DISCLAIMER: iGuard is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. iGuard cannot and does not take into consideration every possible interaction or account for individual responses to medicine. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have before making any changes to your treatment. The use of the iGuard site and its content is at your own risk. The iGuard site and the information contained in it is intended for users in the United States and information in other countries may be different.
Global Patient Feedback for Abilify (Aripiprazole) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I am taking 2mg. of abilify. Once in a while can I have a glass of wine?
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-16 19:09:16
iGuard Answer/Reply:
The issue with drinking wine while taking Abilify is the potential for increased drowsiness and sedation. This is why it is not recommended. Alcohol should be avoided the whole time you are taking Abilify.
Posted: 2010-05-02 16:15:12
Member Answer/Reply:
I'm not sure what a doctor would say but I often drink glasses of wine (3 to 4 per week) and see no effect on the effectiveness of the Abilify. With that said, drink in moderation and not excess!
24 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-05-04 15:46:59
Member Answer/Reply:
Im on 40 mg of Abilify and drink about a 6 pack a day and it doesn't affect me. But the abilify works great. Other than I shake alot.....
33 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-06-08 15:49:43
Question/Comment:
My daughter has put on alot of weight over a hundred pounds, she,is on Abilify 15, and lexapro 30, she has had open heart surgery recently for a 2 and half blood clot which she survived, what can we do to help her be healthier and closer to a healthy weight. Are their any medications like these that don, put on weight, she eats so little, she's 21, and weighs 240 lbs and used to weigh alot less, her psyh is no help- even rude saying it can't be the meds it has to be her fault and very snotty about it. Help!
21 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-21 15:05:41
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Exercise will go a long way in helping your daughter lose weight and keep it off. Clear any exercise program with her cardiologist first. Also, she could ask for a referral to a dietician. Sometimes, it is hard to find the proper portion control and balance. Many psychiatric medications do cause weight gain, but these two actually do not cause it as dramatically as some others.
Posted: 2010-04-03 11:36:25
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Abilify for three months now and I've been feeling excellent. The first month had it's learning curve (my body getting used to the new medicine) but overall it wasn't bad except for a few joint pains and head spinning. But my mental states has improved 10 folds. I used to fight to do anything and even then often stopped before finishing now I have allot more energy and my quality of life has improved because of it. I'm even thinking of going back to the gym. I also have regained a sense of purpose, something that I had lost since the onset of the depression some ten years ago. No long lasting adverse effects except for maybe one. Has anyone else had breathing problems on this drug? I find it difficult to breathed at times since a little over a month ago and for the past two weeks it's been a daily thing.
48 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-10 13:15:16
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Abilify does not usually cause breathing issues. Perhaps there is another issue going on. Speak with your doctor, and he/she can perform a physical work-up.
Posted: 2010-02-14 11:12:00
Question/Comment:
I just started taking abilify a couple of days ago and a having trouble keeping it down. Within an hour of taking it I am nauseous and/or throwing up. Is this a side effect or an alergic reaction?
Thanks
Robin from GA
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-28 18:09:53
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of Abilify. These side effects may decrease as you keep taking the medication. Also, you can try to take the Abilify right before you go to bed as this may help decrease the amount of nausea you feel. If the nausea does not decrease or gets worse, call your physician.
Posted: 2010-02-01 22:57:30
Question/Comment:
i've been on abilify for about a year. I never had cholestrol problems before, but now i have high cholesterol. My doctor says its from the abilify and that they will have to watch it closely. Is this true? I did not read that as a side effect in the pamphlet i received. I've also gained about 30 lbs since august. Could this be from the Abilify?
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-25 11:34:26
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Increased cholesterol levels and weight gain have both been reported as side effects of Abilify. It is possible that the additional weight is also contributing to your high cholesterol. Please work closely with your doctor to monitor your cholesterol levels and to develop a plan to help stop the weight gain and possibly to begin losing some weight.
Posted: 2010-01-25 19:53:33
Member Answer/Reply:
Hello,
I've been on Abilify for a year and a half. My cholesterol is as low or lower than it's always been. I have also lost almost 50 pounds since then. I absolutely do not attribute these changes to the Abilify (which by the way worked incredibly well for the depression and to control mood swings), but I have not experienced either problem that you have from it. I had switched from Zyprexa to go on Abilify, and Zyprexa is a known weight-gainer, so I think the switch to Abilify is what helped with the weight loss, and I also think the cholesterol thing is because of the weight loss itself. Just my own experience here, but I am so glad I went on the Abilify.
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-11 11:10:11
Question/Comment:
Dear iguard,
Have religously taken the abilify for almost 2 monthes now and am very happy to report that all seems to be going well, no side effects whatsoever. Also, I am calmer and do not " blow my stack" at the least little provocation. At this point in time I would have to give abilify an grade mark of the letter A! Thanks so much iguard and all for being here and listening. Missy from GA
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-03 06:14:03
Question/Comment:
I was reading the comment about the lower to mid back pain and it's funny you mention that because I just recently started back on Abilify 10mg probably going to increase to 15mg, but anyway I tend to have a lot of lower back pain recently and can really explain why. I thought it was from sitting at the computer too much but really haven't been on the computer that much lately and still am having the discomfort. I think I will mention this to the Dr next week.....just found that to be interesting!! Thanks for the shared info!!
