Abilify blocking effect

Being a tragedy for a patient and his family, schizophrenia represents a serious mental illness. Prevalence of schizophrenia in population is about 1%. In most cases, the disease leads to loss of earning capacity.

Despite the fact physiopathology of schizophrenia is not yet fully clear, dopamine hypothesis showed great influence on development of antipsychotic therapy. This hypothesis suggests an ability of such antipsychotic drugs as Abilify to block dopamine receptors in vivo and in vitro. Besides, clinical efficacy of antipsychotics is correlated with their ability to block dopamine D2-receptors.

Considered as the first drugs to treat psychosis, "typical" antipsychotics served a breakthrough in treating positive symptoms of schizophrenia. However, the therapy failed to completely fight negative symptoms. Application of new drugs causes a number of side effects, such as weight gain and drowsiness. This leads to reduced compliance and increases the risk of relapse. Thus, the need for neuroleptic with better tolerability profile remains urgent.

Abilify (Aripiprazole) appeared in the U.S. in late 2002. In terms of side effects of new generation antipsychotics, the drug provides new opportunities. Evaluation of its effectiveness requires further comparative studies. Information on Abilify administration is described in a package insert, as well as updated guidelines (issued after November 2002) for treatment of mental disorders.

Unique mechanism of action provides the drug’s effectiveness on productive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. This happens due to a stabilizing effect on dopamine system and serotonin receptors. Abilify causes no side effects like sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms and hyperprolactinemia. Medical research authors note clinical improvement of symptoms in all patients.

Aripiprazole proves being highly effective both in acute schizophrenia and long-term maintenance therapy. The drug is well tolerated. Due to pharmacokinetic characteristics (average half-washout period is about 75 hours), Abilify can be taken once a day, regardless of meal. Pharmacokinetics is not affected by a patient’s age, gender or comorbidities. However, elderly patients are to begin treatment with a minimum starting dose.

Application of Abilify promotes successful treatment of patients with schizophrenia, both in acute conditions and maintenance therapy. Thanks to a beneficial balance of high efficacy and good tolerability, Abilify may improve patient’s compliance and ultimately reduce frequency of exacerbations.