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Global Patient Feedback for Abilify (Aripiprazole) ( Post a comment )
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
Posted: 2008-09-27 16:53:59
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
Posted: 2008-09-26 17:51:45
iGuard.org 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.
Posted: 2008-10-16 21:10:09
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
Posted: 2008-09-22 22:59:37
iGuard.org 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.
Posted: 2008-10-27 19:22:41
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
who prescribed the medication and why? do your research!!!
Posted: 2008-10-28 17:14:58
Question/Comment:
ABILIFY (aripiprazole)?
ABILIFY (aripiprazole)
what Side effects are their for a healthy 19 year old male
20 year old Male
Posted: 2008-09-05 23:10:13
iGuard.org 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.
Posted: 2008-09-08 10:56:51
Question/Comment:
what to do if i got addicted (drugs)
28 year old Male
Posted: 2008-08-27 00:42:14
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
Posted: 2008-07-24 22:09:29
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!!!!
36 year old Female
Posted: 2008-07-31 17:38:54
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!!
36 year old Female
Posted: 2008-07-31 17:44:23
Answer/Reply:
start at a low dose of 5 mg.
39 year old Male
Posted: 2008-08-29 23:17:22
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.
39 year old Male
Posted: 2008-08-29 23:40:04
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
Posted: 2008-09-04 06:41:32
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.
46 year old Female
Posted: 2008-07-18 08:02:34
iGuard.org 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.
Posted: 2008-07-18 10:03:49
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Abilify helped my anti-deppresant work better. It sounds to me like you need all your meds changed.
Posted: 2008-08-20 23:19:48
iGuard.org 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.
Posted: 2008-11-30 23:31:49
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
Posted: 2008-07-01 21:03:51
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
Posted: 2008-08-11 17:08:30
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
Posted: 2008-06-27 06:49:30
iGuard.org 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
Posted: 2008-07-07 04:17:52
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I am taking 10mg at night now. I am still hearing voices.
I might think about change different medication.
Posted: 2008-08-17 02:27:45
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.
6 year old Male
Posted: 2008-06-24 13:15:16
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I don't think a five yr. old is suppose to take abilify.
Posted: 2008-06-27 07:30:07
iGuard.org 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!
Posted: 2008-07-09 13:15:54
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
Posted: 2008-06-22 09:10:10
iGuard.org 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.
Posted: 2008-10-12 07:57:42
Question/Comment:
I take in the evenings where it makes me tired. If you live in ky look for your local ky home cares they help you pay for meds. I get my abilify for free.
29 year old Female
Posted: 2008-06-20 16:35:16
Question/Comment:
All the comments that I see posted here are adults. My son is 17, was recently diagnosed with Bipolar, and is currently taking Abilify. He complains of headaches, fatigue, and restlessness since taking this medication. I'm wondering if this is normal? I'm also wondering how many other teenagers who are bipolar take this mediacation.
Concerned mother
18 year old Male
Posted: 2008-06-16 10:35:13
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
My 19-year-old daughter was just taken off Abilify after 5 years (she has OCD manifested by intrusive thoughts). Although the drug was extremely effective with few side effects for many years, she developed eye-blinking, muscle jerking, and vocal tics within the past 6 months. These symptoms have gradually subsided since she was taken off it, although a neurological consult was required to verify the connection - the psychiatrist really wasn't aware of it.
Posted: 2008-06-26 11:08:48
Answer/Reply:
Concerned Mother, get that child on something else. I experienced the restlessness you are speaking of and it is just miserable. Abilify is very good for Shizophrenia but there are better drugs for Bi-polar such as Effexor and I have had great luck with Mirtzapine {misspelled?}. Seroquel is also good for bi-polar. Good luck.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2008-06-27 06:57:09
Answer/Reply:
My 17 year old son is taking it and it really is helping at this point.
61 year old Female
Posted: 2008-06-29 01:36:09
Answer/Reply:
My daughter is 13 and on Abilify. Her doctor has told me that she is too young to diagnose as bipolar. The medicine has reduced her emotional outbreaks but she also complains of fatigue.
Another concerned mother
38 year old Female
Posted: 2008-06-29 23:34:11
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have a soon to be 13 yr old stepdaughter that my wife and I have just got costody from her Dad. The father was diagnoised as bipolar and schizophinic 5 yrs ago. After much abuse from the father over several years she has shown sighns of resentment and anger toward him and has emotional scars that we are now dealing with. She is a normal child that has just lacked a male role model in her life. My concern is that after one visit with a therapist rencently, she was given a precription for abilify. I totally disagree with this and it has presented problems between my wife and I. This thrapist has not talked to either my wife or myself as to why he prescribed this medicine to a 12 yr. I believe we are letting doctors and therapist give medicine to our children before we need to study and examine the consequences of this or any drug. Concerned step-dad !