CDE
Scottsdale, AZ
34 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-11-26 00:45:14
Question/Comment:
Dear iGuard,
I wish I could say it has been awhile since you and I last emailed. Well, guesss what?? I have a foot that is fractured in two places! What happened was, as I told you, my Dr. took me from 5 mgs of abilify to 15 mgs of abilify in a little less than three weeks. About three eaery evenings ago I was resting in my bed---I got up rather quickly and fell--tripped over my purse and fractured my foot! I believe when you are on abilify and are getting used to the dosage do not make any sudden movements! If this is true thaen I learned the hard hard way, bye now missy from GA
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-11-21 17:58:36
Question/Comment:
i have been reading others comments and remembering the time my ex dr. wanted me to take the abilify. he said to take 15 mgs before bedtime. my new dr. wants me to take 10 mgs in the morning. when is abilify usually taken,i wonder. missy from GA
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-11-12 01:32:33
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Abilify can be taken in the evening or in the morning as long as it is taken at the same time each day. Your current doctor may have a reason for asking you to take it in the morning such as to avoid interfering with other medications or based on experience working with other patients. You should clarify the instructions with your current physician.
Posted: 2009-11-12 20:59:33
Question/Comment:
I am pi-polar 1 and i have alot of mania and get really angry really really easy and without any forethought. that is bad! my ex-dr. tried to get me to take abilify for yeas but i just kind of blew him off because he practically swore to me that there would be no involuntary facial tics-had that with navane and coginten, well,guess what,abilify can do that! i did not trust him after that and ran bi-polar for 3 years! finally had it and went to new dr. have seen her 3x -went from 5 to 10mgs abilify. iguess i will be okay but if face starts to twitch will be very unhappy. missy from GA
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-11-12 00:53:05
Member Answer/Reply:
sorry all! back again! this is missy from GA again. i also am cardiac--had a stent placed in my heart l;ast aug. not fun! well, just read recent alert on abilify----can maybe cause sudden cardiac arrest! now, ain't that just great! thimk i will run that stat by the good dr. next mon. and seee what she has to say. maybe this is why she see me about,oh,i don't know, once a week,maybe! someone please, if you can comment on this please do do. bye now, missy from GA
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-11-12 01:04:43
iGuard Answer/Reply:
The cardiovascular risk associated with Abilify is relatively low. However, it is a good idea for you to regularly evaluate how well Abilify is working for you and discuss the benefit versus risk in your specific case.
Posted: 2009-11-12 21:35:29
Member Answer/Reply:
Dear Iguard,
Today I spoke with my Dr. and she said the same thing amost that you all dis--relatively low risk. She also raised the dosage from 10 mgs to 15 mgs but, suuprisingly, I did not " blow my stack", so to speak. I almost hate to admit it but it seems to be working==I think. At least my anger lever and frustration lever have slowed down quite a pace. Plus, I let others finish their sentences! That is progress, for me,at least. before, I was rather a loose cannon. It did ,at times, get rather embarressing but I was too angry to see it. Thank you, IGuard for replying to my emails. God Bless Missy From GA
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-11-16 17:32:23
Member Answer/Reply:
Back again,iGuard,
Just also wanted to let you know that when today I brought up the heart failure risk with abilify,and she backed what you all said she gained my trust. Trust is so crucial in dr./pt. relationships! I she also onformed me that she woud be out of the office for a couple of weks but if I had an emergency go straight to the e.r. She has my mental/pshycical welfare balanced and that is a very good thing!
Bye now, Missy from GA
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-11-16 17:42:57
Question/Comment:
I have recently been put on Abilify. My GP put me on an antibiotic. My lower to mid back is really beginning to hurt. Has anyone else had this prob? Does anyone think it could be a reaction? Any clues or words of comfort, or even a "been thre done that" comment would be greatly apreciated. Abilify so DID NOT give me any sedation effect, or weight gain... lost 3 lbs in 5 days, and let me tell you, i been chowing down! don't know where to turn. Doc outta office for next 3 days. Please respond here or preferably to reg e-mail : tarvania@live.com
Thanks in advance for all ya'll's help,
Kimberlin
44 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-27 21:30:05
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Muscle stiffness, spasm and pain are reported side effects of Abilify. They are less common but they can occur. If there is no improvement, or gets worse, speak with your doctor about possibly decreasing your dose. Some antibiotics, like Cipro, can cause tendonitis, or sore and inflamed tendons. If you are having any joint or ankle pain, redness or swelling, follow up with your doctor as soon as possible.
Posted: 2009-09-30 10:16:37
Question/Comment:
my 11 year old daughter is autistic and currently on Abililfy 10mg for aggression. She was on resperdol, which she gained 65 lbs. in less that a year on. Weight is a problem for her, but we have been at least a steady weight on abilify for the past year. no weight loss but no weight gain. It has helped her aggression immensly!
