Course Summary

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic that is indicated for an array of psychiatric disease states. Being commonly known as a dopamine system stabilizer (DSS), aripiprazole is a first-line treatment option for adults diagnosed with schizophrenia, Bipolar I disorder, and major depressive disorder (MDD). Additionally, it may be utilized in children greater than six years of age with irritability associated with autism or tics secondary to Tourette’s syndrome. Aripiprazole is unique among atypical antipsychotics due to the characteristics discussed below. Evidence exists in the literature to suggest that aripiprazole has potential neuroprotective effects.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

1. Introduction
2. Pharmacological Profile
   • Mechanism of Action, Labeled and Off-label Use
   • Dosing
   • Long-Acting Injectable
   • US Boxed Warning, Contraindications, and Adverse Effects
3. Labeled Warnings and Precautions
4. Aripiprazole Treatment of Psychotic and Nonpsychotic Disorders
   • Schizophrenia
   • Bipolar I Disorder
   • Major Depressive Disorder
   • Autistic Disorder
   • Tourette Syndrome
   • Other Uses for Aripiprazole
5. Aripiprazole and Suicidal Ideation
6. Case Study: Aripiprazole and Dementia
7. Summary

Author

Richard Daniels, PharmD, BCPS

Richard “Cole” Daniels earned his Doctor of Pharmacy(PharmD) from the Skaggs School of Pharmacy at the University of Montana in 2018. Throughout pharmacy school he completed a 3-year internship at Community Medical Center in Missoula, Montana in which he gained valuable experience in an acute care setting. Cole currently serves as a psychiatric clinical staff pharmacist at the Montana State Hospital. He has over 11 years of pharmacy experience having worked in several settings including retail, acute care, and inpatient psychiatric care. Cole has a diverse set of interests. However, acute care medicine, infectious disease, pain management, and asthma/COPD are a primary focus of his at the Montana State Hospital. He obtained board certification as a certified pharmacotherapy specialist in the Spring of 2022.