Aripiprazole, sold under brand names like Abilify, is an atypical antipsychotic medication commonly prescribed for conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. While aripiprazole is generally considered to have a low potential for abuse compared to other medications, it is still important to understand its possible effects and the risks associated with misuse.
Why Would Someone Abuse Aripiprazole?
Aripiprazole is not typically sought after for its recreational effects, but some individuals may misuse it for various reasons:
- Self-medication: People with undiagnosed mental health conditions may misuse aripiprazole in an attempt to alleviate symptoms like anxiety, depression, or agitation. However, this can be dangerous, as the medication is meant to be used under medical supervision.
- Misuse for Sedative Effects: Some may take aripiprazole in higher doses than prescribed, hoping to experience sedative or calming effects. However, aripiprazole is not a drug that induces euphoria, and it can cause unpleasant side effects when taken incorrectly.
- Mixing with Other Substances: Like many prescription drugs, aripiprazole could potentially be abused in combination with other substances to enhance or alter its effects. However, combining aripiprazole with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives can increase the risk of dangerous side effects.
Possible Effects of Aripiprazole Abuse
While aripiprazole is not known for producing a “high,” abuse of the drug can lead to a range of negative effects:
- Sedation and Drowsiness: Taking aripiprazole inappropriately can lead to excessive sedation, dizziness, and impaired cognitive function.
- Movement Disorders: Aripiprazole can cause side effects like tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements) or akathisia (restlessness), which can be worsened with misuse.
- Cognitive and Emotional Disturbances: In some cases, individuals abusing aripiprazole might experience confusion, hallucinations, or altered thought patterns.
- Increased Risk of Overdose: While the risk of overdose with aripiprazole is lower compared to other medications, taking too much can still cause serious issues, including difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.
Why Is Aripiprazole Less Likely to Be Abused?
Aripiprazole does not produce the euphoria, sedation, or “high” associated with many other abused prescription drugs, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants. It works primarily as a partial agonist, meaning it balances neurotransmitter activity in the brain, which may make it less likely to be sought out for recreational use.
Additionally, aripiprazole has a long half-life, which means that it stays in the body for a long time, and its sedative effects are not as intense as those of other medications that might be abused.
Risks of Misusing Aripiprazole
Misusing aripiprazole can have serious consequences, including:
- Health complications: Misuse can exacerbate side effects, leading to conditions like excessive sedation, heart issues, and movement disorders.
- Psychiatric disturbances: Using aripiprazole inappropriately can worsen mental health symptoms, leading to agitation, paranoia, or mood swings.
- Dependence: While aripiprazole is not physically addictive in the way that opioids or benzodiazepines are, misuse can lead to psychological dependence on the medication.
- Legal consequences: Abusing prescription medications, including aripiprazole, is illegal and can lead to legal trouble.
Conclusion
While aripiprazole is not commonly abused and has a lower potential for misuse compared to many other prescription drugs, it is still important to use it only as prescribed and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. If you suspect someone may be misusing aripiprazole or any other medication, it’s crucial to seek professional help to address the issue and prevent potential harm.
