When does Abilify leave your system?

In this article, we will discuss the approximate time taken by Abilify to leave your system. We will also discuss some factors that may affect the duration of action of Abilify and some ways to ensure the proper use of this antipsychotic medication. 

When does Abilify leave your system?

Abilify can take approximately 16 days (375 hours) to leave your system (1,2). This time duration may vary from person to person and can depend on different factors. 

If you want to eliminate Abilify from your body or discontinue using the medication, please reach out to your healthcare provider. Abrupt Abilify discontinuation is not recommended and you should always discuss your concerns with your prescribing physician.

What is the half-life of Abilify?

Abilify has a long half-life of about 75 hours – which is the time taken by this drug to reduce its concentration to half in your body. The remaining concentration further reduces to half after the next 75 hours (1,2). 

It typically takes 5 half-lives for a drug to get completely eliminated from your body, which indicates that Abilify can take up to 375 hours to leave your system (1,2). 

What factors can affect the time taken by Abilify to leave your system?

Some factors that can affect the time taken by Abilify to leave your system include (3):

  • Age: Younger individuals typically have faster metabolisms, which can result in quicker clearance of Abilify from the body. In contrast, older adults may process medications more slowly, leading to a longer elimination time.
  • Dosage strength: Higher doses of Abilify may take longer to clear from the body because the body needs more time to metabolize and eliminate larger amounts of the medication.
  • Duration of treatment: The longer you have been taking Abilify, the more likely it is to accumulate in your system. This can extend the time it takes for the medication to be completely eliminated.
  • Underlying liver or kidney disease: The liver and kidneys play a crucial role in processing and excreting medications from the body. If you have liver or kidney problems, it can slow down the breakdown and elimination of Abilify, leading to a longer duration in your system.
  • Use of other medications: Some medications can interact with Abilify and either enhance or inhibit its metabolism. Certain drugs may cause Abilify to stay in your system longer or be eliminated more quickly.
  • Overall body physiology: Each person’s body processes medications uniquely based on factors such as genetics, hormonal levels, and overall health. These individual differences can influence how long Abilify stays in your system.

Remember, it’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider while taking Abilify. They can monitor your response to the medication and adjust the dosage or treatment plan as needed to ensure safe and effective use.

How to ensure the proper use of Abilify?

The following points are important to ensure the proper use of Abilify (3,4):

  • Take Abilify exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 
  • Take Abilify at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level in your system and improve its effectiveness.
  • Do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting them first.
  • You may experience side effects like nausea, tiredness, or mild discomfort initially, but they are often temporary and tend to improve with time.
  • If you experience any unusual or bothersome side effects while taking Abilify, inform your doctor promptly.
  • Keep up with your scheduled doctor appointments to monitor your progress and discuss any concerns you may have.
  • Alcohol and certain substances may interact with Abilify, so it’s best to avoid them or discuss their use with your doctor.
  • Keep Abilify in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.

Remember, your doctor is your partner in managing your health, and open communication is vital for a successful treatment plan. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Conclusion 

In this article, we have discussed the approximate time taken by Abilify to leave the system. We have also discussed some factors that may affect the overall duration of action of Abilify and some important points to ensure its safe and effective use. 

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References

1.-

Gettu N, Saadabadi A. Aripiprazole. 2023 May 16. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31613519. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547739

2.-

PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 60795, Aripiprazole; [cited 2023 Aug. 7]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Aripiprazole

3.-

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. ABILIFY (Aripiprazolee). Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/021436s038,021713s030,021729s022,021866s023lbl.pdf

4.-

LABEL: ABILIFY- aripiprazole tablet. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=217e52b5-3a7b-4bbe-af3c-b18de7d426c3&type=pdf