TaperCareby FeelGround
Integrative mental health
← Antipsychotics

Aripiprazole

Also known as Abilify · Atypical antipsychotic (partial dopamine agonist)

Withdrawal risk: Moderate

What it's used for

  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Add-on for depression
  • Irritability in autism
  • Tourette's

Read about: Depression, Bipolar disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Autism, Tourette syndrome & tic disorders, Schizophrenia

How it works: Partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors.

Common side effects

  • Restlessness (akathisia)
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Impulse-control problems (rare)

Tapering considerations

  • Long half-life smooths reductions; liquid allows small steps.
Why smaller steps near the end →

For prescribers & facilitators

  • Ask about compulsive gambling/shopping.

Sources

  1. 01
    A method for tapering antipsychotic treatment that may minimize the risk of relapse

    Horowitz, Jauhar, Natesan, Murray & Taylor, Schizophrenia Bulletin, 2021

  2. 02
    The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines

    Horowitz & Taylor, Wiley-Blackwell, 2024