Accepted Answer

Hello mam,

There are certain advantages of using Aripiprazole when compared to other antipsychotics such as - -

It has been useful in cases which are not responding adequately to other antipsychotics specially in patients concerned about gaining weight.

It is less sedating when compared to other antipsycotics. If she is not able to concentrate becuase of carry over sedation due to Olanzapine, in this case this drug could be very useful.

The dose range of Aripiprazole is from 15 - 30 mg per day. For stable patients, usually the starting dose is 5 -10 mg per day and is increase gradually depending on the tolerability of patient.

Patient can be switched from other antipsychotic, Olanzapine in this case either by rapid switch or by cross titration. In cross titration, one medicine which is to be stopped is to be tapered slowly, while the dose of another medicine is gradually increased. (Cross titration depends on the tolerability of patients and is to be adjusted clinically)

One more option is to add a full clinically effective dose of aripiprazole to the current maintenance dose (10 mg of Olanzapine) for fewdays prior to slow down titration of the Olanzapine.

Please note that both of the above methods are to be done by a expert such as psychiatrist only and rate and timing depends on the tolerability as well as clinical stability of patients.

To find out more about this drug you can visit the link below.

Learn about ABILIFY


Regards

Please feel free to ask if you need clarification/more information. Kindly click the GREEN ACCEPT BUTTON if you are satisfied with the answer. POSITIVE FEEDBACK and BONUS are warmly appreciated.

Expert:	Dr Vikas
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:	340
Answered:	10/31/2009

Psychiatrist

MBBS ; M.D Psychiatry, MSc. Health Informatics