Aripiprazole: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic. It is a prescription medicine used for schizophrenia, bipolar mania and, with antidepressants, depression. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 5 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Aripiprazole works
Aripiprazole is a partial agonist at dopamine D2 receptors, which means it dampens dopamine activity where it is too high and can support it where it is too low. It also acts on serotonin receptors. This balancing effect helps stabilise thinking, perception and mood.
What is Aripiprazole used for?
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar mania and
- With antidepressants
- Depression
Aripiprazole is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and adolescents, and manic episodes of bipolar disorder, as well as to help prevent mania from returning. In some countries it is also added to an antidepressant when depression has not responded well enough. It helps reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, disturbed thinking, agitation and extreme mood swings.
Side effects of Aripiprazole
Side effects of Aripiprazole vary from person to person. The more common ones include:
- Restlessness or an inability to sit still
- Nausea
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
Seek urgent help for high fever with muscle stiffness and confusion, uncontrolled movements of the face or body, thoughts of self-harm, or new compulsive behaviours such as gambling or binge eating.
Precautions and warnings
- Do not stop it suddenly; your doctor will reduce the dose gradually.
- Avoid alcohol and do not drive until you know how it affects you.
- Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take, as some antidepressants and antifungals can change its levels.
- Your doctor may check weight, blood sugar and cholesterol, and you should mention diabetes, heart disease, seizures or a history of stroke.
- Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions about Aripiprazole
What is the price of Aripiprazole in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Aripiprazole products currently in stock range from Rs 364 to Rs 1,092 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Profy 20mg Tablet at Rs 364. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Aripiprazole are available in Pakistan?
Aripiprazole is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Aripip (Pharmatec Pakistan Ltd), Profy (Genetics Pharmaceuticals), Adablizer (Adamjee Pharmaceuticals Ltd.), Aripan (Cell Laboratories) and Zedan (Surge).Do I need a prescription for Aripiprazole?
Yes. Aripiprazole is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Aripiprazole be used during pregnancy?
Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Are all Aripiprazole brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Aripiprazole in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Aripiprazole brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 8 products containing Aripiprazole from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
