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Writer's pictureLauren Fang

Med of the Week: Aripiprazole


Aripiprazole feature with image of stethoscope

Aripiprazole (Abilify) is a commonly used psychiatric medication that treats a variety of conditions such as schizophrenia and mania in bipolar I disorder. Dentists should be aware of Aripiprazole’s dental treatment and prescribing implications:


Generic Name: Aripiprazole

Brand Name(s): Abilify, Abilify Maintena, Abilify Mycite

Pronunciation: ay ri PIP ray zole


About this drug:

  • Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

    • Schizophrenia in patients at least 13 years old

    • Irritability associated with autistic disorder in patients at least 6 years old

    • Tourette’s disorder in patients at least 6 years old

    • Bipolar 1 disorder (manic depression) in patients at least 10 years old

    • Major depressive disorder in adults with an antidepressant medication


Dentistry-related tidbits:

  • Aripiprazole may cause xerostomia and toothaches.

  • Common local anesthetics such as Articaine (Septocaine, Ultacan), Bupivacaine (Marcaine, Sensorcaine), Lidocaine (Xylocaine), Ropivacaine (Naropin), and Mepivacaine (Carbocaine, Polocaine) can cause hypotension in patients taking Aripiprazole.

  • Propofol, narcotics, muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants can cause CNS and respiratory depression, diminished psychomotor function, and other side effects when combined with Aripiprazole. Make sure to check for potential interactions before prescribing using a tool like Rx Check.


Fun facts:

  • There is an FDA Warning that elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with this medication have an increased risk of stroke and death.

  • Be aware that some children, adolescents, and young adults taking Aripiprazole may have increased thoughts of self-harm and suicide.

  • The FDA has also issued warnings about impulse-control problems, such as compulsive or uncontrollable urges to gamble, binge eat, shop, and have sex, in patients taking this medication.

  • Aripiprazole is a partial agonist at D2 receptors. This means it binds to the D2 receptor with the same affinity as dopamine, but has a lower intrinsic efficacy, so the response it triggers is lower than dopamine but higher than an antagonist. Aripiprazole might decrease activity in the mesolimbic pathway through partial D2 agonism, which would, in turn, reduce positive symptoms (e.g. hallucinations, delusions).


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