How to take Aripiprazole?
Ensure to read and understand the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Aripiprazole. If there are any doubts ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take Aripiprazoleorally as prescribed by your doctor with a full glass of water with or without food. Usually it is prescribed once a day. Your doctor will work out the dosage for you based on your age, medical condition, response to treatment and other medications that you are taking. Inform your doctor of all the medications (prescription, nonprescription and herbal products). Take Aripiprozoleexactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.

To take the liquid form of this medication, use a medicine measuring spoon to measure the dosage. Do not use the household spoon as you may not get the correct measurement.

Take Aripiprozoleexactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.

To get the full benefit of this medication it may take a few weeks. Regular usage will help to get the most from this medication. Take it always at the same time every day.

You can't stop taking this medication even if you feel well. Your dosage may have to decrease gradually. Talk to your doctor first before you stop the medication.

Precaution
Prior to taking Aripiprazole inform your doctor if you have

• any allergies to Aripiprazole or  any other allergies
• had a stroke
• heart problems (coronary artery disease, low blood pressure, heart failure, irregular heartbeat)
• diabetes (including family history)
• nervous systems problems (seizures, dementia, NMS)
• problems with blood flow in the brain
• low blood cell count
• sleep apnea

Aripiprazoleion may make you dizzy, confused or disoriented. Consumption of alcohol or marijuana can increase the risk of seizures. Do not operate machinery, drive a car or do anything that require alertness until you can do it safely.  Understand how this medication affects you.  Do not take any alcoholic beverages.

Likelihood of getting heat stoke is higher as arpiprazole makes you sweat less.  Do not do things that may cause you to overheat such as exercise, or hard work in hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly.

Side effects
Your doctor prescribed this medicine after carefully analyzing the benefits over the risks involved. Most people do not experience any serious side effects. However, you may experience the following side effects.

• Dizziness
• Excess saliva / drooling
• Lightheadedness
• Weight gain
• Blurred vision
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• tiredness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping
• Constipation

Dizziness and lightheadedness may increase the risk of falling. When rising from a sitting or lying position get up slowly.

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects mentioned below.

• Fainting
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Seizures
• Trouble controlling certain urges (eating, shopping, gambling or sex)
• Trouble swallowing
• Restlessness
• Muscle spasm
• Interrupted breathing during sleep
• Shaking  (tremor)

Aripiprazole rarely cause serious changes in blood sugar, especially with diabetes. You need to do regular checks on your blood sugar and share the results with your doctor. In case you have high blood sugar symptoms (increased urination / thirst) check your blood sugar regularly and inform your doctor so he can adjust your diabetic medication.

Aripiprazole may rarely cause tardive dyskinesia. This could be a permanent in some cases. If you develop rather unusual uncontrolled movements especially of the face, arms, mouth, tongue or legs. Seek medical advice immediately.