Abilify (Aripiprazole) Withdrawal
Compiled from cited sources · not yet medically reviewedUpdated 3 sources
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For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before stopping or changing any medication. Medical disclaimer
⚠ Medical warning
Don’t stop this medicine suddenly or change your dose without talking to your prescriber. The main risk of stopping is the condition it treats coming back, sometimes quickly. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 now.
Quick answer
The NHS says aripiprazole (Abilify) is not addictive, but if you stop too quickly, your symptoms may come back. If your doctor decides you should stop, the dose may be reduced slowly over a few days. We couldn’t find a specific withdrawal syndrome described in the FDA label, so evidence on adult withdrawal symptoms is limited.
Abilify withdrawal timeline at a glance
| Phase | When | What you may feel | Severity | Red flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| After stopping | Days to weeks (not well studied) | Possible return of the condition it treats; Some people report sleep or mood changes | Moderate | Return of mania, psychosis or severe depression; Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 now |
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Symptoms, phase by phase
The NHS says aripiprazole isn’t addictive and that stopping too quickly may let your symptoms come back. It advises talking to your doctor if you have any problems while reducing. Evidence on specific withdrawal symptoms in adults is limited, so we haven’t listed symptom timings.
After stopping: Days to weeks (not well studied)
- Possible return of the condition it treats
- Some people report sleep or mood changes
What makes withdrawal longer or shorter
- Why you take it. Relapse risk depends on the condition being treated.
- Speed of stopping. The NHS says your doctor will help you come off gradually.
When to see a doctor or get help now
- Before stopping.
- Call or text 988 for thoughts of suicide.
- Signs of your condition returning: contact your care team.
Not sure where to start? Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357, 24/7. See Get Help.
Tapering
The NHS says your doctor may reduce the dose slowly over a few days. We don’t publish dose-by-dose schedules. Your prescriber should set your plan, and adjust it if symptoms appear.
Tips for getting through it
- Agree on relapse warning signs
- Keep regular appointments
- Keep a mood diary
Frequently asked questions
Is Abilify addictive?
The NHS says no.
What happens if I stop Abilify suddenly?
Your symptoms may come back. Talk to your doctor first.
Does Abilify have withdrawal symptoms?
Evidence is limited; the label doesn’t describe a specific syndrome.
Next steps
Talk to others going through it. Share your experience or ask questions on the Antidepressants & Other Prescriptions board in our community forum. Forum posts are personal experiences, not medical advice. Please read the community guidelines.
Related timelines
- Seroquel (Quetiapine) Withdrawal Timeline
- Zyprexa (Olanzapine) Withdrawal
- Lithium: What Happens When You Stop
Sources
- NHS: Aripiprazole
- FDA label: Abilify (aripiprazole) (DailyMed)
- NHS: How and when to take aripiprazole
Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Researched and written by Withdrawal Timelines from the cited sources. This article has not yet been reviewed by a medical professional. See How We Review and our Medical Disclaimer. This is general information, not medical advice.
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