Global Patient Feedback for Abilify (Aripiprazole) ( Post a comment )

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Question/Comment:

I've been on bupropion (200mg twice daily) for around a year after trying various other antidepressants to no avail. Around three months ago, I had been taking the bupropion together with Lexapro (10mg once daily). Because I'm still fairly depressed, my psychiatrist has prescribed Abilify (2mg daily, may increase to 4mg daily) to take with the bupropion. In addition, I also take generic adderall (20mg three times daily), alprazolam (0.25mg three times daily, as needed) and sonata (10mg at bedtime when needed).

With the Abilify, what reactions or side effects should I be concerned about? What is the possibility of weight gain? Since starting bupropion, it seems like I have been continuously gaining weight. I'm 5'8" pushing 190 lbs so I really, really don't want to gain any more. (Of course, I would like to stop crying all the time and in general feel somewhat normal).

33 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I've been on Abilify and I've gained weight also my cusin has been on adderall and has had a lot of sickness 37 year old female

Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

sorry, i meant 5mg at night.

28 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

I have a very important question. if anyone knows please let me know right away. okay, so the doctor put my 5 yr. old daughter on 1mg. of Abilify at night. thing is when i look it up for being used on 5 yr. olds, i cant find anything. all i can find is information on kids 10 and above. i just dont know how safe it really is to have her on this medication. anyone with any insight to this please let me know. i would greatly appreciate it.

28 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

My 5 year old is on 5mg at night and i cant find nothing either but she hasnt been as active on it and she is more depressed on it and has gained lots of weight while being on it.

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

my 3yrs10 months son is on 1mg of abilify. what are the dangers and is he too young fo this. worried about meds, on toddlers. His behavio has impoved dramatically in 4 days, but is it woth it?

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

Watch for Diabetic symptims, or blood sugar variations. My son Patrick is on Abilify for Autism Spectrim Disorder. At 15 mg he became listless, bloated and almost toxic. His teacher brought the little things to my attention, he just was not himself. He drank tons of water, urianed allot, and was not intrested in his usual activites. We adjusted his Rx by 5mg, and in 2 days we saw a total change.

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

here's the address for the package insert for Abilify. if any testing has been done on kids that young it would show up there.

http://packageinserts.bms.com/pi/pi_abilify.pdf

good luck

45 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

I am on Prozac & Abilify and started having swelling and pain in both legs, would either or both of these medications cause that?

48 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

I just started taking Abilify 2 months ago. I am on 15 mg for Bipolar, depression,ADD and OCD. I also take 30 mg. Lexapro and 30 mg.Addedrall. have been on almost the Bipolar and depression drugs out there. Abilify is by far the best. My only issue is dizziness a being light- headed. This mostly happens when I bend down and then stand up. Sometimes I feel like I might pass out. Anyone experience this?

44 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I take 15mg of Abilify for sleep. I have the lightheadedness if I bend over or turn too quickly. No other problems. I like the Abilify. Lauren

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

Yes - I came here to find out about side effects. I have only been on it for a week - am amazed by how much better I feel - but today I thought I was going to pass out a few times. It is a different feeling than I've felt before?

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

my husband had the same problem

Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

Has anyone out there had symptoms that might be described as bouncing or floating while standing.

All this in conjunction with Abilify 15mg/day. Also taking Topamax, Klonopin which may be culprits too.

61 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I too am on 15 mg Abilify and Topamax. I guess I never thought about it as bouncing or floating while standing, I just refered to it as a wierd sensation! At any rate you know the body is not being normal at the moment and my brain seems to feel like jello during that time. Most of the day seems normal but there are those moments throughout the day where you just kind of stand back and go whoa!

49 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

topamax did that to me I didn't like it. was in a study with that medication it also made my hair fall out. dreamer

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

hi.my name is jenny.my husband takes abilify.he told me one day that he had felt like he was kinda floating while he was standing up.i don't know if it was caused by the abilify or not,due to he is on alot of medication,and he is only 34yrs.old!i hope this info.helps.take care.

Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

I am worried about the side effects of Abilify and Zyprexa on seniors. Do any of you know if there are supplements that can replace these drugs to treat bipolar disorder. I am also on Wellbutrin and Depakote.

76 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

My son is on Adderall, Depakote, and Abilify... the abilify has not made him gain weight, if anything it was the Depakote that did it, and he lost weight over the summer due to being active and less eating. He is Bipolar and ADHD, and this seems to help a little, I think a slight increase could do a little better though.

36 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

Hi my name is Debbie and my little 10 year old almost died 3 weeks ago from Abilify, Srattera, martazapine. He was having seizures brought on by the meds, he also always had dialated pupils. He was getting nasty and out of control. He was rushed to the hospital for severe vomitting, weekness, seizure after seizure,and peeing all blood. Please read the overdose symptoms. The hospital has given me packets for all three medicines. I am now suing the doctor for telling us that the symptoms he was having were not from the meds.Please think and research your little mans meds. It could save his life. Thank you and God Bless.

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:


Holy cow lady... your child sounds SERIOUSLY OVERMEDICATED. Adderall, Depakote, and Abilify?! How old is this child?? If he is less than 13 years old, please contact me. Seriously. I have children with ADHD and who have been diagnozed with Biploar disorder. I have also struggled with behavior and attention problems for years. I fought the schools, doctors, the county government, and everyone else.

I have a great deal of insight I can share with you. Also, I've got years of experience and research to share. On top of that, I can tell you how we FINALLY discovered the real problem... and why you might want to rethink all the meds.

Write back on here and I will send you my email address. I will code it into the next response if I have to. I just want to know you're still out there and reading this before I post my email to this board.

Thanks... and good luck. Write back!

39 year old Male – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

My daughter is 8 and has been diagnosed with ADHD and beginning signs of bi-polar disorder (as I havent met a doctor yet that likes to diagnose Bi-polar this young) - She is on 2mg of Abilify - I would like to hear what you have to say.

9 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

My 8 year old has also been diagnosed with ADHD and signs of bipolar disorder, he is on 3mg of abilify and this has been the best year of his life. He finally has friends, learned to read and became a lovable and helpful child. I did nothing to treat ADHD, it seems to me that by helping his bipolar problem, everything fell into place. Good Luck!

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

i have a 16 year old son diagnosed at 8 as having early onset bipolar disorder, OCD, and Sensory Integration Dysfunction - all that to say, for half his life, he has been on meds...currently - Tripeptal, Adderall, Tenex, Abilify, AND Lexapro! I think he is way overmedicated and want to get him off the Abilify to start. We have had other doctors diagnose him with DID...Dissociative Identity Disorder...anyone familiar with that?

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

i woulld love to get yur email on these medicines my six year old has been put on abilfy and addreall and im scared of wheat it will do to her. she has been on this for 2 months and has gained 8 pounds. please help i would love your research
thankyou
abby
bengil30@gmail.com

7 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

My 10-year-old is on Triliptal, Abilify, and Zoloft. She has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder after seeing two psychiatrists, having a full four-hour psychological evaluation done, three months of intensive in-home therapy by three licensed, trained therapists, and much research by me (her bipolar mom). Her meds have lessened the explosive tantrums by about 75%, but she still has a very defiant attitude. I am in the process of reading books about childhood bipolar disorder and am amazed to see my child described in a lot of examples displayed in the books. The first book I read was "Bipolar Kids: Helping Your Child Find Calm in the Mood Storm" by Dr. Rosalie Greenberg. I cannot stress enough how great, enlightening, and informative this book is. It also taught me more about my own bipolar disorder. My next goal is to look for creative ways that will work to get her to listen to me and do what I ask her to do. I'd love to hear from other parents.

Shelly Faulk
safaulk@cox.net

39 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I am not the person who asked this question but I'd be very interested in you contacting me with any and all information on these meds. my stepson was on all kinds of meds and we have been able to get rid of all but abilify (5mg at night) he is now having horrible tremors in the facial area and always has congestion and stomach upset. send info to my email
a_cvits@yahoo.com

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:


Holy cow lady... your child sounds SERIOUSLY OVERMEDICATED. Adderall, Depakote, and Abilify?! How old is this child?? If he is less than 13 years old, please contact me. Seriously. I have children with ADHD and who have been diagnozed with Biploar disorder. I have also struggled with behavior and attention problems for years. I fought the schools, doctors, the county government, and everyone else.

I have a great deal of insight I can share with you. Also, I've got years of experience and research to share. On top of that, I can tell you how we FINALLY discovered the real problem... and why you might want to rethink all the meds.

Write back on here and I will send you my email address. I will code it into the next response if I have to. I just want to know you're still out there and reading this before I post my email to this board.

Thanks... and good luck. Write back!

Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

I just got a notice that my abilify and seroquel interact. how so and why? What do I do? I am also on Levothroid and Zonisamide. I take only 50 mgs of Seroquel and 30 mgs of Abilify. I take 50 mgs of Levothroid and 400 mgs, yes 400mgs, of Zonisamide. Personally all these drugs concern me and I would like to go off them. I am bipolar, PTSD, and have an eating disorder

27 year old Female – Source: iGuard

iGuard Answer/Reply:

Abilify and Seroquel have similar side effects which may be additive when you take them together. If you have any symptoms of blurred vision, confusions, hallucinations, drowsiness or unexplainable abdomen pain or fever, you should contact your doctor immediately as these may be signs of your doses being too high.

It's is really important that you talk to your doctor about your concerns about your medications. If you are experiencing side effects, your doctor may want to make adjustments to the doses of your medications and hopefully find the right combination with the most benefit and fewest side effects. Do not make any changes to your medications without first talking to your doctor - suddenly stopping certain medications can have serious side effects.

Member Answer/Reply:

i am currently on abilify lithium carbonate seroquel xanax ambien cr and are concerned with all of them would like to get off them . i have recently gained 40 pounds. I cannot lose the weight
althouth I eat approximately 1500 calories per day any advise?

Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

I take Abilify 10mg and Effexor 150 both in the morning. I am a bit sluggish but I was given Provigil 100mg to counteract the tired feeling. The Abilify has been a wonder drug for me - I don't feel as depressed, have more ambition to do things and generally a better outlook on life. The only bad thing about Abilify is WEIGHT GAIN and alot of it. I am not the only one who complains about this. Several of my friends also take this drug; one friend gained 40 unneeded pounds. Me personally I have gained over 15# and it is impossible to lose it. I have advanced osteoporosis so any additional weight on my 5' frame is painful. I have heard of another drug that is as good as Abilify and doesn't add weight. Unfortunately I cannot recall the name right now but will write back when I remember it. To me it is still the best depression med I have ever taken and I've been on them all. I am a 54 yr. old female suffering from chronic depression and osteoporosis. If I have to chose between my old life of depression and the new happier, fatter me then I still would choose Abilify.

55 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

Me again. The name of the drug I couldn't recall was GEODON. I hope that one won't make me gain more weight. I will post the results after being on it. (Hopefully overall good results along with weight loss).

THIS SITE IS A GODSEND FOR ANYONE TAKING PRESCRIPTION MEDS.

55 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

Hi guys! I've always been very weight-conscious. How much of a weight gain are we talking about? Does it evenyually subside? My doctor just prescribed it to me yesterday for depression/anxiety. It was my neurologist who did this -- I have severe migraines for about 15-16 years now. But here's where I'm confused --- I have been diagnosed w/ Major Depressive Disorder; I'm not bipolar. What is mania? LOL (in my case, manic episodes might be nice every now and then - LOL) Atleast I'd be happy, if only temporary?
Thanks in advance for any responses!
P.S. Supposedly, it's a low-dose but I want to know about it if it is before I go pick it up and have to pay for it.
:-)

42 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I take abilify 30mg and effexor 225mg and zyprexa 40mg and thorazine 100mg and tegretol 1600mg. I have a very low white cell count. I am 100lbs. overweight. I have tried going off and lowering dosage with help, nothing helps. My medical team seems to think the problem is my meds. I don't.









36 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:


Hey, Tegetrols big issue is that is can cause low white cell count. Which is why you are supposed to have bloodtests regularly. Can become a major problem is not dealt with.

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

Have you increased your eating or decreased your activity since starting Abilify? I just got on it and am afraid of the weight gain. I have bipolar, AD/HD, and an eating disorder. I take Seroquel 50 mg, Prozac 20 mg, Metadate 30 mg, Trileptal 600 (x2), Buspirone (Buspar) 15 mg (x2) and Abilify 10 mg.

43 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I have been on Abilify for a few weeks now, and if anything -- it has lessened my appetite. My psych. doc. referred to it as "weight neutral."

In your particular cocktail of meds, I'd be much more concerned about the Seroquel (big-time sweet tooth for those on it).

I've always weighed in at a healthy/athletic 140, and after years of depakote and seroquel, I topped off at 180. After quitting Seroquel (and replacing it with Klonopin) roughly 4 months ago, I weighed in yesterday at 159. :)

38 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I have just been prescribed abilify, for my depression and bipolar disorder, I have not started taking it becaues I am very concerned of any weight gain. I used to be on seriquel and gained 60 pounds, I weighed 165 when I stopped taking it now I'm down to 145 I'm 36yrs old and still trying to lose the weight. I've become very obessive about my weight so I really don't want to take abilify if there is weight gain. You said that you have been taking it and haven't noticed any weight gain? How many mg are you taking? Are you watching what you eat and doing any aerobic activity?

37 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I have had weight loss, but am exercising. I do get some anxiety symptoms. I am on Zanax and Cymbalta as well Only 2 mg of Abilify. My concern is side effects. Vision changes, needing bifocals sooner, arm quivering occasonally, and numbness i hands. Numbness nothing new. Had whole heart and everything screened in hospital 1 month ago. Also, forgetfulness and upset stomach.

Still feel worth it, ut not sure if these are serious.

Girls,

I have been on meds that made me gain weight, but happiness is more important. Iw as 103 when I got married and now 145. My husband loves me and is supportive and still calls me beautiful after 18 years! It's not all in the numbers.

Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

My mother has been on lithium since she was in her 20'S and now she is 51 and due to complications resulting in her kidney becUSE OF THE Li SHE HAD TO SWITCH TO ABLIFY AND IM REALLY SCARED CUZ SHE WALKS AROUND LIKE A ZOOMBIE AND SHES ALWAYS TIRED LIKE SHE DOES NOT SLEEP AT NIGH IS SHE APPROACHING ANOTHER EPISODE OR IS SHE JUST AJUSTING TO THE MEDICINE

19 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

I just started taking Abilify, 2 mg in the AM and 2 mg in the PM. However, despite what others say about sleepiness, it seems to wake me up, which as you can imagine make sleeping at night difficult. Has anyone else had this experience? I assume the answer is to stop taking the PM dose. Thanks

43 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I take 2.5 mg Abilify in the am. My experience has been very positive. It helps me think more clearly and reduces my anxiety. I think it helps me sleep better because it reduces my anxiety. It's expensive but it's worth it to me!

58 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

have the same problem

31 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

Abilify can make you either very sedated or speeded up.

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I take a 5mg dose of Aripiprazole day and night which totals to 10mg per day. Only been on them a week and feel as though i have alot of trouble sleeping, but when i am asleep i have the most bizzare dreams resulting in me waking up in hot sweats and feeling quite scared. I also seem to be really tired all the time and eating anything i can get my hands on. . . . .

Does anyone else suffer simular side effects?????

24 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

Yes, I suffer from insomnia while taking 2,5 mg Abilify. I fall asleep easily, but wake up 4 hours later, regular like a clockwork, and cannot fall asleep againl It's been 3 weeks now, and the said side-effect has not yet passed. But it works wonders on my depression, I feel much, much better than on any typical antidepressant which have been tried before.

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

Hello, I take 2mg in the morning of abilify, and 5mg at bedtime for bipolar. I too experience sleepless nights, figity. I am so glad to hear that I am not the only one. I am so afraid of weight gain, as I read from many others. I dont need that worry on my mind. Take care, and I hope you are resting better!

Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

My son takes 20mg of Abilify but not for depression but for aggression.He is also ADHD and takes 30mg of Adderall XR.He is 9 years old and has been taking Abilify for about 3 years now.Is this a good combination for him? I haven't really seen any side effects,but sometimes he does complain about his legs are hurting and being tired after taking his noon dosage.(he takes it twice a day half a pill in the am and half a pill at noon)

8 year old Male – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

Okay im no doctor but im 16 now
and i took adderal and the adderal is what made my aggresion worse
at like 630 everynight it would wear off i would lock myself in my room everynight and scream and punch things. until i changed my adderal to something else called concerta
which ive been on for about a year now they want to take me off of that to do abilify for my aggresion, depression and ADHD but im not like schizophrenic so im still not completely sure i should take abilify even though my pyschatrist recommended it.

17 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

My son is curently thirteen years old, he also suffers from night aggresion. He was on concerta for 3 yrs for his ADHD. Although around 4:00 pm he also would become very cranky, as the night would go on he would become violent as well. His doctor recently started him on abilify 10 mg to help his aggresion. They completly stopped the concerta altogether and put him on strattera 18mg .so far so good just helps him sleep better at night....ya!

* We tried Adderal XR years ago although it made him extremly aggresive.

Its intresting to hear that someone else deals with this as well. Thank you......

14 year old Male – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I thought the exact same thing as you about Abilify. But, I finally got past the stigma and went ahead and I gave my daughter the medication (5mg) that the doctor prescribed for her outbursts, etc. It's really an amazing change! She's been on it for a few years now and she says she can think more clearly and she's happier. The only drawback for her is the restlessness which is toned down with tenex; a heart medication sometimes used for adhd-impulsive types. Good luck with the meds. If it's no good, you don't have to stay with it.

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

It is not just for schizophrenia - my daughter takes it and it has been wonderful.

9 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

oh my god. You should be ashamed of yourself. Treating your nine year old son with such invasive medications. A little parenting can go a very long way. That poor child will grow up solving all of his ailments, mental or physical, with some sort of pill. Good work mom/dad.

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

9 years old?? jesus, do you really believe that just by putting these chemical agents into his mouth everything's gonna be alright? HE IS 9 YEARS OLD. god damn it. stop feeding him those drugs, his fragile and youthful body doesn't deserve it. If he starts those drugs now how do you think he's gonna feel when he grows up later in his life with or without those drugs?? will he feel empty? will he feel weird? those drugs change receptors in the brain binds artificial compounds.. sure they're helpful, but do you really wanna feed that unnatural stuff into 9 year old boy? please reconsider...

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

My son took Adderal from second grade through twelth grade. When he was nine years old he often complained of leg pain. This went on for several years. The pains were growing pains. He is fine now, but still has attention issues. Good luck with your son.......

Oh,and by the way, I take both Adderal and Abilify. They do wonders for me. I have been diagnosed with both depression and adult ADHD.

58 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

Please know more about Abilify. Are you sure that Abilify has been approved for minors. That is a very high dosage also. I have developed Tardive Dyskinesia from being Abilify. Please do more research. Behavior Modification is very important for our kids before putting them on strong medicationl.

Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

I take abilify 30 mg, seroqel 400mg and effexor 150mg what is the combined side effects and can it cause problems with my diabetes...





50 yr old male

51 year old Male – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

serquel puts people at a higher risk of developing diabetes so with you allready having diabetes i would talk to you doctors and make sure your diabetes is very closely monitored of see if there are other options for you than the use of serequel. good luck!

Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

I have fatigue real bad and i take 10mg of Abilify at night. would you suggest taking it in the morning instead? Do you think it might help keep me awake? By the way it has helped me alot. I tried 15mg but it made me get tremors real bad and dizzy spells.

