Abilify Ruined My Life: Analyzing Its Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Giordano, DO

Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is used to treat mental health disorders.

While some people may find it helpful for reducing certain psychiatric symptoms, there are some who have experienced the undesirable effects of the medication, hence feeling “Abilify Ruined My Life.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, these reactions can include severe side effects, adverse effects, or withdrawal symptoms when the medication is reduced or stopped too abruptly. 

It's important to look at the potential risks associated with any medication when making a decision about whether or not to use it.

This is what is called “informed consent.”

It is also vital to look at all the options for treatment of your condition so you can make an educated decision about what is best for you. 

With that being said, this content is not medical advice.

Instead, it explores the potential impact of Abilify on the human system.

It is advised that one must always make medication decisions under the guidance of a healthcare professional or medical supervision.

Book One-on-one time with Dr. Giordano focuses on assisting people in transitioning off of prescription drugs, not because they have an addiction problem but because they are interested in achieving an optimal state of wellness without medication. For a holistic approach to the treatment of mental health disorders while promoting personal wellness, contact us for a consultation via phone call or email.

Understanding Abilify and Its Uses

The primary action of Abilify, an atypical antipsychotic, is in modulation of dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. It is used for various conditions, most commonly:

• Schizophrenia: Abilify works to modulate the activity of dopamine in the brain. This can lead to a relief of symptoms related to an overactive dopamine system including hallucinations and delusions (schizoaffective disorder). 

• Bipolar Disorder: Used to equalize extreme mood swings, as well as the frequency/severity of manic and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. 

• Major Depressive Disorder (as an adjunct therapy): Used as an “add-on” medication for the treatment of depression.

• Tourette Syndrome: Used to reduce the frequency and severity of tics.

Like any medication, Abilify’s effectiveness and side effects can vary from person to person.

For some people, it offers the stability needed to rebuild lives.

For others, the journey is more complicated, underscoring the importance of close medical supervision.

The Mechanism of Action: How It Works

Abilify, the brand name for aripiprazole, is part of a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics.

It is primarily used to help stabilize the neurotransmitters that are associated with mental health disorders.

Although it’s classified as an antipsychotic medication, Abilify is put to many more uses than merely treating psychosis.

Depending on the required treatment plan, this drug works to balance the two important neurotransmitters that play in the brain namely, dopamine and serotonin.

Think of Dopamine as the body’s reward system and Serotonin as the body’s happy hormone.

Abilify comes into action when it attaches itself to the numerous dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain hence balancing their overall effects.

Such messengers are fundamental in altering the mood, behavior and thoughts of an individual. 

For better understanding, consider it as a thermostat for the chemical activity of the brain.

Here it is helping in reducing/enhancing the chemical activity of the brain.

This unique feature also distinguishes Abilify from a lot of other antipsychotic drugs.

This intricate mechanism allows Abilify to:

• Reduce Overactivity in Dopamine Pathways

• Enhance Dopamine in Underactive Areas

• Regulate Serotonin Activity

Such dual modulation offers a more balanced approach to managing mental health conditions.

Abilify is unlike other medications that bluntly suppress neurotransmitter activity.

This helps create just the right amount of stimulation.

Expanded Uses in Psychiatry:

Over the years, Abilify has been studied for additional applications beyond its primary indications. These include:

• Adjunctive Treatment for Depression: When standard antidepressants fail to provide sufficient relief, Abilify is often added to provide therapeutic outcomes.

• Borderline Personality Disorder: Some experts have explored its potential in managing mood instability and impulsivity (not officially approved).

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Studies suggest it may help reduce hyperarousal and intrusive symptoms in PTSD.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): This medicine is used to treat irritability in young adults and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

• Off-Label Applications: In certain cases, Abilify is prescribed off-label for conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder or OCD

Research indicates, however, that Abilify can affect other neurotransmitter systems, as well. This complexity points to its unpredictable effects.

While many experience significant improvements, others may face challenges. These can include effects that range from mild to severe.

Available Forms:

There are multiple forms in which the medication can be taken; thus, this is one of the many reasons why Abilify is in great demand.

