Abilify is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed for certain mood disorders. It contains the active drug aripiprazole. There are risks and benefits to taking Abilify during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Abilify. For a comprehensive look at Abilify, see this article.

If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Abilify is a safe choice for you.

It’s not known whether Abilify is safe to take during pregnancy. However, extrapyramidal symptoms or withdrawal symptoms can occur in newborns when antipsychotic medications, such as Abilify, are taken during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Examples of withdrawal symptoms can include:

Examples of extrapyramidal symptoms can include restlessness and involuntary muscle contractions.

It’s important to note that there are also risks to not treating schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, or major depressive disorder during pregnancy. Your doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of treatment options for your condition, including Abilify, if you’re pregnant or can become pregnant.

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor.

Pregnancy registry for Abilify

If you do use Abilify during pregnancy, there’s a pregnancy registry that you’re encouraged to join. A pregnancy registry collects information about any effects that a drug may have on pregnancy. The information is then studied to determine whether the drug is a safe option for use during pregnancy.

If you’d like to know more about this registry or want to enroll, visit the registry website or call 866-961-2388.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to consider how Abilify may affect you and your child.

It’s not known whether Abilify is safe to take while breastfeeding.

There are a few reports of decreased milk production in people taking Abilify who attempt to breastfeed. But there are also a few cases of galactorrhea (milky discharge from the nipple that’s unrelated to breastfeeding.) So Abilify’s effect on milk production isn’t fully understood.

In addition, there are a few cases of reported weight loss or difficulty gaining weight in infants exposed to breast milk from a person taking Abilify.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.