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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sebastian on January 28, 2003, at 16:24:47
In reply to Re: Abilify (sebastian), posted by 1313 on January 26, 2003, at 18:13:18
1313
It's interesting that you are going down in your Abilify, my doctor suggested that I go up. I never did though because I went off it befor seeing him, he seemed to think I would know if it was a good substitute for Zyprexa within a week, so two weeks seemed enough for me. It will be interesting to hear how it goes for you!
Sebastian
Posted by 1313 on January 28, 2003, at 17:10:56
In reply to Abilify and propanolol: We'll see, posted by River1924 on January 28, 2003, at 12:20:03
web sites I recommend, RXlist.com, Fda.gov,medscape.com
type in abilify and you will find that the half life of abilify is extemely long anywhere from 3 days to a week. also some medications including those for anxiety and depression can double the potency of abilify. I hope the propanolol works for you!!
As for my heart....I have slept very well the last two nights and the nighttime palpitations have gone..I think I was afraid of another panick attack but it could of been Iorn deficient...best of luck in trying again.
1313 (deb)
Posted by HOFW on January 29, 2003, at 1:36:17
In reply to Re: Abilify and propanolol: We'll see, posted by 1313 on January 28, 2003, at 17:10:56
My wife has been taking abilify for 5 weeks, she started at 15mg, reduced to 10 mg and currently at7.5 mg.
The main side effects are restlessness (akasthasia), shaking/tremors/movement of hands in sleep and blurred vision.
The doc has added cogenitin to suppress the side effects and that helps with the restlessness but the other side effects remain.
Has anyone experienced the shaking/movements/tremors in sleep??
I think Abilify helped her on lot of positive/negative symptoms, ability to think logically, clearly, participate in conversations etc.
Let me know If anyone needs additional info.
Posted by megg on January 29, 2003, at 7:18:50
In reply to Re: Abilify: I give up (for now), posted by River1924 on January 23, 2003, at 6:59:33
I just started Abilify yesterday, and I feel great. My doc suggested I use it because I gained 80 pounds in 9 months on risperdal. I did only sleep 3 hours last night, and I felt nauseus, but I feel much more emotion than I than I did on risperdal and have a much more positive attitude. (I woke up with a smile on my face, and cracked jokes with the fam) I am taking meds because I have schizo-effective disorder, and if I am not on them I get really depressed and anxious. I have responded really well to risperdol, no panic attacks or anything for 6 months, But this weight gain just seems to get worse every week and it isn't good for my health. I haven't felt restless at all, but again yall said that it gets worse after a few weeks... my anxious side effects on respidol were horrible for about 2 months before they got better, Hopefully abilify is the answer... Megg
Posted by lynn3 on January 29, 2003, at 9:33:54
In reply to Re: Abilify: I give up (for now), posted by megg on January 29, 2003, at 7:18:50
The restlessness and insomnia went away gradually after 4-5 weeks, I take ambien 10mg as needed for sleep. I wake up refreshed. Ablify is the only atypical I can tolerate... at least for now.
Posted by lynn3 on January 29, 2003, at 9:35:25
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by 1313 on January 28, 2003, at 7:42:05
thanks for the info, I do have a lower end BMI, so maybe that is the reason.
Posted by Maskiel on January 29, 2003, at 10:59:21
In reply to Re: Abilify: I give up (for now), posted by lynn3 on January 29, 2003, at 9:33:54
I started taking abilify saturday the 25th. I am taking 10 mil. And also taking 5 mil. of zyprexa for two weeks till I get the abilify into my system. I also take 500 mil. of depakote. So far I feel real medicated with no side affects. The thing im worried about is when I stop the zyprexa. I will keep you posted. So far I feel pretty good.
Posted by katiemom on January 29, 2003, at 15:52:51
In reply to Re: Abilify: I give up (for now), posted by lynn3 on January 29, 2003, at 9:33:54
I have had no side effects with Abilify except for insomnia. Other wise it is working form me. My pdoc and I are trying to decide on what I should take to help with sleeping since I take also Wellbutrin, Zoloft (just started) and Vicodin for my depression.
Posted by megg on January 29, 2003, at 19:07:14
In reply to Re: Abilify and akathisia, posted by River1924 on January 25, 2003, at 21:31:53
I have noticed my akathisia becomes much worse after I drink two cups of coffee. I only switched 2 days ago, and the akathisia isn't horrible yet, but if it is anything like my start with risperdol I am in for a bumpy ride. I only had akathisia about an hour today, after my morning dose of caffiene, but strangely after 8 hours of taking it. It went as quickly as it came... maybe I have built up a tolerance. I have been taking 3mg risperdol for a little over a year without missing a dose, and I am taking 15mg abilify now. I will keep updates of how I am doing, but everything seems great for now. Megg
Posted by Debbie2 on January 30, 2003, at 7:31:02
In reply to Re: Abilify and akathisia, posted by megg on January 29, 2003, at 19:07:14
I have been on the Abilify for about 2 weeks now, I was ready to give it up until I got on here. I have been on almost every med. Now my Pdoc is trying on this. He says it's good with min. weight gain. I have noticed I crave more sugar than normal, feel restless, and can't sleep. But I read 1313 (I think it was them) and they said after 4 weeks she felt better and lost weight. Please correct me if I wrong. So yes Megg please keep us posted and so will I.
Debbie
Posted by missinglynxx on January 31, 2003, at 7:37:49
In reply to Re: Abilify and akathisia, posted by Debbie2 on January 30, 2003, at 7:31:02
Hi there Debbie2. IVe been on Abilify (15mgs)since last December 31st. Like you ,, SSRIS caused me massive side effects from the very onset of taking them. I lasted around 2 days on some of them. Abilify DOES have a strong antidepressant component to it, if you symtomology is similar to mine (which I dont know it is). Some days the Abilify is right on target, other days I feel like I used to.. just keep taking it please. It could be the "answer" GOOD Health to you
Posted by nectar otg on January 31, 2003, at 20:00:32
In reply to Re: Abilify and akathisia, posted by missinglynxx on January 31, 2003, at 7:37:49
Posted by nectar otg on January 31, 2003, at 20:06:58
In reply to Ablify for sex therapy (nm), posted by nectar otg on January 31, 2003, at 20:00:32
Hi.
I was given a 1 month supply (7 15mg pills to be quartered) to help me with a mild depression as well as a non-existent libido. (The rationale is to curtail the depression then use topical testosterone...).
Anyway, I was very taken aback when I found that most ppl are using Abilify for schizophrenia, bipoloar disorder and anxiety. DOES ANYONE TAKE IT FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN THESE CASES? JUST DEPRESSION - ANYONE??
Since drugs that affect serotonin levels are not a good idea given that I am recently married and have no interest in sex, my doctor wanted to try something "radical."
I also have poor body image any used to be bulimic, so reading the postings here I worry that I will gain weight. I read that some lose weight, but I have a very low BMI, so I will probably gain??
Well, I would really appreciate any help here. I am holding off taking the med until I feel more comfortable. I am not sure what is worse here, but I know that a marriage can't last if one person is hyper-sexual and one is averse...
Posted by Debbie2 on February 1, 2003, at 8:22:23
In reply to Re: Ablify for sex therapy - take 2, posted by nectar otg on January 31, 2003, at 20:06:58
Yes, I am on the Abilify for severe depression and that's it, well beside the usually if your like me with the racing thoughts, not sleeping you know, all the stuff that goes along with it. It's going on three weeks and I still feel kinda of weird. Like I want to lay down but can't, but to tired to do anything. Man I hope this gets better. I like the way I'm thinking I haven't had one suicidal thought. But on the other hand I'm noticing weight gain I can't have that I'll get suicidal just getting any fatter. Anybody have answers?? Will this eating alot stop after 4-6 weeks? Will I be more motivated to want to go to a gym and walk?? What's the longest anybody has been taking it. Oh yeah and for Sex Therapy I think it has help with that, just weight out the other side effects first. Did you get back to feeling not so weird? Please help! If anyone has the answers!! Thanks
Debbie2
Posted by canwetalk on February 1, 2003, at 8:56:43
In reply to Re: Just Started Abilify Today--for Depression/Anxiety, posted by Surly on January 7, 2003, at 13:54:52
Daughter was recently started on abilify 10mg. her doctor wants to add lorazapam along with it. She gets aggitated. She still wakes up early in the morning and is still talking to herself rapidly. Has been on it for 16 days now. Still not getting the results were hoping for. Well keep you all informed about her progress. Anyone like to respond to this please feel free. This would be so helpful to me.
Posted by River1924 on February 1, 2003, at 16:49:11
In reply to Abilify and propanolol: We'll see, posted by River1924 on January 28, 2003, at 12:20:03
Propanolol really helped me tolerate Abilify. I could sit still and sleep. My doctor gave me 10 mgs/three times a day but I only need 5mg once a day. If I've read the literature and other posts, I should not need it at all in a month or two. Wish everyone well, River.
> I'm trying again. I doubt if Abilify was even out of my system. Propanolol should slow my heart rate, reduce my anxiety and sweating, and (let's hope) make it possible to read, type, or do anything quiet without the akathisia making me want to jump out the window. Wish me luck, River. I'll let you know.
Posted by 1313 on February 1, 2003, at 20:39:14
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by canwetalk on February 1, 2003, at 8:56:43
I am currently on 10 mgs of Abilify and half a miligram of ativan. I take the abilify between 9:00AM and 5:00 PM. The ativan I take a half hour before bed. I started on December 24th and have had a very rough go of it until about 5 days ago. I also take Lamictal for depression....It is approved only for epilepsy (but it works). about 11 days ago I wanted to give up but I stuck with it....I AM REALLY GLAD!! Two is not enough give it six weeks....deb
Posted by 1313 on February 1, 2003, at 21:28:35
In reply to Re: Ablify for sex therapy - take 2, posted by Debbie2 on February 1, 2003, at 8:22:23
Hi! Debbie 2, I do not know how much you weigh but if you go to the web site ABILIFY.COM you will find the prescribing Information. go to the chart on page 3 or four in the upper right hand corner It will tell you the mid-range of how much weight you can expect to gain. The lower your BMI (body mass index) the more likely to gain 7 percent of your weight IF you gain at all...the higher your BMI the less you will gain and like me you might lose weight....(to calculate your bmi go to xenical.com.)(I don't use it) I weigh 287 and I was 310. While my weight can make me depressed I would NEVER take such a PERMENENT action....KEEP HOPE ALIVE!!! DEB1313
Posted by canwetalk on February 2, 2003, at 9:16:38
In reply to Re: Abilify give it six weeks, posted by 1313 on February 1, 2003, at 20:39:14
Deb I appreciate your response to my posted message regarding giving it 6 weeks. The doctor has included xanax .025mg. She is also taking 150mg dilantin, 2mg of congentin and 10mg abilify. She did appear in good mood this morning. She was awake at 4:53am though even after taking the xanax at bedtime. You say you take the abilify between 9am-5pm she takes hers at 7pm. Wondering if I should try a different time in giving it to her. Her doctor did say I could try different times and see if that would help regarding the sleep problem. Maybe I well give it a shot. Well keep you posted and thanks again.
