symptoms, including severe anxiety, continued insomnia, and pronounced mood swings might be experienced.
- Weeks 2-4: Gradual easing; symptoms begin to diminish, with decreased anxiety, improved sleep, and reduced mood swings, marking the start of recovery.
*This is an example of a withdrawal timeline and may not actually reflect an individual’s experience based on many different factors.
How Long Does it Take to Get Abilify out of Your System?
Abilify’s elimination half-life is about 75 hours on average. In general, it takes around 5 to 6 times the half-life of a medication for it to be mostly cleared from your system. So to simplify, it would typically take around 2-3 weeks to be eliminated from your body after the last dose. However, individual factors can influence this timeframe.4 However, withdrawal is not the same as getting it out of your system. Withdrawal is the body’s reaction to no longer having the effects of the drug after you got used to it.
Have a Question About Your 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.
How Do I Safely Stop Taking Abilify?
Abruptly stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms. The recommended approach involves reducing the dosage slowly under medical supervision. Physicians typically suggest decreasing the dose by 10-50% every 1-2 weeks or longer, depending on individual response and tolerance. This gradual reduction helps mitigate the intensity of withdrawal effects and allows the body to adapt more smoothly.5
Treatment for Abilify withdrawal necessitates careful management under the supervision of a primary physician or psychiatrist. Seeking professional guidance ensures a safe and effective approach to managing withdrawal symptoms. Online psychiatry services offer accessible avenues to locate qualified providers who can oversee the withdrawal process and offer remote support. In addition to medical supervision, engaging with a therapist or counselor can be beneficial.
When to Seek Professional Help for Abilify Withdrawal
If you’re experiencing severe symptoms during Abilify withdrawal, especially intense anxiety, persistent insomnia, severe mood swings, or any concerning physical effects such as vomiting or significant dizziness, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. These severe symptoms can significantly impact daily life and may indicate the need for urgent intervention.
Additionally, if there’s a sudden worsening of symptoms or any new and distressing effects emerge during the withdrawal process, reaching out to a healthcare professional is essential for proper evaluation and support.
In My Experience
“In my experience, withdrawal from medications can be a tricky subject and requires empathy for all patients. It is difficult for individuals when they are either unable to continue taking medication or have decided they need to try an alternative option. Withdrawal, especially when not managed well, can be a grueling experience.
This is also why I believe it’s important to discuss any discontinuation of medications used for mental health conditions with your doctor. Make sure you have a strong plan to either taper off the medication or try something else to alleviate the symptoms someone may be going through.”
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, ChoosingTherapy.com has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. ChoosingTherapy.com is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
Virtual Psychiatry
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Online Anxiety Test
A few questions from Talkiatry can help you understand your symptoms and give you a recommendation for what to do next.
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.
