Aripiprazole 15mg Tablet
Aripiprazole 15 mg is an atypical antipsychotic medication commonly used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder (as an adjunct to antidepressants). It works by modulating dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, which helps to stabilize mood, reduce hallucinations, and improve cognitive function.
The 15 mg dose is often used for both initial treatment and maintenance therapy, depending on the specific psychiatric condition being treated.
- Recommended Usage
Indications
- Schizophrenia: Helps manage both positive symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions) and negative symptoms (e.g., social withdrawal, lack of motivation).
- Bipolar Disorder: Used to treat acute manic episodes and for mood stabilization.
- Major Depressive Disorder: As an adjunctive treatment when traditional antidepressants are not enough.
- Irritability in Autism: Sometimes prescribed for managing irritability and related symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Dosage and Administration
Schizophrenia:
o Initial dose: Typically 15 mg once daily.
o The dose may be adjusted depending on the patient's response, with a maximum dose of 30 mg per day.
Bipolar Disorder:
o Start with 15 mg once daily. Adjustments can be made as needed.
Major Depressive Disorder (Adjunctive treatment):
o Typically, 5 mg to 10 mg once daily, with a maximum of 15 mg per day.
Aripiprazole can be taken once daily, with or without food.
Precautions
Heart conditions: Use with caution in patients with heart disease or those at risk of QT prolongation.
Diabetes: Monitor blood glucose levels as antipsychotics may increase the risk of developing or worsening diabetes.
Elderly: Older patients may be more susceptible to side effects, particularly sedation and movement disorders.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Consult a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Movement Disorders: Aripiprazole can cause extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., tremors, muscle stiffness), especially in the early stages of treatment.
