Considering The Meaning of Aripiprazole Side Effects

Executive Summary

• Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic with very severe side effects.
• This article explains and analyzes those side effects.

Introduction

Aripiprazole is one of the most popular anti-psychotics that is prescribed for those with severe depression. This article covers Aripiprazole side effects in a way that is independent of the pharmaceutical industry.

son is likely to be institutionalized or functioning at a low level, which is the best scenario, so should they be parents?

Side Effect #1: Loss of Period of Breast Milk or Osteoporosis

Aripiprazole may increase the blood levels of a hormone called prolactin. Side effects of increased prolactin levels include females losing their period, production of breast milk and males losing their sex drive or possibly experiencing erectile problems. Long term (months or years) of elevated prolactin can lead to osteoporosis or increased risk of bone fractures.

Side Effect #2: Tremors and Tongue Rolling

Some people may develop muscle-related side effects while taking aripiprazole. The technical terms for these are “extrapyramidal symptoms” (EPS) and “tardive dyskinesia” (TD). Symptoms of EPS include restlessness, tremor, and stiffness. TD symptoms include slow or jerky movements that one cannot control, often starting in the mouth with tongue rolling or chewing movements.

This drug is so powerful that it disrupts normal nervous system function, leading to these side effects.

Side Effect #3: Sudden Cardiac Death

All antipsychotics have been associated with the risk of sudden cardiac death due to an arrhythmia (irregular heart beat). To minimize this risk, antipsychotic medications should be used in the smallest effective dose when the benefits outweigh the risks. Your doctor may order an EKG to monitor for irregular heartbeat.

This gets back to the same issue of neurological impulse interference. Naturally, it interferes with the heart as well.

Side Effect #4: Confusion

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare, life threatening adverse effect of antipsychotics which occurs in <1% of patients. Symptoms include confusion, fever, extreme muscle stiffness, and sweating. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

The fact that it says <1%, means that it is significantly above 1%. Pharmaceuticals manipulate math to make the side effects seem less than they are.

Side Effect #5: Dizziness/Drop in Blood Pressure

All antipsychotics can cause sedation, dizziness, or orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up from sitting or lying down). These side effects may lead to falls which could cause bone fractures or other injuries.

So, one’s blood pressure can drop so much that one can lose their balance and fall.

Side Effect #6:Compulsive Behavior

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning that compulsive or uncontrollable urges to gamble, binge eat, shop, and have sex have been reported with the use of aripiprazole. These uncontrollable urges were reported to have stopped when the medicine was discontinued or the dose was reduced. These impulse-control problems are rare, but they may result in harm to the patient and others if not recognized.

Again, they are probably not rare. “Rare” is a term that is used by pharmaceutical companies to mean common.

Side Effect #7: Uncontrolled Grimacing or Lip Smacking

If you develop symptoms of TD, such as grimacing, sucking, and smacking of lips, or other movements that you cannot control, contact your health care provider immediately.

Why is this drug making patients do this? This is a highly problematic drug if this can be its effect on a person.

Side Effect #8:Lifelong Treatment

Antipsychotic treatment is generally needed lifelong for persons with schizophrenia. Your doctor can best discuss the duration of treatment you need based on your symptoms and illness.

So then why is Aripiprazole recommended for people who are depressed and are not schizophrenic?

Side Effect #9: Multiple Causes fo Death

Both first generation (typical) and second generation (atypical) antipsychotics are associated with an increased risk of mortality in elderly patients when used for dementia related psychosis.
Although there were multiple causes of death in studies, most deaths appeared to be due to cardiovascular causes (e.g. sudden cardiac death) or infection (e.g. pneumonia).
Antipsychotics are not indicated for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis.