Aripiprazole tolerability in the paediatric and adolescent population and its clinical implications

Objective.
This paper aims to present the adverse effects and tolerability of treatment with aripiprazole in the paediatric and adolescent population and to discuss their clinical implications in the analysed study group.

Research method.
An analysis of the tolerability of aripiprazole treatment and emerging side effects based on medical records of patients hospitalised in a psychiatric inpatient ward from 2023 to 2024.

Results.
Due to its broad range of indications and high efficacy, aripiprazole remains one of the most commonly used antipsychotic medications in the paediatric and adolescent population. Approximately 24% of patients treated with aripiprazole reported various adverse effects. In some cases, their severity necessitated treatment modification despite its effectiveness. However, a large proportion of these side effects were transient, allowing continued use of the medication.

Conclusions.
When initiating treatment with aripiprazole in patients during the developmental period, it is essential to consider the specificity of adverse effects reported in this age group. Additionally, caregivers and patients should always be informed about potential side effects and the importance of monitoring for emerging symptoms before starting treatment. The majority of side effects reported by children, adolescents, and their caregivers during treatment with aripiprazole are self-limiting and do not require changes to the treatment plan. However, in some cases, modifications or even a switch to an alternative medication may be necessary.