Posted by Racer on May 20, 2008, at 1:13:54
In reply to Worst Nightmare, posted by Sky Brite Line on May 19, 2008, at 23:29:00
First, let me point out that your writing style was much improved when you first started Abilify. It could be that it does more for you than you are willing to admit...
>
> Is there any other mood stabilizer that would work that is not an antipsychotic?
>
>Yes. There are many other mood stabilizers. Lithium is the gold standard. Valproic acid. Depakote. Lamictal hasn't shown itself to be the best mood stabilizer, but it is helpful to some. Some evidence existed for verapamil, but I think the results weren't replicable. Tegretol. Geodon. And there are other anti-psychotics out there which might work better for you than Abilify is working.
The anger you mention might be part of the agitation Abilify can cause in some people. Or it might be part of a mixed state, in which case perhaps Depakote might be a better choice.
And a couple of random notes:
1. How about giving the medication a fair try, and talking to your doctor about your complaints when you see him again? If you say, "I don't like it" after taking it for three days, he's not going to take it nearly as seriously as if you took it for a few weeks and then offered those complaints.
2. How about talking to your doctor about what sorts of side effects you can and cannot tolerate? It could be that you're not being very clear in your communication with him.
3. How about talking to your doctor about his treatment plan? Ask about what sorts of medications he sees as most potentially helpful, and why.
Are you noticing a pattern here? How about talking to your doctor...
Good luck.
poster:Racer
thread:830049
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080519/msgs/830057.html