Is Abilify like Adderall? (3+ Differences)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether Abilify is like Adderall. We will talk about the differences between these medications and other relevant information.
Is Abilify like Adderall?
No, Abilify is not like Adderall and they both are different drugs. Abilify is the brand name for aripiprazole and it is an atypical antipsychotic (1). Adderall is a combination drug containing four salts of amphetamines as an active ingredient (2).
Abilify and Adderal differ in their mechanism of action, uses, dosage forms, and side effects. These medications are distinct in their purpose and effects and impact different neurotransmitters in the body.
What are the differences between Abilify and Adderall?
Abilify is classified as an atypical quinolinone antipsychotic while Adderall is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant composed of amphetamine salts. Abilify differs from Adderall in the following ways:
Mechanism of action:
Abilify interacts with different neurotransmitters in the body through its agonist and antagonist activity. It serves as a partial agonist at two types of receptors namely dopamine (D2) and serotonin (5-HT1A) (1).
Abilify serves as an antagonist of serotonin (5-HT2A) receptors. It also interacts with some other receptors of dopamine and serotonin, histamine (H1), and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors (1).
Adderall contains amphetamine salts that increase the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine (NE) by inhibiting the reuptake (2). Through this action, it produces CNS stimulant activity (2).
Indications:
Abilify is used therapeutically to manage the following conditions (1):
- schizophrenia
- autistic disorder (to manage irritability)
- bipolar disorder (to manage manic and mixed episodes)
- supportive treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Tourette’s disorder
Adderall is used therapeutically to manage the following conditions (2):
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- narcolepsy
Side effects:
Side effects of Abilify include the following (1):
- akathisia
- tiredness
- somnolence
- tremor
- nausea
- blurry vision
- excessive production of saliva
- restlessness
- sleep disturbances
- constipation
- cardiovascular problems
- hyperglycemia
Side effects of Adderall include (2):
- growth including height and weight may slow down in children
- seizures
- reduced appetite
- blurry vision
- stomach ache
- nervousness
- insomnia
- dry mouth
- unpleasant taste
- euphoria
Dosage forms:
Abilify is available in different dosage forms like tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, oral solution (1mg/ml), and injections for intramuscular use (7.5mg/ml). The available strengths of Abilify in tablet form include (1):
- 2 mg
- 5 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
Adderall is supplied in the form of tablets, that come in the following strengths (2):
- 5 mg
- 7.5 mg
- 10 mg
- 12.5 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
Abuse potential:
Abilify is not categorized as a controlled substance indicating that it does not generally lead to addiction. It may cause physical dependence as withdrawal symptoms were observed during animal studies (1).
However, patients who have been involved in drug abuse previously should be monitored carefully while they are taking Abilify (1).
On the other hand, Adderall is a controlled substance and is a Schedule II drug. Several cases of Adderall abuse have been reported and it can lead to euphoria, addiction, social disability, tolerance, and psychological dependence (2).
Can you take Abilify with Adderall?
Abilify may be prescribed with Adderall under some conditions. Studies indicate that aripiprazole, the active ingredient in Abilify can improve cognitive functioning in patients with ADHD (3).
Antipsychotic drugs like Abilify and stimulants like Adderall have been used together in ADHD and studies indicate that concomitant use significantly improves clinical outcomes (3).
Thus Abilify may be prescribed with Adderall under some conditions. It is important to remember that Abilify and Adderall both are prescription drugs and should not be taken without a prescription.
Similarly, do not take Abilify with Adderall unless prescribed by the healthcare provider. Adderall is a controlled substance and its inappropriate use with Abilify can lead to serious adverse effects.
In my perspective, Abilify is not like Adderall, and they are different medications. Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic with the active ingredient, aripiprazole. Adderall is a CNS stimulant drug with four salts of amphetamines as an active ingredient.
Abilify differs from Adderall in its classification, mechanism of action, uses, side effects, dosage forms, and abuse potential. Abilify and Adderall may be prescribed together under some conditions.
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References
1.-
ABILIFY® (aripiprazole) Tablets. Otsuka America Pharmaceutical. Reference ID: 03US20IBR0006 [Internet] [updated 2020 Jun; cited 2023 Dec 27]. Available from: https://www.otsuka-us.com/sites/g/files/qhldwo4671/files/media/static/Abilify-PI.pdf
2.-
Adderall® CII (Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Amphetamine Aspartate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate and Amphetamine Sulfate Tablets). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Reference ID: 4036383 [Internet] [updated 2017 Jan; cited 2023 Dec 27]. Available
3.-
Yanofski J. The dopamine dilemma: using stimulants and antipsychotics concurrently. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2010 Jun;7(6):18-23. PMID: 20622942; PMCID: PMC2898838.
