Can I Stop Abilify Cold Turkey? What You Need to Know

Abilify (aripiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is commonly prescribed to treat conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder depression, and Tourette’s syndrome. It works by adjusting the levels of certain natural substances in the brain like dopamine and serotonin.

While Abilify can be very effective in managing these conditions when taken as prescribed, some people consider stopping their medication abruptly, or “cold turkey” However, quitting Abilify cold turkey can have serious risks and side effects.

In this article, we’ll explore whether it is safe to stop taking Abilify without tapering, look at the potential withdrawal symptoms, and offer tips for discontinuing this medication safely under medical supervision

Is Quitting Abilify Cold Turkey Safe?

Abilify is not a medication that you want to quit suddenly without medical supervision. This drug affects important chemical messengers in the brain that regulate things like mood, cognition, impulse control, and motivation. When levels of these brain chemicals fluctuate rapidly, it can cause both psychological and physical symptoms.

Some key reasons not to stop Abilify cold turkey include:

• Withdrawal symptoms – Quitting Abilify abruptly often causes difficult withdrawal effects like nausea, vomiting, headaches, anxiety, agitation, insomnia and more. Withdrawing slowly under medical supervision can minimize these effects.

• Condition recurrence – For many people, abruptly stopping Abilify may lead their original mental health condition to return or worsen. Gradual tapering allows the brain to adjust and reduces the risk of relapse.

• Psychological risks – The sudden effects of withdrawal may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, self-harm urges, aggression, and other behavioral issues. Slow tapering is safer.

• Medical risks – Rapid changes in drug levels could trigger seizures, irregular heart rhythms, and other dangerous effects. Doctors can monitor withdrawal safety with tapering.

Overall, the consensus among medical experts is that quitting any psychiatric medication cold turkey, including Abilify, has the potential to do more harm than good. A slow taper schedule supervised by a doctor is the safest route.

What Are the Withdrawal Effects of Stopping Abilify?

Abilify withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person based on factors like dosage, length of treatment, and individual physiology. However, some common effects reported include:

Physical Symptoms

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle pain
• Tremors or shakiness
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Sensory issues like blurred vision

Psychological Symptoms

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Irritability and agitation
• Depressed mood
• Manic symptoms like racing thoughts
• Impulsive behavior
• Suicidal thoughts
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations (rarely)

The onset of withdrawal effects usually begins within 1-3 days after stopping Abilify. Some symptoms like fatigue and disturbed sleep can last for weeks. The more severe the withdrawal effects, the higher the risk of relapse, so having medical support is critical.

How Long Does Abilify Withdrawal Last?

There is no universal timeline for Abilify withdrawal. Some people may only have transient effects for a few days before returning to normal. For most, withdrawal symptoms tend to peak around 5-7 days after the last dose and improve within 1-3 weeks. But, others may continue experiencing effects like insomnia, depression, or anxiety for a month or longer after quitting.

The duration and severity of symptoms mainly depends on:

• The dosage being taken before discontinuation

• Length of time on Abilify therapy

• Rate of taper from the medication

• Individual factors like genetics, diet, stress level, and lifestyle

Withdrawing from Abilify too rapidly increases the risk of more intense, prolonged withdrawal effects. This is why following a gradual tapering schedule under a doctor’s care is essential for most people.

Tips for Safely Stopping Abilify

Quitting Abilify abruptly is not advised. But if you are considering discontinuing this medication under medical guidance, here are some tips for doing it as safely as possible:

• Consult your doctor – Do not attempt to stop Abilify on your own. Your prescriber can help create a customized tapering plan and provide medical supervision.

• Taper gradually – Slowly reducing your dosage over weeks or months gives your brain more time to adjust and minimizes withdrawal risks.

• Track your symptoms – Keep a log of any physical or emotional changes you experience so your doctor can adjust your taper schedule if needed.

• Allow time – It may take a month or longer to completely wean off Abilify for some people. Be patient during this transition.

• Try therapy – Counseling and behavioral techniques can help manage psychiatric symptoms during withdrawal.

• Get support – Enlist trusted friends and family to check on you during this process. A support system is vital.

• Avoid alcohol/drugs – These substances can interact with withdrawal and cause severe side effects.

• Stick to your taper plan – Suddenly increasing or decreasing doses can cause more symptoms. Follow medical advice.

With slow tapering under supervision, most people can successfully transition off of Abilify. But symptoms should never be ignored – communicate with your doctor if you have any problems.

What If I Already Stopped Abilify Cold Turkey?

Quitting Abilify abruptly without a doctor’s guidance is risky and not recommended. However, if you have already stopped cold turkey, take steps to get medical care right away:

• Look out for any severe withdrawal effects like suicidal thoughts, chest pain, seizures, fainting, etc and get emergency help if they occur.

• Contact your mental health providers and tell them you discontinued Abilify suddenly so they can advise you.

• Schedule an urgent appointment with the doctor who prescribed Abilify to discuss next steps.

• Ask about restarting Abilify at a low dose or transitioning to a different medication to stabilize your symptoms.

• Be completely honest about all symptoms you’re experiencing so your doctor can determine the best course of action.

• Consider an inpatient detox or psychiatric hospital program if your withdrawal effects are severe and you’re unable to taper safely at home.

While quitting Abilify without tapering is not advised initially, your doctors can still help guide you through withdrawal and minimize risks if you have already taken this step. Be open with them about what is happening so you can get back on track safely.

Warning Signs to Watch Out For

When withdrawing from any psychiatric drug, it’s crucial to monitor closely for any potentially serious symptoms and get emergency care if you have:

• Thoughts of hurting yourself or suicidal plans

• Seeing, hearing, or sensing things that aren’t real

• Extreme paranoia or losing touch with reality

• Uncontrollable manic symptoms like reckless behavior and hyperactivity

• Heart palpitations, chest pain, or trouble breathing

• New onset of seizures or convulsions

• Fainting or losing consciousness

Do not try to manage these worrisome symptoms at home. Call 911 or go to your nearest ER so doctors can provide urgent medical treatment and get you back to stability. With supportive care, even severe reactions are usually temporary.

Finding Help From Medical Professionals

If you or someone you know is considering stopping Abilify, it’s vital to work with knowledgeable medical and mental health professionals to do it as safely as possible. Sources of support include:

• Prescribing doctors – The psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, or physician who prescribed Abilify should guide any medication changes.

• Therapists – Counselors can help you manage stress and develop coping strategies during withdrawal.

• Pharmacists – Your local pharmacist can answer medication questions and ensure no harmful interactions.

• Rehab centers – Inpatient medical detox facilities specialize in drug and alcohol withdrawal treatment.

• Support groups – Connecting with peers who have been through psych drug withdrawal can provide mutual understanding and tips.

• Emergency care – ERs and urgent care clinics can treat severe or dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Having access to comprehensive medical, psychological, and peer support during Abilify discontinuation can truly make the process safer and increase the chances of long-term success. You do not have to do this alone.

The Takeaway – Stopping Abilify Cold Turkey Is Risky

While Abilify may need to be discontinued by some people for various reasons, quitting suddenly “cold turkey” without medical support has the potential to trigger difficult and even dangerous withdrawal effects.

To minimize risks, work closely with your mental health care team to gradually taper your dosage over weeks or months. Allow time for your body to adapt slowly while monitoring for any symptoms that require emergency care.

Withdrawing from Abilify under a doctor’s supervision provides the safest path to help ensure you avoid relapse and continue moving forward on your road to wellness. The risks of quitting abruptly simply outweigh any perceived benefits. Discuss all your options with trusted professionals to find the best individualized plan for