Answer/Reply:

I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia,Chronic Fatigue syndrome, and Major Depressive disorder. I take Wellbutrin, Adderall,Cymbalta,Lunesta,Xanax,and I just started taking Abilify. nothing seems to be helping,I'm still in alot of pain and I stay so tired that I can only do alittle bit and then I have to sit down and rest.I have a problem with my memory that seems like its getting worse. Can someone please help I'm so tired of being tired.I don't have any energy at all.Does anyone know what will help give me some energy?

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-24 00:58:42

Answer/Reply:

i would quit all of the above & just take lyrica. after you get past the first week or two of dopeyness/tiredness, you will feel better than you ever have in your life. like, no symptoms at all. You won't even know you're on meds. But if you miss a dose you'll know it...

30 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-29 22:31:27

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

You need to discuss your symptoms and frustrations with your physician. The combination of medications that you are taking can add to your tiredness and fatigue. Do not change anything without your physician's approval and knowledge. However, you could discuss having a trial off one specific medication at a time to see if any one medication is contributing to your symptoms more than the others.

Posted: 2009-09-30 20:38:05

Answer/Reply:

I am on alot of the same medications and was having the same problem with energy. My doctor added Provigil, which was intentional used for those who have narcolepsy (I believe) I found a whole one was too much for me, so I take half in the morning and it has made a huge difference. I have no more fatigue, and my energy has increased signigicantly.

47 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-24 10:11:58

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I too have experienced weight gain on Abilify, as well as constipation. My doctor is sold on this med, but I am not. I no longer take it and am currently trying to convince him to try something else for my bipolar.

49 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-28 10:01:16

Answer/Reply:

I love my combination of Cymbalta, Abilify, Klonopin, and a Stool Softener where the active ingredient is Peri Colace. I can also let you know that Pericolace it's brand form is around $18 over the counter for 120 caplets. Walmart carries the same thing through the brand name Equate (it is a solid red pill on the picture) for $2.18. I had tried everything for constipation and this seems to be considered very safe by doctors for long term use, works once in the morning and no side effects for the rest of the day.

47 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-24 10:20:53

Answer/Reply:

I too take Abilify but a lower dose (2 mg) for my depression. I find that it does not necessarily make me gain weight but instead makes it hard for me to take any weight off. The Abilify works extremely well but you may want to ask your doctor about Lamictal, which is a mood stabilizer. My doctor was considering putting me on it due to the side effects of Abilify.

24 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-08 10:48:50

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i was just put on celexa with ablify. i havent taken them together yet because i am still waiting for a reply from my insurance company to see if they cover it. i will update after i take them for a week or so. i just started the celexa today. are u on both? are they helping? i was just diagnosed with depression(pretty bad). thanks for any insight on wether they are going to work or not.

27 year old Female

Posted: 2009-10-27 14:14:15

Answer/Reply:

This is information directly from the manufactor site on Abilify:

"INDICATIONS: ABILIFY is indicated for:
Use as an add-on treatment to antidepressants for Major Depressive Disorder in adults
Treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder in adults and in pediatric patients 10 to 17 years of age
Treatment of Schizophrenia in adults and in adolescents 13 to 17 years of age"

http://www.abilify.com/

On the site you will find all kinds of information on the drug. I take Abilify and find it to be one of the better drugs for the problem I have. I wish you the best.

34 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-24 19:01:42

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My son is 7 and diagnosed bipolar. He has been taking Depakote for 4 years. He has been taking Abilify for a year. His doseage was recently increased from 1mg at bedtime to 1mg twice a day. It tends to sedate him at first, but that gets better, the longer he takes it. It also makes him hungry. He is eating constantly. That isn't a problem for him, because he is only in the 10th percentile for his weight. The only problem might be weight gain in a child who doesn't need to gain weight. Other than that, we haven't noticed any side effects and it works wonderfully to control his agitation and anger.

37 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-26 17:03:48

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I read insert and Abilify may intensify the suicide ideations in children and elderly. Also, I am personally finding out that Abilify affects the blood sugar and could cause Diabetes with prolonged use. Really consult your pediatrician before giving the psyche meds that may be prescribed by other doctors. Good luck. :)

35 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-27 15:44:02

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my daughter was placed on abilify 15 mg half a pill a night and she has shown signs of skin rash and body twitches and her behavior worsens and she becomes angry easier and some days she is fine.she also is going threw pubertity and started her period.is enough studies be done or are they experimenting with out full facts.

12 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-18 02:11:07

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

There are several side effects that have been reported by patients taking Abilify. Blurred vision is a relatively common side effect reported up to 5% of the time by patients. Less than 1% of patients experienced one of the following side effects: light sensitivity, swelling of the eyelid, double vision, flashing light spots. There are no documented accounts of glaucoma or increased eye pressure reported in the Abilify product labeling.

You should consult your doctor/ophthalmologist for further assessment of your eye condition.

Posted: 2009-07-09 15:20:01

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Approximately 1 in 6 iGuard patients have reported weight gain as a side effect of aripiprazole (Abilify). It is a very undesirable side effects for most patients. Weight gain is best managed through diet and regular exercise. You should not discontinue your Abilify until you have spoken to your doctor about your concerns.

Posted: 2009-07-02 22:23:01

Answer/Reply:

I have the same thing-Could someone tell me what Dysthmia is?

35 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-29 22:51:14

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Dysthymia is one of the two chief forms of clinical depression. It usually has fewer, less serious symptoms than major depression, but lasts longer. In some cases, dysthmia patients may also have a chronic physical illness or another psychiatric disorder.

You should discuss your concerns and or any questions with your doctor.

Posted: 2009-07-30 23:17:08

Answer/Reply:

I experienced significant agitation, anxiety, and restlessness on a mere 10 mg of Abilify. My doc called it AKATHISIA (among other things, wikipedia defines it as chemical torture). Halving the next dose (with my docs' approval) alleviated those side effects entirely and immediately.

58 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-11 16:49:12

Answer/Reply:

Did you notice any weight gain in the bump up of the dose?

48 year old female that has weight issue and can't stand the thought of any extra help...

Thanks

48 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-22 09:43:11

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Weight gain is a common side effect reported by other iGuard patients taking aripiprazole (Abilify)- about 15% of iGuard members taking report an increase in weight with this medicine.

Posted: 2009-09-23 10:49:51

Answer/Reply:

My 9 yo daughter is ODD, ADHD, and possibly bi-polar; I want to agree with someone else that mentioned the physical activity. I have my children in Tae Kwon Do and have found that to help immensely as well with the problems that we have with her at home. It has instill a lot of self confidence in her and runs some of the energy out of her as well. Her symptoms started at age 2 1/2, so I know what it is like having to deal with these behaviors for so long. It is tiring and heartbreaking. If you want to talk more, my email is angelarobbins@comcast.net.

My daughter is not on abilify, I am starting it as of today for myself. I am looking here to see how others have liked/disliked it and what the typical side effects are. Good luck to everyone and God Bless.

29 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-18 00:47:36

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DID YOU EVER TRY TAKING ABILIFY WITH FOOD? I TOOK IT ONCE WITH OUT FOOD AND FELT VERY SICK. I NOW KNOW TOTAKE IT WITH FOOD AND AM FINE. IT TOOK ALIITLE WHILE TO GET USED TO IT BECAUSE IWAS TIRED AT FIRST BUT THAT WENT AWAY FOR THE MOST PART. I DON'T RECCOMEND GEODON BECAUSE THAT KNOCKED ME ON MY BUTT BIG TIME!

39 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-11 22:39:31

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It is hard when everyone looks at your child like they are from out of space. I have two sons with ADHD and some times they act up in public.It is embarasssing but people don't understand what is going on in their little heads so they can't relate. I often find myself giving people the look like I wouldn't go there if I were you.I do agree with you that prayer is the answer but it is just so hard sometimes and i'm quite sure a lot of parents out there can relate to this.

