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Can Abilify Be Taken For A Long Duration?

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Posted on Fri, 3 Feb 2017
Question: MY SON IS 13 Y.O. AND HAS TAKEN ABILITY AT 2mg a day for now about 2 years. i consider taking him off this drug to see how he does with a more natural type of treatment.
ABILIFY has helped him to buffer his highs/lows, due to a mild form of bipolar behaviour.
He was diagnosed initially with an anxiety disorder and mild depression.
is ABILIFY long term recommend?

thanks, XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Abilify is safe to use even on long term

Detailed Answer:
Hi thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. Abilify is Aripiprazole and is an antipsychotic drug which is also uses in bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression etc. The drug is a safe drug and is free of serious side effects. It is recommended for long term use and also can be used in children, so no need to worry. The dose that is 2 mg he is taking is also very low and no need to worry about that.

If you are feeling that he should be checked, then you can think of reducing the dose of the drug. The dose should be reduced gradually over 4-6 weeks. Gradual dose reduction will prevent any withdrawal symptoms. Just talk to his doctor and start reducing his dose.

Thanks and Take care

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5192 Questions

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Can Abilify Be Taken For A Long Duration?

Brief Answer: Abilify is safe to use even on long term Detailed Answer: Hi thanks for asking from HCM I can understand your concern. Abilify is Aripiprazole and is an antipsychotic drug which is also uses in bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression etc. The drug is a safe drug and is free of serious side effects. It is recommended for long term use and also can be used in children, so no need to worry. The dose that is 2 mg he is taking is also very low and no need to worry about that. If you are feeling that he should be checked, then you can think of reducing the dose of the drug. The dose should be reduced gradually over 4-6 weeks. Gradual dose reduction will prevent any withdrawal symptoms. Just talk to his doctor and start reducing his dose. Thanks and Take care