This allows it to integrate into a wide variety of treatment programs. The different types of dosages/forms available are:

• Oral Tablets: These are the most extensively sold forms taken on a daily routine. For most of the patients, this is a simple solution as they offer constant levels of the medication.

• Oral Solution: People who find it hard to swallow the pills will find it easier to take Abilify as it is provided in the form of liquid.

• Long-Acting Injectables: An alternative is Abilify Maintena, which is more suitable for people who need or prefer to dose less often.

• Abilify Mycite: This drug can also be consumed as an oral tablet with an embedded sensor. After ingestion, the sensor sends a signal to a wearable patch, which then communicates with a smartphone app.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

Patients prescribed Abilify are often informed about its potential side effects, which are generally categorized as mild to moderate. Common issues include: 

• Gastrointestinal Issues (nausea, vomiting)

• High fever

• Loss of balance

• Joint pain

• Numbness

• Dry mouth

• Blurred vision

• Dizziness

• Tiredness in young adults

• Sexual side effects and Erectile Dysfunction

• Anxiety

• Weight gain

• Muscle spasms 

• Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure)

Serious Side Effects:

For some individuals, Abilify’s side effects can lead to challenges that can alter the course of their lives. These adverse reactions include:

Movement Disorders:

The use of this drug may cause extrapyramidal symptoms. Akathisia (an intense feeling of restlessness and/or inner terror that makes sitting still or focusing on tasks almost impossible), Tardive dyskinesia (a condition characterized by involuntary muscle movements).

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS):

NMS is a rare but potentially fatal reaction to antipsychotic medication. Its symptoms include high fever, muscle stiffness, disturbed cognition, etc.

Impulse-Control Disorders:

A controversial side effect of Abilify that has been reported includes the onset of compulsive behaviors. This encompasses such things as excessive gambling, binge eating, compulsive shopping, or hypersexuality.

Other symptoms include:

• Significant weight gain

• Metabolic changes (high blood sugar) or a risk of diabetes

• Severe depression

• Increased risk of death in older adults

• Heart rate irregularities

• Liver damage

• Rare cases of skin rash 

• White blood cell count changes

• Panic Attacks

• Suicidal thoughts

There are many factors to consider while taking Abilify, as the effect of the medication varies across individuals.

While it has yet to be well studied, these variances may be caused by genetic predisposition, concurrent drugs, and overall health which contributes to the response of each individual to the drug.

Regardless of the severity of a side effect, it should always receive immediate medical attention.

Read about how others have navigated challenges in Gabapentin Ruined My Life?.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Abilify

Withdrawal symptoms can present when an individual stops or reduces their medication dose at a rate that their brain and nervous system struggle to adapt to.

Knowing that Abilify functions by modulating serotonin and dopamine levels inside an individual’s brain, it is only logical to deduce that an abrupt cessation of the drug would disturb that balance.

For this reason, it is essential to point out that stopping or reducing Abilify abruptly can give rise to both physical and psychological symptoms. 

Common Abilify withdrawal symptoms: Anxiety, insomnia, flu-like symptoms, nausea, tremors, headaches, dizziness, depression, irritability. 

Severe Abilify withdrawal symptoms: Akathisia, tardive dyskinesia, psychosis. 

Check out Cymbalta Ruined My Life.

Strategies for Reduction of Risks and Bettering Outcomes 

It is vital to work closely with a healthcare professional who understands the risks of Abilify and can guide you in safely using it. 

You and your provider should have a plan for what to do in dealing with undesirable or severe side effects.

You should also have a clear, thoughtful plan based on the latest research about the safest way to adjust the medication dosing if that is needed, especially when reducing.

To avoid unnecessary withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping the medication, it’s best to work with a provider who understands how to safely taper Abilify using a hyperbolic tapering approach. 

It is also important to have a holistic mental healthcare approach so that you can ensure you are supporting your body and mind to function at their best.

True mental health comes from much more than just a pill. Many mental health problems stem from the complexities of the human body-mind mechanism and these can be addressed using a multi-faceted approach including medical conditions (lab tests), diet, nutrition, therapy, stress reduction, relationships, relaxation practices, spirituality and more.