8 year old Male

Posted: 2009-06-17 17:38:22

Answer/Reply:

It means you are a very special individual =)

I also am a 40yr old male with ADHD and bipolar.
Good luck to you and Keep on truckin!
Kim

40 year old Male

Posted: 2009-04-26 15:16:04

Answer/Reply:

I HOPE THIS HELPS. I HAVE BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISSORDER AND DISSASSOCIATIVE DISORDER (=THE LATTER WAS PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES), AS WELL AS BIPOLAR, AND A FEW OTHER THINGS.THE BEST WRITTEN DESCRIPTION I HAVE FOUND IN THE AOL WIKIPEDIA. WHEN I DECIDED TO BECOME INVOLVED WITH A MAN AGAIN AFTER 5 1/2 YRS I LOOKED UP THE DIAGNOSIS' THAT HAVE BEEN LAID IN MY LAP, PRINTED THEM UP (CRYING THE WHOLE TIME) AND HANDED HIM THE INFORMATION SO HE WOULD BE FOREWARNED. I THINK MY BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISSORDER FALLS IN WITH MY 'SCHIZO-EFFECTIVE DISSORDER. AGAIN TRY THE WIKIPEDIA IT WAS A WONDERFUL HELP TO US. AND THE BEST OF LUCK TO YOU AND YOURS.

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-04-29 03:27:15

Answer/Reply:

I am borderline and bi-polar too. It is a little less common in men, but I am one of them. The best description of the borderline condition is in Rachel Reiland's book: "I am not supposed to be here." The cognitive behavioral therapy developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan form the University of Washington, helps a lot with the anxiety and depression. The situation though is very individual. I found Abilify and lanictal very helpful. Many of the things you may be prone to do are not well understood or tolerated by society at large.
Randi Kreger has written a number of very helpful books too. Remeber the yellow poppy fields when you are spending to much time in Oz.

56 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-16 18:17:08

Answer/Reply:

I took Abilify and really liked its effects at first. I had so much more energy, and everything felt great. But after a few weeks, I started having trouble sitting still and my face would feel like it was stuck in certain expressions. My doctor said I had dyskinesia, which is a possible side effect of the drug. I stopped taking it and the symptoms went away, but the commercial warns that some of these effects have a risk of becoming permanent. I guess I was lucky since I went right back to normal. But I really missed the good feelings the Abilify gave me, so now I take one pill once or twice a week instead, and that seems to be working for me.

40 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-19 16:00:02

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sometimes this is normal, i had that at first too but it went away with in a weeks time, if it doesnt...go to the doc's!!

36 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-19 18:04:37

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I started it at night, and the following morning in the middle of church, I felt like I was in the middle of a heart attack or panic attack. Severe nausea, twitching, shaking, dizziness, hot flashes. It was terrifying, and I almost came off of the med thinking that they were going to be typical side effects. But I have been on the meds for 5 days now and have not had a similar experience, thank goodness!

29 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-25 19:26:27

Answer/Reply:

my son is also adhd,odd, and bi-polar he is now 13 and also on abilify.He is also doing almost perfect. please feel free to contact me(lharr72@yahoo.com). I may be able to offer suggestions that may help with your son. My sons diagnosis came when he was only 4yrs old.there is alot going on with these issues and i have LOTS of experience.

36 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-09 16:54:37

Answer/Reply:

I have an 8 yr old son that was diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, and Depression. He was put on Abilify in the begining and it got to where he was on 15mg and I didn't like it. I work in the medical field and I know the side effects. I changed doctors because this doctor didn't like the fact that I knew what I was talking about. I took him to another doctor and he was put on Vyvance. he is only on 50mg and we can already tell a dramatic difference. His teacher is impressed with the turn around he has done in the past 2 months. We still have problems with meltdowns about once a week, where as it was almost on a daily basis. He is almost a completely normal 8yr old.

26 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-19 16:47:23

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WOW... I know the feeling. My 11 year old son was diagnosed with several different things when he was younger, then finally by last June 2008, bipolar 2. Stay strong! Abilify has helped us more than you know. We went from one to several incidents a day, problems at school, suspension from school, hitting others, explosive behavior, no one wanted to be his friend, anger, anger anger. We are still adjusting dosage as he gets bigger. He has gained a lot of weight. Started on it weighed 90 pounds now up to 119! A lot to gain in a short period of time, but now he is watching better what he eats and he is on a soccer team. Abilify has helped him be able to be on a team... last June, no way could he have ever been able to participate on a team without hurting others or himself. Yes, there is a lot of side effects and the doc told me not to worry about it. I worry like all Mother's about everything! But, Abilify has given my 11 year son... quality of life... with weeekly therapy, meds and a lot of hard work, I feel confident that he will be ready for adulthood. Don't ever give up, I know some days are very hard and I get very frustrated as a parent as I am sure you have. Lots of love to the little one. A sense of humor helps! :>)

11 year old Male

Posted: 2009-03-22 12:38:29

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I was on Abilify for 4 days. My blood pressure went from 120/70 to 159/90. I could not sleep or eat. Did not go to the bathroom either. I told the doctor that I was very sesitive to medicenes. I have been on almost every anti-depressant there is. SO.....she put me on this. I thought at one time I was going to have a heart attack.

52 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-24 20:14:47

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I was getting nausea with the 10mg but dropped to 5mg and no more nausea, maybe dosage too high

43 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-05 11:28:41

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i do too so i cahnged it to right wheni go to bed i take it, try that out or eat a snack before bed, then tkae it too.

36 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-19 18:05:36

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I've been on Abilify for about three and a half weeks, and I have not slept more than four hours a night! So, you are not alone. However, it has greatly improved my mood. To counteract the trouble grasping thoughts you should always take a B-complex vitamin - no matter what medication you are on - but especially anti-depressants. Buy it from a health food store and not one of these vitamin stores that are on every corner as the vitamins from natural sources work better.

When I started taking Abilify I started going to sleep around 1-2 AM - which is what I have always done, however, surprisingly, I started to wake up at 6AM, then 5AM, then 4AM. I didn't know that this was a side effect of Abilify. However, I do not feel tired during the day, which is most puzzling. Please let me know if you feel fatigued during the day, or if I am alone in not feeling it.

Posted: 2009-02-19 23:08:04

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I take abilify and I was having the same problems until my doctor put me on cogentin.

Posted: 2009-02-22 00:57:15

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

ya me too...restlessness and sleeping 2-3 hrs then, maybe 2-3 hrs more, as if your sleeping in shifts. restlessness is the most annoying!

47 yr old male

Posted: 2009-02-23 11:34:31

Answer/Reply:

I only sleep 3/4 hrs a night since starting the Abilify. Doctor says it should get better and your body will rest when it needs it. Little uncomfortable if it happens to be in the middle of the work day!!! Hang in there and hope you feel better.

43 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-05 11:31:03

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Also having VERY bad nightmares that are very vivid. Hoping that will stop

43 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-05 11:32:08

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I have been taking abilify for over a year now and i am having difficulty with reading comprehension and reading all together. I wanted to go back to college but cant due to the side effects of the medication. The doctor/psychiatrist doesnt want to change because i am more balanced out with the meds i am on. Fortunately i am on disability otherwise i would not be able to hav a rof over my head. The only problem is I am only 38 going on 39 I dont want to be on disability the rest of my life.

39 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-05 17:05:29

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I understand your feelings as I am 43 years old, but it could be worse and it can get much better so keep hoping and keep trying.

Posted: 2009-03-12 11:26:55

Answer/Reply:

I am also on Abilify 10 mgs. You need an anti-side effect medication. First you might want to try Benedryl. DO NOT TAKE COGENTIN. I was on it and your fluid retention is very bad. What I am about to say is not weird, it's the truth. I was on the highest dose of it and every time I had to make a bowel movement it took me nearly 10 minutes to squeeze out a little ball of poop. What you need to do is to ask your psychiatrist to give you Artane. The max that you can take is 5mgs. 3 times a day. My psychiatrist will not go over that amount. That is the highest dose that you can get. Ask him/her to put you on it. It will help you out alot and there is no dependency on them at all.

41 year old Male

Posted: 2009-03-05 17:42:39

Answer/Reply:

My 12 year old son is taking Abilify 20mg. for over three years now ,and Zoloft .50mg and he is doing great. It was a time (in between) when the doctor tried to lower the dosage on Abilify to 15mg and even 10mg,( because of the weight gain),and prescribed him Serequel 100mg.
That did not work for him at all, and within a week I got him back on the meds he was on before. Also...keep in mind that it takes about a couple of week, for any medication like Abilify to get in to the system. In my son's case, it was actually the Serequel that didn't work well for him. You need to talk to your doctor. For my son Abilify works very well.I don't think is the Abilify that is affecting you.....I think is the Seroquel, the Trazodone, or whatever else you are taking.

I wish you well

41 year old Mom

42 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-05 18:57:00

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Now I know why I can't sleep......thank you

59 year old Female

Posted: 2009-03-06 04:35:45

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I have a 15 year old thats been on ABILIFY for about 2months now its how him wonders hes also on Adderall, Lexapro , Dextroamph ( which is an generic of Adderall ) the doctors gonna take him off of Lexapro soon because its working so well . I know what your going threw my son also has ADHD . Big problems in school they are specialized (teachers ) too deal with kids that have these problems. Good Luck Lori shine.65@hotmail.com From Ohio

15 year old Male

Posted: 2009-02-24 09:43:43

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I have a 12 yr. old daughter who has been taking abilify for 6 months now.It seems to help,although the doctor just increased it from 5 to 10mg.She also takes clonidine.She was on rispidol for 2 and half years and did great!She did gain some weight,but it wasnt much.However she have to quit taking it because she became insulin resistant and developed diabetes.That has now reversed itself.I am a mom of a bi-polar child who also suffers from it myself.I take zoloft,topamax and zanax.It seems to be working.I have done good for 3 years now.Like yourself,I am always educating myself and grasping any info available to me.I will definitley be getting the book you have read.God Bless you and your little one.I know all too well how trying your days can be.

Posted: 2009-02-25 12:49:54

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Hello,
My name is Rachelle. I am an ELL translator here in Indiana. I have 3 children. 1 boy, 11-diagnosed as bi-polar. My other 2 are girls, they are not diagnosed, they have had no problems with these issues. My son was born emergency c-section. He had the cord around his neck. We too have been taking abilify in the past. He took abilify for 3 years. He never actually got better. The aggression lightned up. The side effects were bad. We actually did not know they were side effects until the last month or so that he took it, because I stopped the meds, slowly of course. Now, after 3 months of no meds, the doctor tried Abilify again. Only 5 mg. My son began to get worse. During his med free time, he reported no psychosis, no muscle pains, had some aggression, but was able to deal with it without exploding, no stuttering, no trouble swallowing, began to lose weight that abilify made him game, and all around had a better sense of reasoning. After only 2 days of the abilify, all these symptoms returned. He was worse. The schol nurse even called and asked me why he was having so much trouble these two days. Before the Abilify, he was on Risperdal, since age 5. WHile on meds, he was always suicidal. The doctors have never tested him while he was med free. I am now looking into taking him to the mayo clinic. He has only had one neurological test in his whole life. My question to them; Could he have been misdiagnosed at age 5, or could it have been a stage he went through, like PTSD? Then, giving a child of this age these meds, could that have caused all the hallucinating and psychosis and mental confusion that he had for the last several years (that seems to have subsided in the past 3 med free months. )....or has he just matured to the point where the bi-polar now mimics more of a depression and he can keep his actions inside? I am a little confused, because the aggression is now worse with the Abilify. Anyone who wants to talk more, for support or comparison ideas, please email me at rachelleanddanilo@gmail.com.

Posted: 2009-02-28 08:03:05

Answer/Reply:

My step-daughter takes Abilify- the biggest concern- weight gain - BIG TIME. She went from being a little skinny thing to way overweight. She's 15 now, is 5' 4" and weighs 200#. Be very cautious about using this drug for ADD/ADHD.

54 year old Male

Posted: 2009-02-05 12:58:51

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I think Abilify works for ADHD because I have it and the medicine defiantly calms me. The only thing I don't like is that it calms me to much because I don't talk as much as I used to. But the benefit of being calmer outweighs the consequence of not talking as much as I used to.

Posted: 2009-02-18 19:24:19