Open AccessAripiprazole: A Novel Atypical Antipsychotic Drug With a Uniquely Robust Pharmacology
Author(s) -
Davies Marilyn A,
Sheffler Douglas J.,
Roth Bryan L.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
cns drug reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1527-3458
pISSN - 1080-563X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2004.tb00030.x
Subject(s) - aripiprazole , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , antipsychotic , atypical antipsychotic , schizoaffective disorder , medicine , partial agonist , pharmacology , bipolar disorder , population , psychology , psychiatry , psychosis , mood , receptor , antagonist , environmental health
Aripiprazole (Abilify®) is an atypical antipsychotic drug that has been recently introduced for clinical use in the treatment of schizophrenia. Aripiprazole has a unique pharmacologic profile that includes partial agonism at several G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) [especially dopamine (D 2 ) and 5‐HT 1A ] and antagonistic action at others (especially 5‐HT 2A ). Clinical trials indicate that aripiprazole is effective in treating the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. In short‐term studies rapid onset of action (within one week) has been demonstrated. Preliminary data indicate that aripiprazole may also be effective in the treatment of manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. At recommended doses, aripiprazole appears to be safe and well tolerated in most adult patients with schizophrenia and Schizoaffective disorder. There is only limited information available on the use of aripiprazole in children and adolescents, and pilot data suggest that a revised dosing strategy, based on weight, is indicated in this population. In the long‐term studies, the use of aripiprazole was associated with continued efficacy, good compliance and increased time‐to‐relapse. Aripiprazole represents the first functionally selective atypical antipsychotic drug.