Asked for Male | 55 Years
Should I Increase Aripiprazole Dose for Schizophrenia Symptoms?
Patient's Query
I’m writing regarding my father, [age 55 years], who has been showing schizophrenia-like symptoms for many years (around 10 years). His behaviour includes continuous talking, irritability, difficulty following instructions, and being argumentative or suspicious. He was previously on olanzapine, which used to make him very sleepy and inactive — he would mostly stay in bed all day. Because of that, we stopped olanzapine around 4 days ago and started aripiprazole 5 mg daily in the morning after breakfast. Since starting aripiprazole, he has become more awake and active, but now there is increased restlessness, excessive talking, and mild aggression. He doesn’t listen properly and gets stuck on small issues. His weight is around 90 kg, and I feel 5 mg may be too mild because his symptoms are severe and have been constant for years. I wanted to ask if it would be safe and appropriate to increase aripiprazole to 10 mg daily, or if you recommend any other adjustment or short-term calming medication during the transition. Please advise on the safest way forward — whether to raise the dose, continue 5 mg longer, or add any supportive medicine.
Answered by Dr. Gurneet Sawhney
The switch from olanzapine to aripiprazole seems to have helped with his alertness but brought about some restlessness and increased talking, which can be common when adjusting medications. Given his weight and the severity of his symptoms, increasing the aripiprazole to 10 mg could be an option. However, it's crucial to consult his neurologist before making any changes. They can assess his response to the current dose and guide you on the best way forward, whether it's adjusting the dosage or adding supportive medication temporarily. These adjustments often require close monitoring to ensure the best outcome for your father. Don't hesitate to reach out to his healthcare provider for guidance.

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