Abilify (Aripiprazole) for Autism: Safe?

Autism News: Study Looks at Long-Term Side Effects of Abilify (Aripiprazole) in Autistic Children | Ultimate Autism Guide

Many children with autism take the medication Abilify (aripiprazole) to help control irritability and other symptoms associated with autism. Although prior research has shown that Abilify is generally effective for treating irritability, the drug lacked sufficient research focused on its long-term safety and tolerability. A recent 52-week clinical trial attempted to determine the long term side effects of aripiprazole. The findings were published in an article titled Safety and Tolerability of Aripiprazole for Irritability in Pediatric Patients with Autistic Disorder: a 52-Week, Open-Label, Multicenter Study.

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Abilify (Aripiprazole) for Autism?

Aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt) is an atypical antipsychotic and antidepressant used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and clinical depression. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for schizophrenia on November 15, 2002, for acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder on October 1, 2004, and as an adjunct for major depressive disorder on November 20, 2007.^[Wikipedia]

FDA OKs Abilify for autism-linked irritability

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved top-selling Abilify as a treatment for autism-related irritability in children from the ages of 6 to 17, drug maker Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. said Friday.

Bristol-Myers and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., based in Tokyo, are collaborators on the development and distribution of Abilify in the U.S. and Europe.

Abilify is Bristol-Myers' second-biggest revenue generator, with $2.2 billion in 2008 sales.

The FDA's latest approval allows the drug to be used to treat symptoms associated with autism such as aggression toward others, deliberate infliction of self-injury, tempter tantrums and moodiness.

The companies said in a statement that it was intended to be used as part of a more comprehensive treatment program that includes educational, psychological and social aspects.

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