aripiprazole
Aripiprazole is used to treat: schizophrenia (a mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves) bipolar disorder (a disease that causes depression, mania, and other abnormal moods) major depressive disorder irritability symptoms (aggression, temper tantrums, mood changes) in those with autistic disorder (a developmental problem that affects how individuals communicate, learn and behave) Tourette's disorder (a condition causing involuntary, repetitive movements or sounds) Aripiprazole is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Decisions about medication use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking aripiprazole affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
According to the fact sheet, studies have not been done to see if taking aripiprazole can make it harder to get pregnant. If you have concerns about fertility while on this medication, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking aripiprazole increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons, and it is not known whether aripiprazole increases this chance. One study reported an increased chance of miscarriage, but other studies have not found this, and untreated depression itself has been linked to a higher chance of miscarriage in some studies. Because many factors can contribute to miscarriage, this is something to talk through with your healthcare provider.
Does taking aripiprazole increase the risk of birth defects?
About 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect in the general population, regardless of exposures. The fact sheet states that studies have not found a higher chance of birth defects when aripiprazole is taken during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh this information in the context of your individual situation.
Can taking aripiprazole during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
It is not known if aripiprazole causes problems such as preterm delivery or low birth weight, though some studies have reported a slightly higher chance of preterm birth and smaller babies. The underlying illness being treated may also contribute to these outcomes, making it difficult to separate the effects. Additionally, use late in pregnancy can lead to temporary newborn symptoms sometimes called withdrawal (such as jitteriness, breathing problems, sleepiness, or muscle tone changes), so it is important that your healthcare team knows about your medication use.
Can taking aripiprazole during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
It is not known whether aripiprazole increases the chance of behavior or learning issues in the child. The underlying condition being treated may itself affect a child's behavior or development. This is a topic worth discussing in more detail with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking aripiprazole?
A few studies have shown that aripiprazole passes into breast milk in small amounts, and while most breastfed babies have no reported symptoms, some have been noted to be sleepier than usual. Aripiprazole may also lower milk supply in some people. If you notice symptoms such as excessive sleepiness or feeding difficulties in your baby, contact the child's healthcare provider, and discuss any breastfeeding questions with your own healthcare provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
aripiprazole