Aripiprazole (Abilify™) Overdose in a Child

Abstract

Aripiprazole, 7-{4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl] butyloxy}-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone, is an atypical antipsychotic medication inaugurating the newest class of atypical antipsychotics: the partial dopamine agonists. It has a particularly long half-life of elimination and variable metabolism secondary to genetic polymorphism. We report an unintentional overdose of 195 mg (17.1 mg/kg) of aripiprazole in a 2.5 year-old child. This patient exhibited CNS depression not requiring respiratory support and without significant cardiovascular effects. CNS effects persisted for almost 2 weeks postingestion.