Last reviewed · How we verify
Aripiprazole or other oral antipsychotics
Aripiprazole is a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors that modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission to treat psychotic and mood disorders.
Aripiprazole is a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors that modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission to treat psychotic and mood disorders. Used for Schizophrenia, Bipolar I disorder (acute manic or mixed episodes), Major depressive disorder (adjunctive treatment).
At a glance
| Generic name | Aripiprazole or other oral antipsychotics |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. |
| Drug class | Atypical antipsychotic |
| Target | Dopamine D2 receptor (partial agonist); Serotonin 5-HT1A receptor (agonist) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Aripiprazole acts as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, which distinguishes it from typical antipsychotics that are full antagonists. This partial agonism allows it to reduce dopamine signaling when it is excessive (in psychosis) while maintaining baseline dopaminergic tone. Additionally, it has agonist activity at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, contributing to its efficacy in treating both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions.
Approved indications
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar I disorder (acute manic or mixed episodes)
- Major depressive disorder (adjunctive treatment)
- Autism spectrum disorder (irritability)
- Tourette's disorder
Common side effects
- Akathisia
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Weight gain
- Tremor
- Sedation
Key clinical trials
- Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial for Bipolar Depression (PHASE4)
- Maternal And Infant Antipsychotic Study
- VA Aripiprazole vs Esketamine for Treatment Resistant Depression (PHASE4)
- A Trial to Measure the Difference in All-cause Hospitalizations for Participants Who Are Using Abilify MyCite Versus Virtual Matched Controls in Adults With Schizophrenia, Bipolar 1 Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder (PHASE4)
- Risperdal Consta for Bipolar Disorder (PHASE3)
- A Phase 4 Study to Assess the Effects of Aripiprazole Versus Other Atypical Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Schizophrenic Patients With Metabolic Syndrome (PHASE4)
- Switching to Iloperidone From Other Antipsychotics in Schizophrenia (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: