What sort of side-effects might occur if I am taking aripiprazole?
The table below will show you some of the main side effects you might get from aripiprazole. Some of these are more marked when you start aripiprazole and usually wear off in a few weeks.
|
Side effect |
What happens |
What to do about it |
|
COMMON (more than about 1 in 10 people might get these) |
||
|
Restlessness |
Being more on edge. You may sweat a lot more. |
Try and relax by taking deep breaths. Wear loose fitting clothes. This happens much more at the start of treatment but does wear off in a few weeks. Your doctor may think about giving you something to help this for a few weeks. |
|
Stomach upset |
This includes feeling and being sick and getting diarrhoea. |
This usually improves after the first few days. If it is severe discuss with your doctor. |
|
Constipation |
When you want to poop but can't (the opposite of diarrhoea). You can't pass a motion. |
Make sure you eat enough fibre, cereal or fruit. Make sure you are drinking enough fluid. Make sure you keep active and get some exercise e.g. walking. If this does not help, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a mild laxative. |
|
Headache |
When your head is painful and pounding. |
Ask your pharmacist if paracetamol is safe to take with any other medicines you may be taking |
|
Insomnia |
Not being able to get to sleep at night. |
Discuss with your doctor. He or she may change the time of your dose. This happens much more at the start of treatment and you may need some sleeping tablets for a couple of weeks |
|
Blurred vision |
Things look fuzzy and you can't focus properly. |
Don't drive. See your doctor if you are worried. You won't need glasses. |
|
Tremor |
Fine shaking of the hands |
This is not dangerous but can be irritating. If it annoys you, your doctor may be able to give you something for it. |
|
UNCOMMON (less than about 1 in 10 people might get these) |
||
|
Hypotension |
A low blood pressure - this can make you feel dizzy, especially when you stand up. |
Try not to stand up too quickly. |
|
Seizures |
Having a fit or convulsion |
If you have a fit or funny turn, stop taking the aripiprazole and contact your doctor immediately. |
|
Palpitations |
A fast heart beat. |
It is not dangerous. It can be treated if it lasts for a long time. |
Do not be worried by this list of side effects. Some people get no side effects at all and others may get some effects that are not listed in this table. Side effects tend to be worse with higher doses. Starting with a lower dose sometimes helps. If you think you might have a side effect to your medicine, you should discuss this with your doctor, nurse of pharmacist. You should also see the manufacturer's information leaflet.
Updated 12.11