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When taking aripiprazole, it is important to be aware of several safety and warning considerations to ensure its safe use. Below, you'll find key points that highlight potential risks and necessary precautions:

• Increased Risk for Older Adults with Dementia: Aripiprazole is not approved for treating dementia-related behavior issues. In individuals over 65 with dementia-related psychosis, there is a heightened risk of serious, potentially fatal side effects, including stroke, heart failure, and irregular heartbeat. Discuss alternative treatments with your healthcare provider.

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: This rare but life-threatening condition can occur with antipsychotic medications like aripiprazole. Symptoms include fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, confusion, and irregular heartbeat. Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms arise.

• Metabolic Changes: Use of aripiprazole may lead to high blood sugar, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, and weight gain, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Monitor these parameters and consult your healthcare provider for preventive strategies.

• Movement Disorders: Prolonged use can cause tardive dyskinesia, characterized by involuntary movements such as lip smacking and grimacing. This condition can become permanent if not addressed early. Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms develop.

• Blood Pressure and Fall Risk: Changes in blood pressure may occur, leading to dizziness and falls, especially when rising from sitting or lying positions. Exercise caution during the initial days of treatment and consult your provider if you experience falls.

• Infection Risk: Aripiprazole can lower white blood cell counts, increasing infection risk. Regular blood tests may be necessary to monitor your white blood cell levels. Report any signs of infection, such as fever or trouble breathing, to your provider promptly.

• Cognitive and Sedative Effects: The medication may cause drowsiness and impair concentration. This risk increases with concurrent use of other sedatives. Be cautious when engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving.

• Seizure Risk: Inform your provider if you have a history of seizures or conditions that predispose you to seizures, as aripiprazole may increase the likelihood of their occurrence.

• Impulse-Control Issues: Some individuals may experience impulsive behaviors like compulsive gambling or shopping. Your provider may adjust your dose or discontinue the medication if these issues occur.

Always discuss your medical history and any other medications you are taking with your healthcare provider to ensure aripiprazole is safe for your use. If you suspect an overdose or experience adverse effects, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

When taking this medication, you might experience some common side effects. These include dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, agitation, constipation, and trouble sleeping. Typically mild, these effects should be discussed with your healthcare provider if they persist or worsen. Instances of increased saliva, blurred vision, weight gain, and tiredness have also been reported, along with dry mouth and heartburn.

In certain cases, more serious side effects can occur, requiring prompt medical attention. These include fainting, significant mood changes such as increased anxiety or depression, uncontrollable muscle movements, tremors, and difficulty swallowing. Rarely, this medication can lead to neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), characterized by fever, muscle stiffness, severe tiredness, confusion, sweating, and irregular heartbeat. Impulse control issues such as gambling or binge eating, as well as seizures, stroke, and suicidal thoughts, are also serious concerns that necessitate immediate medical consultation.

Further, it's important to monitor for symptoms of high blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes, as this medication can potentially exacerbate the condition. Although rare, a very serious allergic reaction may occur, presenting with symptoms like rash, swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing. Immediate medical help is advised if such symptoms appear. Always keep in touch with your healthcare provider about any side effects you experience.