Aripiprazole is believed to be less likely than typical antipsychotics to induce tardive dyskinesia, but more long-term information is needed.3
Studies have associated aripiprazole use with some weight gain, but (marginally) less than risperidone,7 less than haloperidol,6 and substantially less than olanzapine.8 Direct comparisons with other atypicals are not yet available.
Aripiprazole’s effect on glucose metabolism has not been determined, but early information suggests a favorable profile with respect to metabolic indices. Aripiprazole does not appear to elevate prolactin or cause cardiac QTc prolongation. Sedation appears to be the most pronounced side effect; this effect also appears to increase with higher dosages.
As has happened with the other atypicals, the pattern of use for aripiprazole will unfold over time as clinicians gain experience with using this agent in distinct patient groups.
Related resources
- Jordan S, Koprivica V, Chen R, et al. The antipsychotic aripiprazole is a potent, partial agonist at the human 5HT(1A) receptor. Eur J Pharmacol 2002;50:873-83.
- Kane JM, Carson WH, Saha AR, et al. Efficacy and safety of aripiprazole and haloperidol versus placebo in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. J Clin Psychiatry 2002;63:763-71.
Drug brand names
- Carbamazepine • Tegretol
- Clozapine • Clozaril
- Fluoxetine • Prozac
- Haloperidol • Haldol
- Ketoconazole • Nizoral
- Olanzapine • Zyprexa
- Paroxetine • Paxil
- Quetiapine • Seroquel
- Risperidone • Risperdal
- Ziprasidone • Geodon
Disclosure
Dr. Buckley receives grant support from, is a consultant to, and is a speaker for AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Eli Lilly and Co., Janssen Pharmaceutica, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.
Dr. Sinha is a consultant to Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
Dr. Sebastian is a consultant to Eli Lilly and Co.
Ms. Stirewalt reports no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this article or with manufacturers of competing products.