What antidepressants are usually taken with Abilify?

Treatment for depression is very personalized, as there are many different options available. Abilify (aripiprazole) is sometimes used in conjunction with antidepressants to augment their effects, particularly in cases where the antidepressant alone isn't fully effective. Before taking Abilify with other medications, it is important to consider potential drug interactions.

The choice of antidepressant often depends on the individual's specific needs and medical history. Some commonly used antidepressants that might be combined with Abilify include:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), or escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): such as venlafaxine (Effexor) or duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Abilify was approved by the FDA as an add-on treatment of major depressive disorder in patients who did not have a complete response to an antidepressant. In two 6-week studies, patients were taking paroxetine controlled-release, venlafaxine extended-release, fluoxetine, escitalopram, or sertraline. These studies showed that adding Abilify to their current medication improved their depression symptoms.

There is additional evidence that adding Abilify to an antidepressant called venlafaxine (Effexor) is effective at treating treatment-resistant depression later in life.

What is Abilify?

Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic that is used to treat several mental health conditions. It is available in many different dosage forms, including tablets, injections, and an oral solution. It is FDA approved to treat:

• Schizophrenia
• Manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I
• Major depressive disorder, as an add-on treatment
• Irritability associated with autistic disorder
• Tourette’s disorder

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What antidepressants interact with Abilify?

Abilify has the potential to interact with many antidepressants. Because Abilify is broken down by proteins in the liver, taking other medications that interact with the same proteins can lead to higher levels of medication in the body. Too much Abilify in the body can cause more side effects. Examples of antidepressants that interact with Abilify in this way include fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil). If you are taking one of these antidepressants together with Abilify, it is recommended that your prescriber reduces your dose of Abilify to avoid side effects.

Case reports suggest Abilify can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome in patients taking antidepressant medications at the same time. Serotonin syndrome is a condition caused by too much serotonin in the body, and it can be life-threatening.

Consult with your healthcare provider about the best treatment options for you. They will consider your medical history and other medications you are taking when choosing which antidepressant is safe for you to take with Abilify.