29 year old female

53 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

My comment is I had taken seruquil(?) and Abilify together my doctor had diagnosed me as bipolar, which turned out at a later date, that I wasn't. But I had gained 35lbs in one month from taking that combonation. I was advised it wasnt the medication from that same dr who diagnosed me as bipolar. I am just very frustrated that those medications caused me so much embarressment.

32 years old female

33 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

i too was on serequel and gained weight which is common for that drug. id eat like about an hr after taking snacks. there are alot of drugs out there for bi polar so dont get too stressed out just be asertive in your care and be sure you research meds before taking them if at all possible lithium works for me just be sure if perscribed take as directed and go for a lithium blood level at least every three months and report any side effects promptly to your dr. remember that if you are not happy with your doctor it is your right to find another dr that you trust and that listens and responds to your concerns and there are support groups in most areas to help us cope with the trials of having a mental illness which i belive most have some form of to be able to cope in the world we live can be a great challenge take time to find things you enjoy each day! for tomorrow today will be a memory something we can say we endured and at times look back and laugh.

Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

My 18 year old daughter was prescribed 5mg Abilify per day without a diagnosis from any mental health care professional. I am very concerned about her well being and the long term effects this medication could have on her. Is there a connection with teen suicide rate and this type of medication? Please help me so I may help my daughter

Worried Mom

52 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

My 12 year old daughter is on Abilify 5mg and has been for about 4 years. She hasn't had any problems with depression from it. In fact, it has made her a lot happier, less anxious and less irritable overall.

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

who prescribed the medication and why? do your research!!!

Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

ABILIFY (aripiprazole)?
ABILIFY (aripiprazole)
what Side effects are their for a healthy 19 year old male

21 year old Male – Source: iGuard

iGuard Answer/Reply:

The best place to learn about reported side effects of your medication is from the US Prescribing Information (should be located as a link at the top right hand side box of all iGuard medication pages)... Look under the "ADVERSE EVENTS" section, it will list all the reported side effects, and the % of people that developed these side effects in clinical trials.

You can also log in to your iGuard profile and go to the Abilify drug page under "Look Up Drugs" and you will see side effects that actual iGuard registrants have reported.


Question/Comment:

what to do if i got addicted (drugs)

29 year old Male – Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

I took my first dose (15 mg.) last night at bedtime. I was unable to sleep and felt very anxious. Today I have felt very sick and vomited. Will this get better? Would it help if I take the abilify
in the mornings. My Dr. left the time of day up to me.

59 year old female

61 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I take 10mgs in the morning, I really believe that it's best to take it in the morning!!!!
I felt the same way the very first morning with much anxieity, My Goodness, I thought my heart was about to jump outta of my chest,but to answer you questiion YES it does get better!!!!

37 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I take 10mgs in the morning, I really believe that it's best to take it in the morning!!!!
I felt the same way the very first morning with much anxieity, My Goodness, I thought my heart was about to jump outta of my chest,but to answer you questiion YES it does get better!!!!




To Thine Ownself Be True!!

37 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

start at a low dose of 5 mg.

40 year old Male – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

Abilify raises dopamine where there's too little(negative symptoms) and reduce dopamine where there is too much (psychosis). It is a partial dopamine agonist ( thus also antagonist).

The same action as Suboxone but this works as partial opiate agonist/antagonist. It stimulates opiate receptor (no withdrawal) but if you use other opiates (like heroin/methadone) they won't work.

40 year old Male – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I just started abilify with zoloft for depression. I take it in the morning. and I have never been happier. I had been on almost all the anti-depressants and so far this combo rocks. my energy is great, I;m actually smiling now. So try taking it in the morning.

37 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

I have a question for people with major depressive disorder or clinical depression and are given this in addition to an anti-depressant. Even on anti-depressants (and in therapy), my mood can go from "normal" to suicidal thoughts or gestures. How do you know if this is doing anything? What sort of difference does this make? I am very concrete or literal minded so "feeling better" doesn't mean a lot. Having less suicidal thoughts or easier to get out of bed in the morning or that the depressive drops are not as large, don't stick around are less subjective.

