Description
Aripiprazole belongs to the group of medications known as antipsychotics. It is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Aripiprazole may also be used in addition to other medications to treat major depressive disorder for adults who have not had enough of a response from previous treatments.
Aripiprazole does not cure these medical conditions, but helps to manage symptoms by affecting the actions of certain chemical messengers in the brain.
For schizophrenia, the recommended adult dose is 10 mg or 15 mg taken once a day, with or without food. Some people may require higher doses. If your doctor decides that a higher dose is needed, increases should only be made after 2 weeks. The maximum daily dose is 30 mg daily.
The recommended starting dose for adolescents (15 to 17 years) to treat schizophrenia is 2 mg daily, gradually increased to 10 mg daily, taken once a day.
For bipolar disorder, the recommended initial dose for adults is 15 mg daily with or without food. Based on response, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 30 mg daily.
The recommended starting dose for adolescents (13 to 17 years) to treat bipolar disorder is 2 mg daily, gradually increased to 10 mg daily, taken once a day.
For major depressive disorder, the recommended starting dose for adults is 2 mg to 5 mg taken once a day. Gradual increases in the dose can be made only after 1 week. The maximum dose is 15 mg daily.
