Arpizol 15 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET (10 TAB)

ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET, manufactured by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD., is an antipsychotic medication used to manage various mental health conditions.

• Name:

  • Common Name: Aripiprazole
  • Brand Name: ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET (Other brand names for Aripiprazole include Abilify, Aripiprex, Ariply, Abilify Maintena, and Aristada)

• Composition:

  • Active Ingredient: Aripiprazole 15 mg

• Uses: ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET is prescribed for the treatment of several psychiatric conditions by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin.

  • Schizophrenia: A mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disrupted thinking and behavior.
  • Mania and Bipolar Disorder: Used to treat manic episodes (periods of abnormally elevated mood) and to stabilize mood in bipolar disorders.
  • Major Depressive Disorder: Can be used as an add-on treatment alongside other antidepressant medications.
  • Irritability Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Helps manage symptoms such as aggression, temper tantrums, and mood changes in individuals with autism.
  • Tourette's Disorder: Addresses involuntary, repetitive movements or sounds (tics).

• Dosage and Administration:

  • ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET is typically taken orally, once daily, with or without food, preferably in the morning.
  • The dose and duration of treatment are determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual's medical condition.
  • For adults with schizophrenia, the usual starting dose is 10 to 15 mg once daily, with a typical maintenance dose of 15 mg once daily. The effective dose range is 10 to 30 mg/day, and the maximum daily dose should not exceed 30 mg. Dose adjustments, if needed, should occur at intervals of at least 2 weeks.
  • It is crucial not to stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting a doctor, as it may worsen symptoms or lead to withdrawal effects.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, dry mouth, akathisia (inability to stay still), anxiety, constipation, fatigue, headache, increased saliva production, indigestion, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), restlessness, sleepiness/drowsiness, tremors, dizziness, lightheadedness, weight gain, changes in appetite, and pain in the arms, legs, or joints.
  • Serious Side Effects: Can include orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing), increased blood sugar and cholesterol levels, prolonged and painful erection (priapism), impulse control disorders (e.g., increased sexual urges), difficulty breathing or swallowing, seizures, high fever, muscle stiffness (Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome), irregular heartbeat, severe confusion, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue, or other body parts (tardive dyskinesia). Immediate medical attention should be sought if serious side effects occur.

• Precautions:

  • Alcohol Consumption: Avoid alcohol while taking ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET, as it can increase drowsiness and other side effects.
  • Driving and Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness, sleepiness, or blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you understand how it affects you.
  • Medical History and Interactions: Inform your doctor about all current medications (prescription, over-the-counter, herbal supplements) and existing medical conditions, especially liver or kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, history of seizures, and cardiovascular disease.
  • Elderly Patients: Use with caution in elderly patients (above 65 years) due to an increased risk of adverse reactions such as dizziness and balance issues. ARPIZOL is not approved for the treatment of behavioral problems in older adults with dementia due to a heightened risk of death, stroke, or ministroke.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding, as ARPIZOL may be unsafe during these periods.
  • Blood Sugar and Cholesterol: This medication may increase blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Regular monitoring and a healthy lifestyle (diet and exercise) are recommended.
  • Overheating and Dehydration: Avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, stay hydrated, and wear appropriate clothing, as antipsychotics can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature.
  • Suicidal Tendencies: High-risk patients should be closely supervised for suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

• Storage:

  • Store ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET at room temperature, ideally between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
  • Keep it in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Do not freeze.
  • Keep out of the reach of children.
  • Do not use outdated medicine.

ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET contains Aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic medication. It is primarily used to treat various mental health conditions by balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain.

What is ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET used for?

ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 13 and older, and acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults and children aged 10 and older. It can also be used as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder in adults, and for irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder and Tourette's disorder in children aged 6 and older.

How does ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET work?

Aripiprazole, the active ingredient in ARPIZOL, works by affecting chemicals in the brain, specifically dopamine and serotonin. It acts as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, and as an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, helping to rebalance these neurotransmitters to improve mood, thinking, and behavior.

What is the usual dosage of ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET?

For adults, the usual starting dose for schizophrenia is 10 to 15 mg once daily, with a target dose of 10 to 15 mg per day, not exceeding 30 mg per day. For bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes), the recommended starting dose as monotherapy is 15 mg once daily. For adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder, the starting dose is typically 2 to 5 mg once daily, with a maximum of 15 mg per day. The doctor will adjust the dose based on the patient's response. Tablets can be taken with or without food.

What are the possible side effects of ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET?

Common side effects include headache, nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, feeling unsteady, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), increased saliva production, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and weight gain. More serious, but less common, side effects can include severe agitation, trouble controlling movements (tardive dyskinesia), high blood sugar, and a risk of unusual urges such as gambling or compulsive eating. It may also cause drowsiness, trouble with thinking, or trouble with controlling movements, which could lead to falls.

Is ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, ARPIZOL should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There is no good evidence that taking it in early pregnancy will affect the baby, but taking it in the weeks before birth may sometimes cause temporary withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. It's important to discuss treatment with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

For breastfeeding, aripiprazole passes into breast milk in small amounts. While most breastfed babies exposed to aripiprazole have no reported symptoms, it may reduce milk production. Monitoring the infant for unusual sleepiness, feeding problems, or lack of appropriate weight gain is recommended. An alternate drug may be preferred, especially for newborns or preterm infants.

Can ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

Aripiprazole can interact with many other medications. It should not be taken with certain medications like brexpiprazole, cisapride, or thioridazine. Medications that may increase the levels of aripiprazole, and thus the risk of side effects, include certain antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine) and antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, ketoconazole). Medications that may decrease its effectiveness include carbamazepine and rifampin. Taking it with CNS depressants or benzodiazepines can increase drowsiness and lower blood pressure. Always inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while taking ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET?

It is important for your doctor to check your progress regularly. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you, as it can cause drowsiness or dizziness. This medicine can affect your body's ability to cool down, so avoid overheating and stay hydrated. Report any unusual thoughts or behaviors, especially thoughts of suicide, or new compulsive urges (e.g., gambling, binge eating, shopping, sexual urges) to your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart problems, diabetes, seizures, or low white blood cell counts. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your condition.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of ARPIZOL, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses to make up for a forgotten one. If you miss two or more doses, contact your doctor for advice.

How should ARPIZOL 15 MG TABLET be stored?

Store ARPIZOL tablets in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep it out of the reach of children.