What Anxiety Medications Are Compatible with Abilify?

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

While Abilify (aripiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic, research indicates it is often used as an adjunctive treatment to augment the effectiveness of other psychiatric medications, particularly for major depressive disorder with associated anxiety symptoms. For individuals managing anxiety, it is critical to understand what anxiety medications are compatible with Abilify to ensure safety and therapeutic effectiveness.

Quick Summary

Compatibility of anxiety medications with Abilify depends on the specific drug class. SSRIs, SNRIs, and Buspirone are common augmentation options, but dosage adjustments are often necessary. Benzodiazepine combinations carry a heightened risk of sedation and require close monitoring. Always consult a healthcare provider for a personalized plan.

Key Points

SSRIs and SNRIs are Common Augmentation Choices: Abilify is frequently combined with antidepressants like sertraline, escitalopram, and venlafaxine to treat anxiety symptoms associated with depression.
Certain SSRIs Require Dosage Adjustments: Fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) can increase Abilify levels, necessitating a lower Abilify dosage to manage side effects like akathisia.
Buspirone is a Safe Alternative to Benzodiazepines: The combination of Abilify and Buspirone (Buspar) is generally considered safe and effective, particularly for patients seeking non-addictive options, though additive sedation can occur.
Benzodiazepines Increase Sedation Risk Significantly: Combining Abilify with benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) or alprazolam (Xanax) heightens the risk of excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and low blood pressure.
Avoid Herbal Remedies Like St. John's Wort: Herbal supplements such as St. John's wort can interfere with Abilify's effectiveness and should be avoided.
Medical Supervision is Essential: All combination therapies with Abilify and anxiety medication must be initiated and monitored by a healthcare provider to manage interactions and side effects.

Understanding Abilify's Role in Anxiety Treatment

Abilify (aripiprazole) is not FDA-approved as a primary medication for anxiety disorders. However, it is frequently prescribed off-label as an augmenting agent, especially for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) when anxiety symptoms are also present and have not fully responded to an antidepressant alone. Its mechanism of action, involving partial modulation of dopamine and serotonin receptors, is thought to help stabilize mood and enhance the effects of other medications. Combining Abilify with other drugs requires careful consideration of potential interactions and side effects.

Compatible Anxiety Medications and Potential Interactions

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are a common class of antidepressants often used to treat anxiety disorders. Combining an SSRI with Abilify is a widely studied approach for treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Many SSRIs like sertraline and escitalopram are considered compatible, but require monitoring and potential dosage adjustments. Certain SSRIs can increase Abilify levels, potentially requiring dose adjustments to mitigate side effects like akathisia.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs are also used for anxiety, and adjunctive use with Abilify can improve symptoms and is generally well-tolerated, though it may increase the risk of fatigue and akathisia. Venlafaxine and duloxetine are examples used in combination with Abilify.

Buspirone (Buspar)

Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that can be combined with Abilify, offering a lower abuse potential alternative to benzodiazepines. Combining Buspirone with Abilify may increase the risk of sedation and dizziness.

Benzodiazepines

Combining benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam) with Abilify can significantly increase the risk of severe side effects such as excessive sedation, dizziness, low blood pressure, and impaired coordination. Close medical supervision is crucial.

Herbal Supplements and Other Interactions

St. John's wort can reduce Abilify's effectiveness and should be avoided. Cannabis and CBD products may also increase side effect risks.

Comparison of Compatible Anxiety Medication Classes


Medication Class	Primary Use with Abilify	Pros	Cons/Potential Interactions
SSRIs/SNRIs	Augmentation for treatment-resistant MDD and anxiety	Well-researched, can enhance efficacy of antidepressant	Dosage adjustments may be needed; increased risk of fatigue, akathisia
Buspirone	Augmentation for anxiety symptoms, alternative to benzodiazepines	Low abuse potential, minimal cognitive impairment	Additive sedation, dizziness, CNS depression
Benzodiazepines	Short-term management of severe anxiety/panic	Fast-acting anxiolytic effect	High risk of additive sedation, low blood pressure, and impaired coordination

Important Considerations for Combination Therapy

When combining Abilify with any anxiety medication, follow these practices: provide a full list of all substances to your doctor, start with low doses, report side effects like drowsiness or restlessness, avoid self-adjusting medication, and monitor effects on daily life.

Conclusion

Abilify can be safely combined with several anxiety medications under medical supervision, often as an augmentation strategy. Common compatible classes include SSRIs, SNRIs, and Buspirone. Benzodiazepines require significant caution due to increased sedation risks. Open communication with a healthcare provider is essential for managing potential interactions and side effects. For further information, {Link: NAMI https://www.nami.org/} is a resource.

Summary of Common Side Effects

Combining Abilify with anxiety medications may exacerbate common side effects including drowsiness, dizziness, akathisia, gastrointestinal issues, blurred vision, and weight gain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Abilify (aripiprazole) and Zoloft (sertraline) are commonly used together as an augmentation strategy for major depressive disorder with anxiety. However, you should be aware of side effects and be monitored by a doctor for potential issues like akathisia or irregular heart rhythm.

Taking Abilify and Xanax (alprazolam) together can significantly increase the risk of severe drowsiness, dizziness, impaired concentration, and low blood pressure. This combination should be used with caution and only under strict medical supervision.

Yes, Buspar (buspirone) can be combined with Abilify (aripiprazole). It is a recognized augmentation strategy, especially for those needing an alternative to benzodiazepines. Your doctor will monitor for increased sedation, dizziness, and other CNS side effects.

Yes, certain SSRIs, including Prozac (fluoxetine) and Paxil (paroxetine), can inhibit the enzyme that metabolizes Abilify, potentially increasing Abilify levels and the risk of side effects. Your doctor may need to adjust your Abilify dose.

Combining Abilify and Ativan (lorazepam) can lead to increased side effects such as drowsiness and low blood pressure due to the additive CNS depressant effects of both medications. Dosage adjustments and careful monitoring are necessary.

You should not take St. John's wort, a herbal supplement sometimes used for depression, as it can reduce the effectiveness of Abilify. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbal remedies with your prescription medications.

No, Abilify is not FDA-approved for the primary treatment of anxiety disorders, but it is often used off-label to augment other medications, such as SSRIs, to help manage anxiety symptoms associated with conditions like major depressive disorder.