Dose Escalation of Aripiprazole in Inpatient Settings

Safety and Efficacy

• The American College of Emergency Physicians notes that akathisia, a common dose-limiting side effect of aripiprazole, can be managed with beta-blockers or benzodiazepines, rather than immediately reducing the dose, in patients experiencing this side effect after dose increase 1
• The American Diabetes Association and other relevant guideline societies imply that baseline BMI, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipids should be obtained for patients starting aripiprazole, with follow-up at 3 months, due to the drug's minimal propensity for weight gain and metabolic disruption 2