Arpizol (aripiprazole) is a generic version of the antipsychotic treatment Abilify. Containing the same active ingredient and equally as effective, Arpizol is considerably less costly than its brand-name counterpart.

Though predominantly used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, Arpizol has shown benefit in some other conditions as well. It is typically used in other conditions when severe and/or when other medications aren't suitable for some reason.

Arpizol has been used to help manage:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar mania
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Depression
• Tourette's syndrome
• Irritability associated with autism

Use of Arpizol in autism is somewhat controversial; discuss use with a doctor before initiating treatment. This product should not be used in patients who have dementia, even if other suitable conditions are also present.

Arpizol is typically recommended for patients age 18 and up, but can be used in younger patients with doctor involvement.

An Atypical Option

Arpizol is an atypical antipsychotic, meaning that, though it works similarly to typical antipsychotics, it does so in slightly different ways. Patients who don't respond well to typical antipsychotics may have good results with Arpizol, and vice versa.

Another characteristic of atypical antipsychotics is that experienced side effects are usually different; a patient who has certain side effects with typical antipsychotics will most likely experience different side effects from Arpizol, and vice versa. This can be advantageous if a side effect is particularly severe or disruptive.

Arpizol is also less likely to produce certain side effects than typical antipsychotics, most significantly among these being extrapyramidal symptoms. Extrapyramidal symptoms are movement and muscle control issues sometimes caused by typical antipsychotics, such as muscle spasms and rigidity. While odds of developing extrapyramidal symptoms are low with typical antipsychotics and even lower with atypicals, be aware that the risk is not eliminated entirely.

Administering Arpizol

For optimal results with Arpizol it's important a doctor be involved in determining and adjusting dosage, ensuring the medication is working as intended, and monitoring for any developing side effects.

Arpizol comes in tablets, which should be swallowed whole. Tablets are typically taken just once per day, with or without food as desired.

Dosage varies depending on the exact condition being treated, its severity, age, weight, other medications being taken, and so forth, which is why a doctor is critical for determining dosage. Dosage is frequently adjusted over time.

In otherwise healthy adults treatment is typically:

• Schizophrenia - starting dosage is 10 to 15 mg per day, which may be increased if needed up to 30 mg per day.
• Bipolar disorder - the standard dose is 15 mg, increased to 30 mg if needed.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder - treatment should start with 2 mg per day, gradually increased to 10 mg per day if needed.
• Depression - the daily dose is 2 to 15 mg per day, depending on other medications being taken.
• Tourette's syndrome - treatment should start at 2 mg per day, gradually increased to a 10 mg maintenance dose. It can be increased to 20 mg if needed, though this is unusual.
• Irritability associated with autism - treatment should start with 2 mg per day, which may be increased up to 10 to 15 mg per day.

it take about a week for tablets to produce full effects. Because of this there should always be at least a week before benefit is evaluated and dosage adjustments made. Dosage adjustments are typically made in 5 or 10 mg increments.

Patients or caretakers interested in a fast-acting solution for manic episodes or extreme agitation may want to consider Abilify Injections.

Potential Complications

Arpizol does cause side effects in many patients, but, if used properly, side effects are usually mild and not cause for concern.

Patients with certain other medical conditions are more likely to encounter complications while using this medication; discuss risks with a doctor before use if there is a history of:

• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• Heart arrhythmia
• Liver or kidney impairment
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Seizures
• Parkinson's disease

Arpizol can interact with a wide range of other medications and, though not common, these interactions can produce potentially dangerous side effects. Speak with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing this or any other medication.