For Patients:

• Seek Regular Evaluations: Find a healthcare provider that is an expert in working with psychiatric medications and who understands how to safely use Abilify. Have monthly follow-ups with your healthcare provider. This will ensure a proper assessment of medication efficacy as well as checking for any emerging side effects. 

• Educate Yourself: Understanding the potential risks so you can make an informed decision about treatment.

• Involve Trusted Allies: Recovery is rarely a solo journey. Community can be what helps to keep us well and understand when we may need more support. Whether it is family, friends, therapist, or a support group, find the people who understand and support you.

• Drug interactions: Many different medications can interact with Abilify. New prescription drugs or even over-the-counter medications should be discussed with the doctor. 

For professional guidance, you can book a session with Dr. Giordano here.

For Providers:

• Tailor Treatments: Medical professionals should weigh the pros and cons of Abilify against alternative treatments. This should be done by taking into account each patient’s unique health history and current life circumstances.

• Make It A Point: Conversations about the side effects of medication, including the rare but serious type, make the patients more willing and involved in their management planning and clinical nursing.

• Narrowing Down The Reporting Requirements: The doctor should encourage the patient to report any peculiar behavior even if it appears insignificant.

For the Industry:

• Improve Labeling: Clear and accessible drug information about all potential side effects (including those that are rare) can help everyone make better choices.

• Invest in Research: Ongoing studies can help discover the mechanisms behind Abilify’s adverse reactions. This can lead to safer formulations in the future.

Read Holistic Approach to Mental Health: Your Complete 2025 Guide.

Alternative Treatments:

Though highly effective in some cases, Abilify is not the only option and can be augmented with other modalities for support while dealing with mental health challenges. Some of them are:

Other Medications: 

Evaluating one’s options for the particular symptoms being addressed should be done to optimize outcome and minimize side effects. 

Mental Therapeutic Interventions Also Include:

Medication can be supplemented by CBT and other psychotherapeutic techniques.

Lifestyle Changes:

Exercise, mindfulness, support groups, proper nutrition has shown to improve quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abilify a narcotic?

Aripiprazole also known as Abilify is not a narcotic. While narcotics impact the dopamine system as does Abilify, narcotics act differently in the brain. Narcotics cause a flood of dopamine to give a pleasurable “high.” In contrast, Abilify is used to modulate dopamine levels to dampen extreme mood changes and eliminate psychotic symptoms.

What are the chances of becoming addicted to Abilify? 

Addiction implies risky use of the medication beyond what is prescribed. Such long-term use of  higher doses can impacts one’s social or dailylife functioning. While certainly Abilify can be abused, there is also the issue of physiologic dependence which can form for anyone who is using the medication on a daily basis. Daily activities including the use of any psychiatric medication means is that the brain becomes habituated to the chemical and stopping or reducing it abruptly could cause withdrawal symptoms. Anyone reducing or tapering Abilify should do so gently using principles of hyperbolic tapering.

What determines the dosage of Aripiprazole?

There are a number of factors that include the patient’s age, weight, existing medications and medical history that inform health care providers on how best to adjust doses. Depending on the disorder being treated, Abilify can be administered in any dosage form, as this is patient specific. 

Is it true that Abilify has a generic version that would have slight differences?

While most people don’t report any difference, some individuals claim that they can feel a difference between various manufacturers of Abilify and/or its generic version. This could have to do with binders used or variance in the manufacturing processes. Such small details could influence how particular people might feel. If in doubt, speak to a physician to know what’s right for you.

Concluding Remarks,

Whenever you are evaluating a treatment pan for mental health issues, it is crucial to educate yourself about your options. If you seek medication, please do your research to understand the potential implications of such treatment including Abilify. You and your doctor should have a plan for addressing potential side effects and how you would safely taper the medication if the need arose. 

You and your provider should establish and maintain a relationship of trust and open communication about your symptoms and reaction to the medication. To do this, you should meet at least once monthly (not just 2-3 times per year). It should feel like your provider is “on your side” and knows what is going on in your life. She/he should also be well aware of the plethora of options for adjunctive holistic support to your body and mind.