Posted by Ori on December 20, 2003, at 11:18:40
I've been taking 15 mg. of Abilify since Dec. 2 (about 2 1/2 weeks). My diagnosis is Bipolar I with rapid (quantum) cycling. I'm also on Lithium and Celexa (many years). I was taking Zyprexa with resultant weight gain and lethargy and too much sleep. When a friend switched and dropped over 40 pounds without effort, I asked my psychiatrist about it. Discontinued the zyprexa for 3 weeks hoping I was stabilized, but when the mood swings started, I began taking abilify. Fortunately (?) I am on Medicare and so qualified for Bristol-Meyers Squibb's patient assistance program and received abilify at no cost (through my psychiatrist).
Comparison with zyprexa--I have more energy and it's easier to want to complete projects. Less sitting around and vegging. (Although quitting pot (2 months) and recent diagnosis of sleep apnea also contribute). My sleep at night seems a little erratic still--waking up 3 or 4 times a night, but only needing about 7 hours of sleep with no daytime naps. I seem to be more emotional. Zyprexa locked down my emotions with a heavy-hand, but abilify seems to hold more lightly and I can feel again.
Abilify seems supportive, allowing my own emotional process to be present, while Zyprexa seemed more suppressive.
I like the change--including the weight loss (20 pounds so far).
poster:Ori
thread:291882
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031219/msgs/291882.html