Abilify Is an Atypical Antipsychotic Used to Treat Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and More

Abilify (Aripiprazole) is a prescription medication classified as an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic. It works by balancing dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain, helping to stabilize mood, reduce psychotic symptoms, and improve overall mental health.

Whether you've just been prescribed Abilify or you're researching it for a loved one, this guide covers everything you need to know — including what it's used for, how to take it, who should avoid it, and how much it costs in 2026.

What Is Abilify?

Here are the basics:

• Brand name: Abilify (also Abilify MyCite, Abilify Maintena, Abilify Asimtufii)
• Generic name: Aripiprazole
• Drug class: Atypical antipsychotic (sometimes called a "third-generation" antipsychotic due to its unique mechanism)
• Manufacturer: Otsuka Pharmaceutical / Bristol-Myers Squibb
• FDA approval: First approved in 2002
• Controlled substance: No — Abilify is not a controlled substance
• Generic available: Yes — generic Aripiprazole has been available since 2015

Abilify stands out from other antipsychotics because of how it works. Rather than simply blocking dopamine, it acts as a partial agonist — meaning it can increase dopamine activity when levels are too low and decrease it when levels are too high. For more on this, see our guide on how Abilify works.

What Is Abilify Used For?

Abilify is FDA-approved to treat several conditions:

Schizophrenia

Approved for adults and adolescents ages 13–17. Abilify helps reduce hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking associated with schizophrenia.

Bipolar I Disorder (Manic or Mixed Episodes)

Approved for adults and children ages 10–17. It helps control the extreme mood swings of bipolar mania.

Major Depressive Disorder (Adjunctive Treatment)

When an antidepressant alone isn't enough, Abilify can be added as a booster. It's approved for use alongside antidepressants in adults with major depression.

Irritability Associated with Autism

Approved for children and adolescents ages 6–17. Abilify helps manage aggression, self-injury, and severe mood swings related to autism spectrum disorder.

Tourette's Disorder

Approved for patients ages 6–18 to help reduce tics.

Off-Label Uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe Abilify off-label for conditions like OCD (as augmentation), PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Off-label use means the drug hasn't been specifically FDA-approved for that condition, but your doctor believes it may help.

How Is Abilify Taken?

Abilify comes in several forms to fit different needs:

• Oral tablets: 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg — taken once daily
• Orally disintegrating tablets (ODT): 10 mg and 15 mg — dissolve on your tongue
• Oral solution: 1 mg/mL — measured with a dosing device
• Sublingual film: Placed under the tongue
• Short-acting injection: 9.75 mg — given in a healthcare setting for acute agitation
• Long-acting injectables: Abilify Maintena (monthly) and Abilify Asimtufii (every 2 months) — given by a healthcare provider

Typical Dosage Ranges

Your doctor will usually start you at a low dose and increase gradually. Take Abilify at the same time each day, with or without food. Do not stop taking Abilify suddenly — always talk to your doctor first.

Who Should Not Take Abilify?

Abilify is not right for everyone. You should not take it if you:

• Have a known allergy to Aripiprazole or any ingredient in Abilify
• Are an elderly patient with dementia-related psychosis (Abilify carries a boxed warning about increased risk of death in this group)

Tell your doctor before starting Abilify if you:

• Have diabetes or high blood sugar
• Have high cholesterol or triglycerides
• Have a history of seizures
• Have low blood pressure or a history of fainting
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Have liver or kidney problems
• Take other medications — especially those that affect CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 enzymes (see our guide on Abilify drug interactions)

For a full list of potential side effects, read our Abilify side effects guide.

How Much Does Abilify Cost?

The cost of Abilify depends on whether you're getting the brand name or generic:

• Brand-name Abilify: $800–$1,200 per month (30 tablets)
• Generic Aripiprazole: $10–$50 per month with a discount card

Generic Aripiprazole is widely available and covered by most insurance plans, typically as a Tier 2 medication. If you're paying out of pocket, discount cards from SingleCare, GoodRx, and others can bring the price down significantly.

For more ways to reduce your costs, check out our full guide on saving money on Abilify.

Final Thoughts

Abilify is a versatile and widely prescribed medication that helps millions of people manage serious mental health conditions. It's available in multiple forms, has a generic version that's affordable for most patients, and is prescribed by both psychiatrists and primary care doctors.

If you've been prescribed Abilify and need help finding it in stock or at a good price, Medfinder can help. And if you're looking for a prescribing doctor, see our guide on how to find a doctor who can prescribe Abilify near you.