Aripiprazole and its adverse effects in the form of impulsive-compulsive behaviors: A systematic review of case reports

AbstractAripiprazole is an efficacious treatment for both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and is also commonly used as a mood stabilizer. It is associated with better tolerability compared with other antipsychotics. However, there are reports of patients who experience problem gambling, hypersexuality, obsessive –compulsive symptoms, and other impulsive and/or compulsive behaviors as a result of aripiprazole administration and/or dosage increase. We aimed to do a systematic review of case reports published in this regard. After screening more than 6000 titles and abstracts in ten scientific search engines , we found 35 related records comprising 59 cases. The majority of cases (n = 42, 71.18%) were male, the mean age was 33.83 years (± 13.40), and the average daily dose of aripiprazole was 11.63 mg (± 6.94). The results of our review showed that the most frequently published impulsivity a dverse effect of aripiprazole is gambling, followed by hypersexuality, obsessive–compulsive symptoms/disorder, problem eating, trichotillomania, problem shopping, and kleptomania. These symptoms were experienced both by patients who had previous problems in these areas and those who did not. In th e majority of cases, the symptoms appeared within 30 days after aripiprazole administration started and ceased within 30 days of its discontinuation and/or dose decrease. Clinicians should be aware of impulsivity adverse effects, monitor them, and educate both ...
Source: Psychopharmacology - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research