A safety evaluation of aripiprazole in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Aripiprazole is a generally well-tolerated third-generation antipsychotic with low rates of motor side effects and metabolic adverse effects that occur commonly with several alternative antipsychotics. Akathisia and tremor appear to occur at higher rates with aripiprazole compared to placebo but are still generally uncommon with incidences of 10-11% or less. Uniquely, aripiprazole treatment is associated with reduced serum prolactin levels and QTc interval. A variety of LAI options with dosing intervals as infrequent as every 8 weeks provide a compelling reason to select aripiprazole in patients with limited oral treatment adherence.