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-26 15:49:16
Member Answer/Reply:
My son is also autistic, 11, and has been on 10mg Abilify since Feb 2010. He has shown marked improvement in his symptoms of the disorder. No weight gain apart from the normal growing of a little boy.
He has tried all the meds under the sun, I am pleased with the ones he is currently taking.
30 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-05-18 12:05:03
Question/Comment:
I don't beleive I need this medication. my doctor insists saying it is because I have bipolar disorder. even though I already take a mood stabilizer. I am currently trying to get pregnant and do not want to be on medications that I don't need.
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-22 12:00:04
Question/Comment:
i'm now taking 10mg of abilify daily & the only problem i have is restless legs. I would recommend this to others that have bipolar as long as they don't have a problem with weight. I personally haven't had this problem but i have read about many ppl that have. It really has helped me deal with my bipolar.
a 22 year old female
23 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-15 10:17:20
Question/Comment:
I am on 5mg Abilify, 20mg Prozac,150mg effexor, and .5mg klonepin 2x a day. I am gaining more weight, and still have no energy and insomnia bbaaadddd. can anyone suggest anything for energy?????
34 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-09 10:16:53
Member 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 – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-24 00:58:42
Member 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 – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-29 22:31:27
iGuard 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
Member 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 – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-24 10:11:58
Question/Comment:
I have serious depression issues and found that nothing works for me as well as Abilify. I take 30mg/day. However, I started gaining weight on it pretty badly.
Has anyone found anything or combination of drugs that work for them as well as Abilify for major depression?
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-26 05:44:35
Member Answer/Reply:
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.
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-28 10:01:16
Member 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 – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-24 10:20:53
Member 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 – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-08 10:48:50
Question/Comment:
Is anyone taking celexa with abilify?
56 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-20 15:21:27
Member Answer/Reply:
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.
28 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-10-27 14:14:15
Question/Comment:
i took lithium since 1992. recently it began causing neurological problems. my Dr. took me off Effexor and lithium and placed me on Abilify. It worked quickly and i havent been so clear and focused for years. Try it the clarity is worth the slight anxeity i feel as a side effect! Im a 41 yr old mother of 2 college daughters. they and my friends can't believe the difference it has made in 2 months time.
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-07 14:27:28
Question/Comment:
My 11 year old daughter was put on Abilify by the dr but the T>V ads say it's not approved for use in people under 18 ? Is there any problems that I should be aware of with this med .
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-07-28 22:03:56
Member 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.
35 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-24 19:01:42
Member Answer/Reply:
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.
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-26 17:03:48
Member Answer/Reply:
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 – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-08-27 15:44:02
Member Answer/Reply:
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 – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-18 02:11:07
Question/Comment:
My doctor put me on it as an alternative to Lyrica for my Fibromyalgia. IHe said that is considered a therapy for Fibroymyalgia fog and pain.
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-07-28 07:48:02
Question/Comment:
I have bi-polar disorder and have been taking 15 mgs. og Abilify daily.
I am quite satisfied with the results and have had no side effects.
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-07-12 12:50:21
Question/Comment:
I have open angle glaucoma - I was on Zyprexa and found that caused over 10 eye problems that can contribute to open angle glaucoma and cause eye pressure compared to Abilify that only has 5 eye problems that can cause eye pressure. Has anyone ever on Abilify ever been diagnosed with higher than usual eye pressure or extremly high eye pressure where they would then have glaucoma?
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-07-08 19:14:43
iGuard 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
Question/Comment:
I was on Abilify once before and was taken off of it for some reason (can't remember) I was recently put back on at 10 mg then lessened to 5mg. Both times I have experience signifigant weight gain. I am already overweight and can't stand the thought of being any heavier. Is there any way to avoid gaining any more weight. Is there something else I could be on that works as well. It does seem to be doing a good job at controlling my bi-polar and depression, but I am afraid if I gain more weight I will be even more depressed. Any suggestions?
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-07-02 16:15:05
iGuard 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
Question/Comment:
I have Dysthmia (sp?) disorder and have had major episodes of depression. I was on Abilify for a short period of time. I experienced blurred vision, slurred speech, slow muscle movements, and drowsiness. I hated it.
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-24 18:11:15
Member Answer/Reply:
I have the same thing-Could someone tell me what Dysthmia is?
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-07-29 22:51:14
iGuard 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
Question/Comment:
After a short stay in the hospital, my psychiatrist, added Abilify to be taken in addition to my antidepressant, Celexa. It has helped lift the depression, but I am experiencing anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia (even after taking Lunesta), I have been taking it for 5 days....I am enjoying the increased energy, but not the side effects I have mentioned. What can be done to lessen those side effects?
65 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-24 09:07:48
Member 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 – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-11 16:49:12
Member 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 – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-22 09:43:11
iGuard 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
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard user may post questions and reply.