47 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I am a 46 year old woman, I've been on this drug for 3 weeks now. the main improvement I have found is focus. Though i notice my panic is higher, i havent had a sucide thought in two weeks, I believe that is because i can focus and get things accomplished with-out over doing it.
I have a group a class one personality(everything must get done and done right) minus my typing skills ha ha. I like this med because it doesnt slow me down or make me a zombie which is NOT my regular personality. Side effects i have experience is, headaches, some anxity due to restlessness which is very mild. I have lost 6 pounds so im not sure this gaining weight as stated actually exists, i however count this as a good thing being i am alittle over weight.

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

Abilify helped my anti-deppresant work better. It sounds to me like you need all your meds changed.

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I was just diagnosed the same. I had "seasonal" depression, bu this year couldn't break it. I couldn't let myself be happy. Make sure you are in theraoy during this time to help w/underlying issues. Abilify, after 1 week, got me out f the major depression. There are times it seems as if this is as good s it gets, but I think this has made a world of difference for me. Even husand said I am smiling more.

Keep your doctor notifie of these thoughts. Maybe a higher dose will help. Yes, I tried geting off meds, but we all need to keep in mind that some people need insulin. We need this. It is worth it. Even if it means some extra pounds.

Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

I take this medication because it helps me sit still and not have excessive energy. But it does not leave me with enough energy because I don't talk much. Without the extra energy I don't do very well at things like writting papers in school. Because I am not thinking enough. I think the benefits out weigh the consequences, but I wish there was a better medication.

26 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I was having similar problems, but also experienced tendon and muscel problems. My friends said that it was like I was in another world. I told my DR and he switched me to Geodon and it made a wourld of difference. I came out of the fog.

I take it at bedtime as it seams to help ypu sleep better.

59 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

After taking Abilify for 1 month I started hearing voices and having suicidal thoughts which I don't normally do. I would suggest taking this drug with the greatest of care, it really did a number on me.

47 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

and on 40mgs daily/ i have been on it over a week and that i cant hold any food;i do get hungry but the nausea is ever 24hrs; im on phenegran, but nothing is getting better1 also my lower part o

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I am taking 10mg at night now. I am still hearing voices.
I might think about change different medication.

Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

My 5-year old son is taking 5mg daily of Abilify and it is causing severe leg pain and restless legs at night. I have also tried splitting the dose half in AM and half in PM and he is still having the leg and foot pain. We are going to see if cutting the dose in half stops these severe pains because otherwise, this is the best medicine so far for his bipolar.

7 year old Male – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

I don't think a five yr. old is suppose to take abilify.

Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

a FIVE YR OLD can have BI-POLAR? I admit I know NOTHING ABOUT THIS ... BUT I'D BE LOOKING AT THE PARENTS!

Source: iGuard

Question/Comment:

Abilify certainly is better than Haldol or Stelazine, both of which I used to be on. I understand that the danger of tardive dyskinesia is much less, and it does not make me shake. As far as symptoms go, mine are completely under control. Yes, it is expensive, but covered by Medicare. It is well worth it?

Annie M.

55 year old Female – Source: iGuard

Member Answer/Reply:

My daughter was diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia 1 1/2 years ago after a psychotic break. The drugs they put her on in the hopsital made her a zombie. When they sent her home, I had a zombie sleeping in the other room. She was so zoned out, and couldn't read, talked rarely, and slowly, and moved -- well, like a zombie. You've seen the movies.

Her new md in outpatient clinic switched her to continuing the antidepressant, Celexa, and switched the antipsychotic to Abilify. She became more normal very quickly, and said she felt like herself again. The tardive dyskinesia stopped. Before, I had to brush her teeth for her, because she was unable to hold and use the toothbrush, due to the side effects on her fine motor skills.

However, staff rotates, and her new (new) md at the clinic decided to reevaluate her diagnosis. He concluded there was no persistent psychosis and it was actually depression with persistent protracted psychotic effects of the lsd and psychedlic mushrooms she had used, and the marijuana usage (all were, the md said, a normal result of her need to stop the pain of the severe depression). He weaned her off the Abilify last summer. She is still on the Celexa. 3 months later, and she's fine.

Source: iGuard

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