Liver problems<\/span><\/h3>\nThe body will need to work harder to process both aripiprazole and alcohol at the same time. If you already have liver problems, this will exacerbate the issue and have possible harmful side effects. \u201cAripiprazole isn\u2019t known to be very toxic to the liver,\u201d says Dr. Stacy. \u201cAlcohol is, though. Really, any psychiatric medication increases the burden to a liver that\u2019s already under stress.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nOther mental health prescriptions<\/span><\/h3>\nDr. Stacy says people with mood disorders and psychotic disorders are more likely to experience side effects from mixing Abilify with alcohol. \u201cThey can be more sensitive to changes in mood, cognition, and sedation. Alcohol can worsen all of those things,\u201d says Dr. Stacy. Also, people already taking antidepressants may not be able to take Abilify because of <\/span>how it interacts<\/span> with their other medications.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cIf you\u2019re taking other medications that also slow down your nervous system\u2014like sleep aids, opioids, or anti-anxiety meds\u2014the danger is even greater,\u201d says Dr. Morton. Speak with your healthcare provider for medical advice about other medications you are taking before starting Abilify.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHow long after taking aripiprazole can you drink alcohol?<\/span><\/h2>\n\u201cThis is where things get tricky,\u201d says Dr. Morton. \u201cAripiprazole stays in your system for a long time\u2014up to a week or more after just one dose. That means even a casual drink days later could still interact with the medication. To stay on the safe side, most experts recommend avoiding alcohol entirely while taking aripiprazole.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nHowever, if you are going to try having a drink or two while taking aripiprazole, there is not really a certain amount of time you need to wait. \u201cThere\u2019s no specific waiting period because aripiprazole stays in your system for days,\u201d notes Dr. Stacy. \u201cBut if you choose to drink, it\u2019s safest to wait until you\u2019re stable on your dose and know how the medication affects you.\u201d Regardless, Dr. Stacy advises drinking in moderation while taking aripiprazole.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cA single dose can linger in your body for one to two weeks,\u201d reiterates Dr. Morton. \u201cThat means your brain and liver are still dealing with the effects of the drug long after you\u2019ve taken it\u2014so mixing alcohol even days later can still pose risks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nThe half-life of aripiprazole is about 75 hours, so it would take about that long for the amount of aripiprazole in your system to be reduced by half. One dose of aripiprazole can stay in the body for as long as a week or more.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/b>How long does Abilify take to work?<\/b><\/p>\n
While taking aripiprazole, it\u2019s a good idea to avoid certain substances aside from alcohol. \u201cAlong with alcohol, it\u2019s smart to steer clear of other substances that can affect your brain, like cannabis, opioids, or certain sleeping pills,\u201d says Dr. Morton. \u201cBe careful when driving or using machinery, especially when you\u2019re still adjusting to the medication. Also, skip the grapefruit juice\u2014it can interfere with how your body processes aripiprazole.\u201d This is because <\/span>grapefruit<\/span> can make the body process aripiprazole more slowly, causing the drug to build up in the body at higher levels.<\/span><\/p>\nWhich antipsychotics are not affected by alcohol?<\/span><\/h2>\nThere are no antipsychotic drugs that are compatible with alcohol consumption, as the side effects of this class of medication are similar to those of alcohol, which means combining the two can amplify those side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWhile some antipsychotics cause less drowsiness than others, none are completely safe to mix with alcohol,\u201d cautions Dr. Morton. \u201cAripiprazole is actually one of the less sedating options, which is why it\u2019s sometimes used for people with a history of substance use. Still, even in those cases, the recommendation remains the same: it\u2019s best to avoid drinking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cI wouldn\u2019t recommend choosing a mental health medication based on your preferred drinking patterns,\u201d advises Dr. Stacy. \u201cRather, adjust your drinking to accommodate the medication regimen that best controls your mental health condition.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nThe bottom line<\/span><\/h2>\n\u201cIf you\u2019re taking aripiprazole\u2014or any antipsychotic\u2014it\u2019s safest to stay away from alcohol,\u201d says Dr. Morton. \u201cThe potential side effects and health risks just aren\u2019t worth it, especially if you have a history of mental health or substance use challenges. Staying sober while on these medications is the best way to protect your health and give the treatment a real chance to work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n \n \n
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