Posted by Debbie2 on February 2, 2003, at 9:32:02
In reply to Re: Abilify debbie 2, posted by 1313 on February 1, 2003, at 21:28:35
I am not totally ready to give on it yet. I am going to hang in. Thanks for all your support Deb. I have put on weight, but still hanging in here. I'll keep you posted and thanks again
Debbie2
Posted by lynn3 on February 4, 2003, at 13:30:38
In reply to Re: Ablify for sex therapy - take 2, posted by Debbie2 on February 1, 2003, at 8:22:23
> Yes, I am on the Abilify for severe depression and that's it, well beside the usually if your like me with the racing thoughts, not sleeping you know, all the stuff that goes along with it. It's going on three weeks and I still feel kinda of weird. Like I want to lay down but can't, but to tired to do anything. Man I hope this gets better. I like the way I'm thinking I haven't had one suicidal thought. But on the other hand I'm noticing weight gain I can't have that I'll get suicidal just getting any fatter. Anybody have answers?? Will this eating alot stop after 4-6 weeks? Will I be more motivated to want to go to a gym and walk?? What's the longest anybody has been taking it. Oh yeah and for Sex Therapy I think it has help with that, just weight out the other side effects first. Did you get back to feeling not so weird? Please help! If anyone has the answers!! Thanks
> Debbie2I take ablify for psychotic depression, 15mg every day since it became FDA approved in Nov. I have gained 10 # but no more now. I am functioning much better on it. I would rather be 10lb heavier and feel better.
Posted by canwetalk on February 5, 2003, at 9:42:58
In reply to Re: Ablify for sex therapy - take 2, posted by Debbie2 on February 1, 2003, at 8:22:23
Yeah Deb 2 just read your post. So you have been on it for 3 weeks (15mg.) My daughter is on 10mg and has also been on it for 3 weeks. We do notice slight improvement. Now you say you have gained weight, my daughter hasn't gained. I guess it varies with different people. But I agree with you Deb it is better to gain the weight than to suffer with what you had been experiencing. Hang in there Deb just as we are hanging in there. Give it time and it shall make all of the difference in the quaility of our life.
Posted by 1313 on February 6, 2003, at 21:53:29
In reply to Re: Ablify for sex therapy - take 2, posted by canwetalk on February 5, 2003, at 9:42:58
Hi, deb here...before I started on Abilify....I was on Zyprexa....5MGs....Because of 9/11 I added lamictal for depression about 5 months ago...I felt better but some psychosis remained...one time in the gym I yelled at a worker because I thought he was talking about me in a mean way...(he swears he wasn't) I was worried about this and the doc an a I increased the Zyprexa by 2.5(MGS) I gained 25pound in about 3 months taking me to 310 lbs(and rising)....when Abilify came out it was supposed to have a favorable weight profile so I tried it for just about 6 weeks...I am now on ten mgs and I keep on hearing horrible things when I am among others(especially strangers) I know I never did anything wrong and I would love to reality test this feeling but I am afraid to....I don't know if I need more Abilify or If it is just not strong enough for me............sometimes I think people can read my lips even in the car or at home....If they can then they know EVERYTHING about me and know that I am good and kind.....If they can't then I told my fears to my family at a restaurant and maybe someone heard me....I love my family very much and plan to be with them for a very long time....I will do whatever it takes to make sure that this happens...I love my family VERY MUCH....
I am seeing the Dr. tomorrow (fri) I don't know if switching back will help matters but I'll let the doc decided that....any comments would be gratefully appreciated.........please wish me luck
SIGN ME NEVER MAKING A PERMANENT DECISION....
DEB1313
Posted by River1924 on February 6, 2003, at 22:29:14
In reply to Re: Abilify ......., posted by 1313 on February 6, 2003, at 21:53:29
I just wanted to say I admire your struggle. Although I think it is unlikely people are talking about you...cynically, most people are too busy thinking about themselves (and that includes myself.) I wish you luck. It is tiresome to comb one's thoughts, trying to be reasonable and sensible. You sound like a winner to me.
Posted by 1313 on February 7, 2003, at 3:18:53
In reply to Re: Abilify » 1313, posted by River1924 on February 6, 2003, at 22:29:14
River, thank you for your kind words. deb
PS. You sound like a winner to me too!..best of luck...
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