Asprito (aripiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat a range of disorders, but most prominently schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Though typically recommended for patients age 18 and up, it can be used in younger patients with doctor involvement.

Conditions Asprito can help include:

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

Note that Asprito should not be used in patients who have dementia, even if other suitable conditions are also present.

Once the medication starts working, after about a week at appropriate dosage, patients report:

• Fewer mood swings
• Reduced agitation
• Reduced restlessness
• Improved control of thoughts
• Improved impulse control
• Improved mental clarity and focus

As an atypical antipsychotic, Asprito works similarly to typical antipsychotics, but does so in slightly different ways. Patients who don't respond well to typical antipsychotics may have good results with Asprito, and vice versa; likewise with side effects.

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

Taking Asprito

For optimal results with Asprito 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.

Asprito 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:

• For schizophrenia, starting dosage is 10 to 15 mg per day, which may be increased if needed up to 30 mg per day.
• For bipolar disorder, the standard dose is 15 mg, increased to 30 mg if needed.
• In obsessive-compulsive disorder, treatment should start with 2 mg per day, gradually increased to 10 mg per day if needed.
• For depression, the daily dose is 2 to 15 mg per day, depending on other medications being taken.
• In 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.
• For 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.

Warnings Before Use

Asprito 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

Asprito 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.