Abilify is an antipsychotic drug that is approved to treat schizophrenia and acute bipolar depression. This medication helps relieve the delusions, hallucinations, and other symptoms of mental illness. If you’ve heard anything about Abilify, it’s probably one of the following things:
Abilify has a risk of activating compulsive behaviors or eating habits known as hyper-eating in some users. Also, some people think that Abilify causes weight gain. But is this true? In this article, we will explore the truth about Abilify—how it works, its side effects, and whether or not it causes weight gain or compulsive eating behavior.
What is Abilify and How does it Work?
Abilify is an antipsychotic medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and acute bipolar depression. It belongs to a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics. The exact mechanism of action of Abilify is unknown, but it is believed that it works by blocking dopamine receptors, which helps to reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. Studies have suggested that people with schizophrenia have an excess of dopamine, which leads to hyperactivity in the brain. This hyperactivity can cause hallucinations and delusions. Abilify is thought to reduce this dopamine signaling in the brain, which may improve the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Abilify is used to treat the following conditions: Schizophrenia, acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, Tourette’s disorder, Major depressive disorder, Major depressive disorder with anxious depression, Borderline personality disorder.
How to Know if you’re Experiencing an Adverse Effect from Abilify
Abilify has a wide range of side effects, which are common in patients taking antipsychotic medications. These side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting: Some people experience nausea, vomiting, or both as a result of taking Abilify. The frequency and severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person.
- Headache: Abilify is often prescribed to treat migraine headaches. If this is the case, the headache you experience may be more intense than normal.
- Sleepiness: Many people experience drowsiness while taking Abilify. In some cases, this drowsiness can interfere with daily functioning.
- Blurred vision: Some people experience blurry vision while taking Abilify. In some cases, people have reported vision loss resulting in the need for corrective lenses.
- Constipation: Some people experience constipation while taking Abilify.
- Weight gain: It is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications, including Abilify, to cause weight gain.
Abilify and Weight Gain
As we’ve discussed, one of the side effects of Abilify is weight gain. But does this mean that Abilify causes weight gain? The short answer is:
Abilify does not cause weight gain. What Abilify does is create a metabolic state in the body where it is easier to gain weight. This is why Abilify is often prescribed alongside a lifestyle program that includes a healthy diet and exercise.
A healthy lifestyle can prevent or minimise the amount of weight gain someone experiences on Abilify. If you are taking a medication that causes you to gain weight, it is important to remember that it is not your fault. Abilify is not a magic weight gain pill and will not make you gain weight without a healthy diet and exercise. An active lifestyle can help offset any weight gain caused by Abilify and make it easier to maintain a healthy weight once the medication is stopped.
Compulsive Eating Behaviour with Abilify
Abilify has been linked to compulsive eating habits in some users. Compulsive eating is a pattern of unhealthy eating that is difficult to control. While compulsive eating is a common problem that affects many people, it is often associated with eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. Some research suggests that atypical antipsychotics, such as Abilify, may increase the risk of compulsive eating. If you are taking Abilify and experience compulsive eating behaviour, speak to your doctor. They will be able to suggest options for managing the symptoms and preventing the condition from getting worse.
Summing up: What is Abilify and What are its Side Effects?
Abilify is an antipsychotic medication that can be used to treat schizophrenia and acute bipolar depression. It belongs to a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics and works by blocking dopamine receptors. Abilify has a wide range of side effects, including nausea and vomiting, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, constipation, and weight gain. Some people experience compulsive eating behaviour while taking Abilify.