Can Fluoxetine And Abilify Be Taken Together?

Posted on Fri, 27 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 27 Jun 2014 Answered on

Thu, 17 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I take fluoxetine 3 tablets 60 mg. a day. Will that interact with abilify? Why is abilify so expensive? $839 which I can't afford, even if I was to take it. I also take clonazepam 0.5 mg. twice a day.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Serious drug interactions are possible

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that you have some very valid queries.

I should rightfully start by saying that the drug interaction result between fluoxetine and abilify (active ingredient aripiprazole) is placed in a serious category. This is because abilify can increase the effect or amount of fluoxetine in the body resulting in a very powerful fluoxetine effect which can bare potentially serious effects. I would strongly advice you to revisit your doctor and request a change in prescription.

As for the price of abilify (aripiprazole), this is a new anti-psychotic medication that helps effect the chemicals in the brain, it is not generic and has only metabolic side effects, hence the high price.

I hope you find my response both helpful and informative ma'am. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you.

Best wishes.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad