Abilify (Aripiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic medication manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical and Bristol-Myers Squibb. It is FDA-approved to treat a range of mental health conditions, including:

• Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents (ages 13–17)
• Manic or mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder in adults and pediatric patients (ages 10–17)
• Adjunctive treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults
• Irritability associated with Autistic Disorder in pediatric patients (ages 6–17)
• Tourette's Disorder in pediatric patients (ages 6–18)

Abilify is also used off-label for conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (augmentation), PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and treatment-resistant depression. It is taken once daily, with or without food, and is available in multiple formulations including tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, oral solution, and long-acting injectable forms.

Abilify works differently from many other antipsychotics. It is classified as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and D3 receptors and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, and an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This unique mechanism is sometimes described as a "dopamine stabilizer" — when dopamine activity in the brain is too high, Abilify helps bring it down, and when dopamine activity is too low, it helps boost it. This balanced approach is why Abilify tends to have a different side effect profile compared to older antipsychotics, with generally less sedation and lower risk of prolactin elevation.

• Oral Tablets: 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg
• Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT): 10 mg, 15 mg
• Oral Solution: 1 mg/mL
• Sublingual Film
• Short-Acting Intramuscular Injection: 9.75 mg/1.3 mL
• Abilify Maintena (Extended-Release Injectable): 300 mg, 400 mg (monthly)
• Abilify Asimtufii (Extended-Release Injectable): 720 mg, 960 mg (every 2 months)

Abilify (Aripiprazole) receives a findability score of 65 out of 100, placing it in the moderate range. Generic Aripiprazole tablets are widely manufactured and stocked at most pharmacies across the country, so the oral form is generally not difficult to find. However, the long-acting injectable formulations — Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii — have experienced intermittent supply constraints due to manufacturing capacity issues in 2023–2024, which occasionally persist into 2026. Some patients also report sporadic difficulty finding specific generic manufacturer tablets at their local pharmacy. If you're having trouble locating your specific dose or formulation, Medfinder can help you search nearby pharmacies with current stock.

Abilify is most commonly prescribed by psychiatrists and child and adolescent psychiatrists, given its primary use in serious mental health conditions. However, it is also frequently prescribed by:

• Primary care physicians and family medicine doctors — especially for adjunctive depression treatment
• Internal medicine physicians
• Neurologists — particularly for Tourette's Disorder
• Pediatricians — for autism-related irritability and Tourette's

Abilify is also available through telehealth platforms, making it accessible for patients who may not have easy access to a specialist.

No, Abilify (Aripiprazole) is not a controlled substance. It does not have a DEA schedule classification, which means it does not carry the same prescribing restrictions as medications like benzodiazepines or stimulants. Your doctor can prescribe it with standard refills, and pharmacies can dispense it without the additional regulatory requirements that apply to scheduled drugs.

Like all medications, Abilify can cause side effects. The most commonly reported include:

• Akathisia (a feeling of inner restlessness or the urge to keep moving) — this is one of the most frequently reported side effects
• Insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Weight gain
• Drowsiness or sedation
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue and anxiety

Serious side effects to watch for include neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), tardive dyskinesia, hyperglycemia and diabetes, impulse control problems (such as pathological gambling, compulsive eating, or hypersexuality), and orthostatic hypotension. Abilify carries two boxed warnings: increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, and increased risk of suicidal thinking in children, adolescents, and young adults. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects.

If Abilify isn't the right fit, there are several alternative atypical antipsychotics your doctor may consider:

• Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) — A close relative of Abilify with a similar dopamine partial agonist mechanism. Used for schizophrenia and adjunctive MDD treatment, and may cause less akathisia (restlessness) than Abilify.
• Risperidone (Risperdal) — Used for schizophrenia, bipolar mania, and irritability in autism. It may cause more weight gain and prolactin elevation than Abilify.
• Quetiapine (Seroquel) — Used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and adjunctive MDD. More sedating and carries higher metabolic side effect risk.
• Ziprasidone (Geodon) — Has a lower weight gain risk but requires twice-daily dosing with food and carries a risk of QTc prolongation.

Always discuss alternatives with your prescribing doctor, as the best choice depends on your specific diagnosis, medical history, and treatment goals.

Yes, Abilify has several important drug interactions to be aware of:

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin) — These increase Abilify levels in the blood, and your doctor may need to reduce your dose.
• Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Quinidine) — Also increase Abilify levels; dose reduction may be needed.
• Strong CYP3A4 inducers (Carbamazepine, Rifampin, St. John's Wort) — These decrease Abilify levels, potentially requiring a dose increase.
• CNS depressants (Benzodiazepines, opioids) — Additive sedation risk.
• Antihypertensive medications — May cause additive blood pressure lowering.
• Lithium — Monitor for neurotoxicity when used together.

You should also avoid grapefruit juice, which can increase Abilify levels, and avoid alcohol, which increases sedation and dizziness. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications and supplements you take.

Abilify (Aripiprazole) is one of the most widely prescribed atypical antipsychotics in the United States, valued for its unique dopamine-stabilizing mechanism and broad range of approved uses. Generic Aripiprazole is affordable — as low as $10–$50 per month with a discount card — making it accessible for most patients. While the oral formulation is generally easy to find, patients using long-acting injectable forms like Abilify Maintena may occasionally face supply challenges. If you're having difficulty locating Abilify at your local pharmacy, Medfinder can help you search pharmacies near you with current availability. Talk to your doctor about whether Abilify is right for your treatment plan, and never stop taking it abruptly without medical guidance.