Newest Medication for Treating Bipolar disorder

Abilify, also known as aripiprazole, is one of the newest medications on the market that treats bipolar disorder. This medication is an atypical antipsychotic and was first approved by the FDA in 2002 to treat schizophrenia. In 2006, it was approved to treat bipolarity and depression. However, this medication has some potential risks and its use must be followed precisely in accordance to the prescribing doctor’s directions.

Abilify comes in many different dosages. It comes in pill form from 1 mg up to 15 mg, and can also be taken by injection for the fastest results. This medication does not have the same mechanism as other medications in its class because it is thought to mediate the transfer of dopamine to the nerve receptor. Thus, with bipolar disorder ranging from an over or under expression of dopamine, the aripiprazole controls the flow to the receptors to maintain a consistent flow. This allows for the person to maintain normal and rational emotional ranges.

Abilify has the ability to aid many people with bipolar disease. However, this medicine can also cause many problems if the directions from the doctor are not followed properly. Once a person has begun taking this medicine, then they should not suddenly stop taking this medicine after they feel better. This could cause serious emotional problems and has the potential to make the disease even worse. Also, if the medicine does not seem to be working, then consult your doctor before stopping because this medicine does take time to begin functioning and taking affect. There are several mild side affects that include headache, nausea, etc.. Death has occurred in older aged people with dementia, but is not seen in younger and properly treated patients.