Abilify Maintena (aripiprazole) dosing schedule and details

Medical News Today

07-07-2025

The dosage of Abilify Maintena (aripiprazole) for schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder is typically 400 milligrams (mg) once per month. Your dosing schedule may vary based on factors that include your symptoms and other medications you may be taking. It is important to take the Abilify Maintena dosage your doctor prescribes.Abilify Maintena is a prescription drug used in adults to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. The drug comes as a long-acting intramuscular injection administered by a healthcare professional.The active ingredient in Abilify Maintena is aripiprazole. Abilify Maintena belongs to a group of drugs called antipsychotics.This article describes the dosages of Abilify Maintena, as well as its strengths and how it is given.»Read this in-depth overview for more details about Abilify Maintena.Overview of Abilify Maintena dosage Abilify Maintena is a long-acting injection that contains the active drug aripiprazole. If you have not taken Abilify or aripiprazole before, your doctor will likely have you take an equivalent oral dose of the drug for 2 weeks before starting Abilify Maintena. This is to check how well your body tolerates aripiprazole before you receive the long-acting injection.The following information describes dosages commonly used or recommended for Abilify Maintena. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those mentioned here.Keep reading for more dosage details.Abilify Maintena formsAbilify Maintena is available as a powder in single-use syringes and vials. A healthcare professional will mix the powder with sterile water for injection to make an extended-release suspension. They will administer this by intramuscular injection (an injection into a muscle). Extended-release means the medication is released slowly into your bloodstream over time. After you receive an injection of Abilify Maintena, the medication is released into your bloodstream slowly over 1 month.Abilify Maintena strengthsAbilify Maintena comes in two strengths: 300 mg and 400 mg.Dosage of Abilify Maintena for schizophrenia and bipolar I disorderAbilify Maintena is approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in adults. The typical dosage for these conditions is one injection of 400 mg given once per month.Your doctor will typically switch you to Abilify Maintena from your current oral antipsychotic medication. (This may be an oral form of Abilify or aripiprazole or a different oral antipsychotic.) The recommended dosage of Abilify Maintena is the same regardless of what dose of oral antipsychotic you are currently taking.After your first injection of Abilify Maintena, it can take 2 weeks for the medication to reach an effective level in your body. To make sure your condition is well-managed during this time, you should continue taking your current oral antipsychotic for 2 weeks after your first injection of Abilify Maintena.Always follow your prescribing doctor's instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from taking your medication.Factors affecting dosageIn some cases, your doctor may prescribe a different dosage of Abilify Maintena. For example, they may prescribe a lower dosage if you:have bothersome side effects with Abilify Maintenahave a genetic factor that affects how well your body can break down Abilify Maintenatake certain other medications that affect how well your body breaks down Abilify MaintenaYour doctor will prescribe the dosage that's right for you.How Abilify Maintena is givenAbilify Maintena is administered by a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional. You will typically receive Abilify Maintena in a clinical setting, such as your doctor's office, clinic, or pharmacy. A healthcare professional will administer Abilify Maintena by intramuscular injection into the muscle in your upper arm or buttock. They'll usually give your injection in alternate arms or buttocks each time you receive a dose. This helps prevent injection site reactions that can occur if you have the injection in the same place each time.Abilify Maintena is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it's safe and effective for your condition, you'll likely take it long term.If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of Abilify Maintena, call your doctor's office right away to reschedule.Common questions about Abilify Maintena dosageBelow are answers to some commonly asked questions about Abilify Maintena's dosage.What is considered a high dose of Abilify Maintena?The usual dose of Abilify Maintena is 400 mg given once per month. Higher doses than this are not recommended.Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of Abilify Maintena in certain situations, for example, if you take certain other medications. For more information, see the 'Factors affecting dosage' section.How many mL is a 400-mg injection of Abilify Maintena?To give a 400-mg dose of Abilify Maintena, your healthcare professional will inject 2 milliliters (mL) of the prepared drug.If you have other questions about the dose of Abilify Maintena you are prescribed, talk with your doctor.Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.