Posted: 2008-07-09 14:39:24
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
My daughter is 21 now and started on Abilify when she was 17. She did get akathesia horribly at first(the restless feeling you are speaking about). There are meds out there to counteract this side effect. Her first doctor put her on propranalol which did not help. The second doctor put her on cogentin and told her within a day it would help and she never had a problem with it after that. From personal experience with many meds before that for bipolar I would caution you about listening to anyone's advice about wonder drugs. What works for one person may go totally wrong for another. There are thankfully many wonderful drugs out there to choose from so the chances of finding a good one for each individual is greatly increased from even ten years ago, but always use caution. Remember that the first line when looking up any psychiatric disorder is we don't really know what causes it and the first line when looking up a psychiatric med is we don't really know how this works.
Posted: 2008-07-15 10:19:26
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
yes my daughter is 17 also, she is feeling the same things, but her manic state is under controll and she is more focus, however she is more vocal in an aggressive way then she was before the abilify, however i have not determined if this is good or bad, she might just be expressing what she always felt but was stuck in her manic mood aand unable to communicate as well as she does now.
Posted: 2008-07-18 10:08:48
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
My sister is 17 and has been bipolar for about 4 years. She took Abilify and it gave her blurry vision. She was also fatigued. She only took Abilify during one of her manic episodes. She normally takes Lithium for maintenance (3 at night). She was also prescribed Lamictal, and she has seemed to developed an immunity to the drug. She is again manic, my family wonders what other teenagers are taking to stabilize their manic episodes. I recognize that there are mainly posts from adults, which is why this posting caught my attention.
Posted: 2008-09-28 12:04:20
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Did you advise his doctor?
Maybe needs smaller dose.
Posted: 2008-11-30 23:45:03
Question/Comment:
My psychiatrist prescribed 2 mg one time daily to augment my 20 mg dose of Lexapro as my depression was beginning to escalate. I take 20 mg Lexapro at night and the 2 mg of Abilify in the morning. I have noticed that my fibromyalgia symptoms are somewhat more bothersome, but I still rarely have to take pain medication (hydrocodone) like I did before I was put on the Focalin XR, Lexapro, and Provigil, which for the most part almost completely eliminated my fibromyalgia flares and my chronic fatigue symptoms. I do find myself being somewhat more tired since the starting the Abilify a week ago. 60 year old female
63 year old Female
Posted: 2008-05-21 19:27:06
Question/Comment:
Gave me Horrible Joint and Muscle pain, have done research and this might not go away. Also gave me twitch problems, have read that it has produced the onset on LUPUS. Stay away if possible, I hope this medication did not cause me even more problems.
29 year old Male
Posted: 2008-05-11 06:22:13
Question/Comment:
It has helped me tremendously as I have gotten off several meds I didn't need.
42 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
get your eyes checked first and then after you have taken it for a while
38 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
This product has saved my life, it has stopped my EXTREME mood swings.
31 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
It just didn't work for me. I'm very sensitive to drugs. I couldn't sit still. Very agitated, so had to stop this med.
62 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
me too............... very agitated & retlessness i told dr and he upped my dose to 30 mg instead of lowering it ugg
Posted: 2008-06-26 09:04:04
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
me too............... very agitated & retlessness i told dr and he upped my dose to 30 mg instead of lowering it .. no other symptoms
Posted: 2008-06-26 09:06:52
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
What dose were you started at? Maybe it was too much. You can start at 2 mg. Older people seem to have more issues, though.
Posted: 2008-11-30 23:33:12
Question/Comment:
I had headaches the first few days that I took abilify. I was also being weaned from my prior medication so I had night sweats. But after a few weeks things seemed to work out fine. The only thing is that I developed an aneurysm about 1 month later for which I had emergency brain surgery. It is unknown whether this medication caused it. I am, however still taking it and quite satisfied with the way it works.
35 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
take it as directed by your md
60 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
If the doctor says to take it please take it. It has done wonders for me!
59 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
Yes, if you can, it is possible to acquire abilify from other countries. We looked into a generic form of abilify from China which is only 1/5 of the price here (Canada)
28 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Answer/Reply:
I wouldn't take any meds that come form china, that is risky!
55 year old Male
Posted: 2009-08-20 15:19:44
Question/Comment:
take at bedtime so the sleepiness isn't bad
36 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
ABILIFY works very well and it helps in everyday living.
55 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
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