Can I take Abilify and Tobacco together?
Drug interaction guide
Originally published 14 Mar 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
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Smoking tobacco can lower the amount of Abilify (aripiprazole) in your blood, which may make the medicine less effective at managing your symptoms. Conversely, if you suddenly stop smoking, the levels of the medicine in your body could rise, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.
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Why this happens
Tobacco smoke contains chemicals (hydrocarbons) that speed up the liver enzymes responsible for breaking down Abilify. This causes the body to clear the medicine faster than usual. This effect is caused by the smoke itself, not the nicotine, so nicotine patches or gum do not have the same effect.
What you should do
Back to contentsYou should inform your doctor or pharmacist if you smoke or if you are planning to quit smoking. They may need to adjust your dose of Abilify to ensure it stays at the right level in your system. Do not make any sudden changes to your smoking habits without discussing it with your healthcare team first.
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Using other medicines
Back to contentsTaking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.
Disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.
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Article history
The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
14 Mar 2026 | Originally published
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