Abilify Withdrawal: All You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

• Stopping Abilify abruptly can cause Abilify withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, nausea, anxiety, and insomnia.
• Symptoms often begin within the first week and may last several days to four weeks, depending on dosage and treatment duration.
• Gradual tapering under medical supervision is the safest way to reduce withdrawal symptoms and support recovery.

Abilify, also known as its generic aripiprazole, is an antipsychotic medication used to treat conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Coming off the medication may feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure what to expect with Abilify withdrawal. What are the withdrawal symptoms? How long do they last? How do you safely come off the medication to minimize the withdrawal side effects of Abilify? The guide below answers these questions and can help you feel more in control and better prepared as you come off the medication.

What is Abilify Withdrawal?

Abilify withdrawal is a process that can cause symptoms like nausea, dizziness, insomnia, and anxiety, especially if the medication is stopped too quickly. While not everyone experiences withdrawal the same way, understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and supported throughout the process.

Abilify works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain, which can help manage symptoms of conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. When you stop taking Abilify, your brain needs time to adjust to the absence of the medication and this adjustment period is what can lead to Abilify withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms can vary depending on factors like your dosage, how long you’ve been taking the medication, and your overall health.

Can Abilify be Stopped Cold Turkey?

No matter what type of psychiatrist prescribed medication you are on, it's never recommended that you stop cold turkey without consulting a medical professional first.

"It's not good practice to stop an antipsychotic medication like Abilify abruptly. When the decision is made to come off the medication, it needs to be in alignment with your healthcare provider working with you for the best outcome."

– Talkspace therapist Dr. Karmen Smith LCSW, DD

Depending on how long you've been taking the drug, your doctor will advise you on how best to wean off Abilify safely so you don't experience severe withdrawal symptoms, which are potentially dangerous if not appropriately managed under medical supervision.

What are Abilify Withdrawal Symptoms?

Some of the most common Abilify withdrawal symptoms people experience include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches. More severe Abilify side effects, like insomnia or agitation, have also been reported by some people who stopped using this medication abruptly without tapering down gradually under medical supervision.

Tardive dyskinesia, a disorder that causes muscle spasms and tremors, has also been noted by some after abruptly stopping this antipsychotic drug. These rare but dangerous symptoms could lead to further complications if left untreated, so it's vital to seek help from a healthcare professional immediately if you face withdrawal dyskinesia or any other unusual physical changes during the process of coming off Abilify.

It's also important to note that withdrawal-related concerns aren't limited to adults. According to the FDA prescribing information, babies in utero exposed to Abilify during the third trimester of pregnancy may experience extrapyramidal symptoms or withdrawal symptoms after birth. Reported symptoms include agitation, tremors, changes in muscle tone, sleepiness, breathing difficulties, and feeding problems. Some newborns recover within a few days, while others may require additional medical monitoring or hospitalization.

Common Abilify withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Anxiety: People who stop taking Abilify may experience anxiety or panic attacks due to the sudden absence of the drug in their system. To ease these symptoms, you may consider engaging in different types of therapy for anxiety.
• Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping and an inability to stay asleep throughout the night can both be symptoms of Abilify withdrawal.
• Depression: Many people report a decline in mental health and feeling depressed after stopping Abilify, which can lead to hopelessness, helplessness and even suicidal thoughts. If these symptoms persist, there are many resources online and from medical professionals that can help you learn how to manage depression.
• Nausea/vomiting: Some people may experience an adverse reaction like nausea or vomiting when withdrawing from Abilify, especially if they were on a high dose for an extended period.
• Headaches/migraine: Headaches are a common symptom associated with coming off this medication abruptly. They can range from mild discomfort to severe migraine that requires medical attention.

Other possible symptoms:

• Agitation/irritability: People taking Abilify for some time might feel agitated or irritable when it's no longer present in their system. This is due to Abilify's calming effect on the brain chemistry being removed suddenly. Abilify should be properly tapered down before discontinuing use altogether.
• Cognitive impairment: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and confusion are all possible cognitive impairments resulting from the abrupt cessation of Abilify.

How Long Does Abilify Withdrawal Last?

Research in Frontiers in Psychiatry shows that, generally speaking, withdrawal from antipsychotics like Abilify and Seroquel can start about 1 week after you stop taking them and will slowly wear off over the next 4 weeks. Some people, however, report feeling better within days. The duration and severity of withdrawal from Abilify or other antipsychotics can vary depending on individual factors such as age, weight/height ratio (BMI), overall health status, and more.

"There may be general guidelines for how long it takes to discontinue a medication, but in reality, we are individuals. Our bodies may react differently than other people. That's why a medical profession is also an art form. There's an art to talking to the client to discover if the psychotic symptoms are present as they are reducing the dosage. The client needs to feel comfortable and supported so they can be honest about thoughts and behaviors that may be revealed. If the psychosis is intensifying, it could be a sign they're moving too quickly."

