Aripiprazole
Antipsychotic — atypical (partial D2 agonist)
Indications
SchizophreniaAcute maniaBipolar maintenanceAugmentation in depression (specialist)
Adult dose
10–15 mg OD, max 30 mg.
Paediatric dose
Schizophrenia (15–17 yrs): 2 mg OD, titrate to 10 mg, max 30 mg.
Common side effects
Akathisia (notable)InsomniaNauseaHeadacheAnxiety
Serious side effects
NMSTardive dyskinesiaPathological gambling/impulse control disordersQT prolongation (low)
Contraindications
Caution in seizure disorder
Monitoring
- Metabolic monitoring (favourable profile)
- Akathisia screening
Notable interactions
- CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibitors raise levels — halve dose with strong inhibitors
- Carbamazepine lowers levels
Curated reference based on BNF, Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines and NICE. Verify against current BNF and local guidelines before prescribing.