How long does Abilify take to start working? (7 factors)

In this article, we aim to answer the query: “How long does Abilify take to start working?” Furthermore, we will explore what the research suggests, factors influencing the response time, how to know if Abilify is working, and potential side effects in the initial phase of Abilify treatment.

How long does Abilify take to start working?

Abilify may take a few days, or sometimes, a few weeks before it starts working. Every individual responds differently, but Abilify may start working after two weeks in some patients.

You should continue taking Abilify for up to 14 days, as its effects will become noticeable after this period. Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic, which may take some time to show its complete therapeutic benefits, therefore, be patient and let Abilify work.

Abilify is approved by the FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), major depressive disorder, and Tourette syndrome. Abilify, also known as Aripiprazole, regulates dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters in the brain (1).

What does research suggest?

According to a research study, Abilify, when used for schizophrenia, worked quickly within a week of starting the treatment. Abilify improved the symptoms of schizophrenia and manic episodes in bipolar disorder.

Abilify is safe and effective for most patients when used in the recommended doses and as prescribed by the doctor. Children and teenagers might require different doses as per their weight. Abilify is also effective in the long-term treatment and people stay well for a longer period (2,3).

How do different dosage forms affect Abilify’s response time?

Different dosage forms may also affect Abilify’s response time. Abilify is a medication used to treat various mental health conditions. You can take it with or without food. Abilify comes in different forms like tablets, solutions, and injections.

When taken in tablet form, Abilify remains in the body for about 75 hours. If you take 15 to 30 mg of Abilify per day, it will take about two weeks to reach a steady blood level. For the extended-release injections, Abilify takes 5 to 7 days to reach a stable level.

Injections are suitable for individuals who may have difficulty taking their medicine consistently. For bipolar disorder, you might start with 15 mg per day and increase to 30 mg if needed. If you’re using Abilify with antidepressants, your doctor may start you on 2 to 5 mg per day and slowly increase it to a maximum of 15 mg per day.

For schizophrenia, the initial dose is usually 10 to 15 mg per day, with a maximum daily dose of 30 mg. If your doctor needs to adjust the dosage, it is advisable to wait at least two weeks between changes (1).

What factors influence Abilify response time?

The factors that may influence the response time of Abilify may include:

• Higher doses of Abilify may lead to a quick response but may cause more side effects.
• The severity of symptoms may affect the response time of Abilify; if less severe, they might be improved faster as compared to severe symptoms.
• Patients respond differently due to their individualized factors such as age, medical history and tolerance level.
• Inconsistency in Abilify consumption may delay the response time.
• Some patients may respond better when taking Abilify for longer periods.
• Concomitant use of other medicines may also affect the response time of Abilify (4).

How do you know if Abilify is working?

To know that Abilify has started working, you may need to wait for a few days. After a few days or likely two weeks, you may start noticing improvements in your symptoms of hallucinations, disturbed thinking patterns and behaviours.

You may have improved sleep, and a reduction in manic episodes, anxiety, and depression. However, a few patients may have delayed response to Abilify and may not observe any improvements in two weeks (5).

What to do if Abilify is not working?

If you observe no improvement in your symptoms, while taking Abilify for up to 4 to 6 weeks, you should inform your healthcare provider. Abilify may take some time to show its full therapeutic benefit. Your doctor may evaluate your current symptoms and adjust the dosage if necessary.

Your response to the adjusted dose must be monitored by your doctor regularly. If you still notice no improvement, then Abilify may not be suitable for you. Your doctor will discontinue Abilify gradually, as abrupt discontinuation is not advisable and switch you to another antipsychotic medication such as Quetiapine, Cariprazine etc. which is appropriate for you (6).

What side effects may occur when you start taking Abilify?

The potential side effects when you start taking Abilify may include: 

• Acid reflux
• Nausea
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Changes in appetite
• Fatigue (7)

These side effects may be experienced by some patients in the early phase of Abilify treatment. These side effects may subside on their own when your body gets adjusted to the medication. However, if they worsen or persist, you should inform your doctor. 

Conclusion

Abilify may take a few days to a couple of weeks to start working. Some patients may start noticing improvements as early as the first week of treatment, while others may take a few weeks, as the response time varies among individuals.

If you don’t see any improvement in your symptoms after taking Abilify for 4 to 6 weeks, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider. Your doctor may adjust the dosage or consider other options. Abilify may take some time to show its full therapeutic benefit, and your doctor will monitor your response to the adjusted dose.

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