– Talkspace therapist Dr. Karmen Smith LCSW, DD

Abilify withdrawal timeline

When coming off Abilify, following your doctor's instructions carefully is essential since everyone responds differently when stopping a medication. The timeline of withdrawal from psychiatric drugs depends on several factors, including:

• Length of time you've been taking Abilify
• Dosage you were taking
• Age
• Overall health

Initially, you may experience mild headaches and nausea. You may also experience more anxiety, agitation, restlessness, or insomnia within the first 1-2 weeks after stopping Abilify. You may also notice increased symptoms of depression or mood changes up to a few weeks after stopping Abilify.

How Can You Cope with Abilify Withdrawal?

If you have difficulty discontinuing your Abilify regimen, some steps can be taken to help manage the process. These might include:

• Getting adequate restful sleep each night
• Engaging in regular exercise to keep the mind active and release natural endorphins
• Eating healthy meals with nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables
• Avoiding sugary snacks
• Talking openly about what you're experiencing with friends and family members
• Seeking counseling services or therapy
• Talking openly to your doctor throughout the process

All these measures combined can make a significant difference in managing or avoiding withdrawal symptoms altogether.

How Do You Safely Taper Off Abilify?

The safest way to come off any prescription drug is by slowly tapering down the dose until you reach a point where you no longer need to take it. This means working closely with your doctor who prescribed the medicine to reduce the amount gradually based on your specific needs and situation.

Your healthcare provider will also consider other factors when creating a tapering plan. Certain medications can affect how your body processes Abilify, and some people naturally metabolize the medication differently. Because of this, dosage adjustments may be needed before or during tapering to help reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms and other side effects.

Supplementing the lifestyle modifications mentioned can be extremely beneficial here, helping you stay in a positive frame of mind while transitioning away from medications successfully without major issues arising.

"The best thing that a person can do if they want to reduce and eventually remove an antipsychotic medication is to become aware of their thoughts and behaviors. They need to share this information with their therapist and medical provider. The brain is adapting to the lower dosage and it's good to give it that time instead of rushing it."

– Talkspace therapist, Dr. Karmen Smith LCSW, DD

Why Choose Talkspace for Medication Support?

Be sure you take the time to understand the potential risks of coming off Abilify. While there are no guarantees that withdrawal symptoms can be avoided, talking with a licensed psychiatric provider will help you create an individualized plan for safely tapering off medications.

Talkspace connects you with licensed psychiatric providers who can guide you in managing Abilify online and help you with a medication stoppage or change process safely. They work with you to develop a personalized tapering schedule based on your specific needs and health history. If Abilify wasn't working for you, Talkspace psychiatric providers can also help you find an Abilify alternative best suited for your needs and preferences. With online access to care, you can get the support you need from anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the most common Abilify withdrawal symptoms?

The most common Abilify withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Many people also experience anxiety, insomnia, and mood changes when discontinuing Abilify. Symptom severity varies based on dosage, duration of use, and individual factors.

How long do Abilify withdrawal symptoms typically last?

Abilify withdrawal symptoms typically begin within the first week after stopping the medication and can last several days to four weeks. Some people feel better within days, while others experience symptoms for longer periods, depending on their individual circumstances.

Can Abilify withdrawal occur even after a gradual taper?

Yes, some people may still experience aripiprazole withdrawal symptoms even with gradual tapering, though symptoms are typically milder. The tapering process reduces the risk and severity of withdrawal, but it doesn't eliminate it completely for everyone.

What can help manage Abilify withdrawal symptoms?

Getting adequate sleep, regular exercise, eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated can help manage Abilify withdrawal symptoms. Talking openly with your doctor throughout the process and seeking therapy support are also beneficial for managing symptoms effectively.

When should I seek medical help for Abilify withdrawal?

You should contact your healthcare provider if withdrawal symptoms become severe, worsen over time, or interfere with your daily life. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or experience symptoms such as significant tremors, muscle spasms, breathing difficulties, or thoughts of self-harm, seek medical guidance.

Sources

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. ABILIFY® (aripiprazole) tablets; ABILIFY DISCMELT® (aripiprazole) orally disintegrating tablets; ABILIFY® (aripiprazole) oral solution; ABILIFY® (aripiprazole) injection, for intramuscular use only. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/021436s044s045,021713s035s036,021729s027s028,021866s029s030lbl.pdf. 2020 Feb. Accessed June 23, 2026.
2. Brandt L, Bschor T, Henssler J, et al. Antipsychotic withdrawal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2020;11. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.569912. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7552943/. Accessed February 9, 2023.

Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors; they are grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices. Articles are extensively reviewed by our team of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties) to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards.

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