Q: My 23 years old brother is suffering from schizophrenia. I consulted a psychologist in my city. He prescribed Aripirazole, which is commonly used anti-psychotic. But I found the drug to be very risky from internet sources. So, I don’t want to give this drug to my brother anymore. What are the side effects of Aripirazole?

A:It is safer to taper the dose over a week or so before discontinuation. Curiously, aripirazole which is supposed to treat schizophrenia can lead to schizophrenia! Other side effects include: Clinical worsening and suicide risk. Headache, anxiety, insomnia, g-i upset, somnolence, lightheadedness, restlessness, dizziness, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, blurred vision, tremor, fatigue, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (serious side effect), weight gain. Diabetes, in some cases extreme and associated with coma or death. Increased risk including fatalities of stroke. Involuntary spasm of neck and other muscles. Throat (Oropharyngeal) spasm, fits, jaundice. Excessive salivary hypersecretion. Leukopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis. Increased risk of venous thrombo-embolic (clotting) events.