Whether you have recently been prescribed ABILIFY or you have been taking ABILIFY for a long time, you may have questions about how ABILIFY fits into your treatment plan.

Symptom improvement

ABILIFY is a prescription medication for the treatment of symptoms associated with Schizophrenia. Everyone responds differently to medication, but, for many adult patients in clinical trial, ABILIFY begins working to help manage the symptoms of Schizophrenia within the first week or two. It’s important to allow ABILIFY to work and to allow your body time to adjust to your new medication.

Transitioning from other medications

Now that you have been prescribed ABILIFY, your doctor may have instructed you to stop taking your current medication. Or he or she may have determined that you should slowly reduce the dose of a current medication while you increase and adjust your dose of ABILIFY. The doctor will adjust your dose based on your response to ABILIFY. It is important to give your body time to adjust to ABILIFY and allow it to begin working to control your symptoms.

Starting ABILIFY

Studies also showed that many adult patients began to feel better in the first week or two after starting therapy with ABILIFY. Different people respond to medicines differently, so give ABILIFY some time to work and give your body time to adjust to it. If you feel awake and not groggy, it doesn't mean ABILIFY isn't working.

Talk to your healthcare professional about how you are feeling — your healthcare professional could decide to change your dose of ABILIFY, or even add another medicine for a short time. Don't stop taking ABILIFY — or any prescription medicine — without talking with your healthcare professional first.

How to take ABILIFY

ABILIFY can be taken once a day with or without food.

You and your doctor should work together to determine the best dose and schedule for you. It is important to continue to follow your doctor's instructions for taking ABILIFY and to let him or her know how you are feeling so you can reach your treatment goals and help reduce your risk of relapse.

If you miss a dose of ABILIFY by a few hours, take it as soon as you remember. If most of the day has passed, take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at once unless directed by your doctor. If you are not sure what to do, contact your doctor.

Do not take ABILIFY if you are pregnant or nursing a baby. If you become pregnant while taking ABILIFY, talk to your doctor immediately. Also, do not drink alcohol while taking ABILIFY.

Keep ABILIFY and all other medication out of the reach of children and pets.

If you have any questions about taking ABILIFY or experience any side effects, be sure to talk to your healthcare professional. Don’t stop taking ABILIFY without talking with your healthcare professional first.

Even if you accidentally miss a day of your ABILIFY medication, or if you feel your symptoms are in control, do not change or stop taking your medication without first talking to your healthcare professional. Changing or stopping your medication can increase your risk of relapse.

Manage your treatment with commitment and patience

Take ABILIFY as prescribed by your doctor. If you are experiencing side effects or having problems with your medication, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare professional before making changes.

Make the resources available at ABILIFY.com part of your treatment plan. Tools such as the Doctor Discussion Guide and Side Effects Checklist can help you transition successfully to ABILIFY and stay on track with your treatment over the long term.