As with other drugs, aripiprazole can cause side effects, such as weight gain and involuntary movements. If you’re not able to tolerate side effects of aripiprazole, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Aripiprazole is a generic drug that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to treat:

Aripiprazole is available as the brand-name drug Abilify. (Note that Abilify’s approved uses are broader than the generic version.)

Aripiprazole comes as an oral tablet. Aripiprazole also comes in other oral forms and an injectable form, but this article does not cover them.

Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects of aripiprazole. For more information, including details about its uses, see this aripiprazole overview.

Aripiprazole has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Aripiprazole: Side effect specifics” section.

If you have thoughts of suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number. In the United States, you can also call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

Aripiprazole oral tablet can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took aripiprazole in clinical trials. These side effects can vary depending on the condition being treated.

When taking aripiprazole for schizophrenia in adults and children

More common side effects in adults and children taking aripiprazole for schizophrenia include:

When taking aripiprazole for Tourette syndrome in children

More common side effects in children taking aripiprazole for Tourette syndrome include:

  • sleepiness
  • sedation
  • fatigue
  • nausea
  • headache
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • increased appetite
  • weight gain (see “Aripiprazole: Side effect specifics”)

When taking aripiprazole for irritability associated with ASD in children

More common side effects in children taking aripiprazole for ASD-associated irritability include:

  • sleepiness
  • sedation
  • fatigue
  • vomiting
  • fever
  • drooling
  • uncontrollable body movements
  • weight gain (see “Aripiprazole: Side effect specifics”)

If you have questions about these potential side effects while taking aripiprazole, talk with your doctor.

Mild side effects can occur with aripiprazole use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. These side effects can vary depending on which condition the drug is being used to treat. For more information, you can refer to the drug’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with aripiprazole oral tablet include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking aripiprazole and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Aripiprazole oral tablet may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking aripiprazole, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Aripiprazole: Side effect specifics.”
† Aripiprazole oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Aripiprazole: Side effect specifics” section.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Allergic Reaction

For some people, aripiprazole oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect was rare in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to aripiprazole oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Learn more about some of the side effects that aripiprazole oral tablet may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some younger people

Aripiprazole has a boxed warning for the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some younger people. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

People ages 24 years and younger taking aripiprazole have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The risk may be higher at the beginning of treatment and after dose changes. There were no reports of suicide in aripiprazole’s studies.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can also be a symptom of certain mental health conditions, such as depression.*

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors may occur alongside new or worsening:

* Depression is not an approved use for aripiprazole oral tablet, but doctors may prescribe the drug off-label for this condition. Off-label use is when doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

What you can do

Due to this risk, your doctor will monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Call your doctor right away if you or a child taking aripiprazole have symptoms of this side effect or new or worsening symptoms. They may have you stop taking aripiprazole. But do not stop taking the drug without talking with your doctor first. Together, you can discuss all available treatment options and decide on a treatment plan that’s right for you.

If you have thoughts of suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number. In the United States, you can also call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

Increased risk of death in certain older adults

Aripiprazole also has a boxed warning about the increased risk of death in older adults (ages 65 years and older) with dementia-related psychosis (loss of touch with reality).

Dementia is a term referring to a reduced ability to think, communicate, and remember. It’s a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions, such as Lewy body dementia.

Some people with dementia develop behavioral disturbances, including psychosis. Symptoms include hallucinations and delusions.

In studies, aripiprazole increased the risk of cerebrovascular events, including stroke and even death, in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. In addition, certain side effects of aripiprazole seen in older adults with psychosis associated with Alzheimer’s disease may increase the risk of death. Examples include sleepiness, excessive salivation, and lightheadedness.

What you can do

Due to these risks, aripiprazole and other antipsychotic medications are not used to treat dementia-related psychosis. Aripiprazole is not approved to treat this condition.

If you’re an older adult with dementia-related psychosis and your doctor recommends medication, they’ll prescribe a drug other than aripiprazole. Your doctor can provide more information about medication options.

Weight gain

Taking aripiprazole may cause weight gain. This was a commonly reported side effect in people taking aripiprazole in clinical trials. Some people gained more than 7% of their body weight during these trials.

What you can do

Due to the risks associated with excess body weight, your doctor will likely monitor your weight during aripiprazole treatment. They’ll also prescribe the lowest dose of aripiprazole that manages your symptoms.

If you experience weight gain as side effect, tell your doctor. They can recommend certain strategies to help you maintain a moderate weight while taking this medication. In some cases, they may lower your dose or recommend switching to a different medication instead.

Aripiprazole oral tablet may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

How do side effects of aripiprazole in children compare with side effects seen in adults?

Some side effects of aripiprazole are similar in children and adults, but there are some notable differences.

For example, changes in appetite and increased salivation were reported in children but not in adults. In contrast, both adults and children reported insomnia and nausea. Some side effects in children varied depending on the condition being treated. For details, see “Aripiprazole: More common side effects.”

In addition, aripiprazole has a boxed warning about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some younger people. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details about this warning, see the “Aripiprazole: Side effect specifics” section.

If you have more questions about aripiprazole side effects in children, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does aripiprazole cause sexual side effects?

Yes, but reports of sexual side effects were rare in the drug’s clinical trials. Some people taking aripiprazole reported unusual urges, including sexual urges. Other infrequent or rare sexual side effects include increased or decreased sex drive and difficulty reaching orgasm.

If you experience sexual issues while taking aripiprazole, talk with your doctor. They’ll help determine the cause and recommend next steps. If the side effect is severe, they may recommend a different medication instead of aripiprazole.

Are aripiprazole side effects in females different than those seen in males?

It’s not likely that aripiprazole side effects in females differ significantly from those seen in males. No differences were reported in clinical trials, but they may still be possible.

If you have questions about aripiprazole side effects in females and males, talk with your doctor for more information.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male” and “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Take note of the following important information before taking aripiprazole oral tablet.

Aripiprazole has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Aripiprazole: Side effect specifics” section.

Other precautions

Before taking Aripiprazole, discuss your health history with your doctor. Aripiprazole may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

* Aripiprazole oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Aripiprazole: Side effect specifics” section.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.