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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by helping my mom on August 9, 2003, at 11:04:03
In reply to schizotypal personality disorder, posted by marepax on June 3, 2003, at 20:52:29
Marepax...
I feel for you as my mother was recently hospitalized and will likely be diagnosed with schizo-affective. She lives in Dallas with no support and I am in Chicago. We believe that she has gone nearly 30 years undiagnosed and untreated. It was not possible to get her help until her recent psychotic break.
The first thing I would say is -- take care of yourself. It is the only way you will be able to take care of your son, who definitely needs you more than ever.
Secondly, i am not sure where you are located or what your financial recources are, but we found an organization called The Planned Living Assistance Network -- it was started by two dads who had sons with mental illness and wanted to be sure that they received the same level of care they would provide after they were gone. The Plan offers socialization activities, therapy and case management. And, they work with other resources in your state to provide affordable, managed care to meet the needs of your situation. They have been an absolute blessing for our family. To find out more info, check out:
http://web.nami.org/helpline/plan.htmAlso, your local chapter of NAMI (National Association for the Mentally Ill) is a great resource to find services and education / support.
We are also looking into Abilify. So I'll be interested to learn how your son finds it to be.
Best of luck to you both.
Helping My Mom
Posted by aussie lady on August 15, 2003, at 10:07:28
In reply to Re: schizotypal personality disorder » marepax, posted by helping my mom on August 9, 2003, at 11:04:03
Hi
Abilify has been approved down under and still awaiting govt. benefits for it.
My daughter is on Clozapine and is doing well after 12 months except she has put on so much weight and is grossly obese.
I am encouraging her pysch to put her on Abilify but I would like to hear from anyone who has been on Abilify for over 6 months and what their reactions/feelings are about it. If it comes to the crunch I'd rather my daughter be well and fat, rather than slim and mentally unable to cope.
I look forward to reading your replies
Posted by sandyq on August 26, 2003, at 22:13:18
In reply to Re: Abilify and akathisia, posted by JohnX2 on January 26, 2003, at 0:53:03
Needymeds.com is a wonderful site!
I've used it for the past 2 years and it
has saved me alot of money!
I highly recommend it. Of course, there's
alot of work you and your doctor have to
put into the paperwork for the different
drug companies.
Posted by jtevers on November 18, 2003, at 17:38:49
In reply to Re: Abilify: I give up (for now), posted by megg on January 29, 2003, at 7:18:50
> 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
Megg, deb and all:
i, too, am considering a switch to abilify from seroquel ... i have gained a total of 60 lbs. in a few years.
has anyone experienced weight loss after switching to afilify ... perhaps you have megg (after risperdal)? OR weight gain upon the introduction of abilify to your med. regimen?
i am also considering a switch to lamictal from gabapentin / neurontin , which i also suspect has caused weight gain ... any insight?
Posted by lynn3 on November 18, 2003, at 19:22:27
In reply to Re: Abilify: weight, akithisia, posted by jtevers on November 18, 2003, at 17:38:49
> > 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
>
> Megg, deb and all:
>
> i, too, am considering a switch to abilify from seroquel ... i have gained a total of 60 lbs. in a few years.
>
> has anyone experienced weight loss after switching to afilify ... perhaps you have megg (after risperdal)? OR weight gain upon the introduction of abilify to your med. regimen?
>
> i am also considering a switch to lamictal from gabapentin / neurontin , which i also suspect has caused weight gain ... any insight?
>
>
I gained 15# on abilify, have lost 5# of it now, so it too can make you gain weight. I have been on it for 11 months.
Posted by 1313 on November 18, 2003, at 20:02:19
In reply to Re: Abilify: weight, akithisia, posted by lynn3 on November 18, 2003, at 19:22:27
I have a new policy of saying nothing negative about a medicine or medicines that might help or hurt someone-else!! I will simply state that I am doing well on and will continue to stay on ZYPREXA!!
ALL THREE HUNDRED POUNDS OF ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(5'7")
Lamictal got me through some very tough times and I reccommend it although I currently take Trileptal (a different risk profile)(ask your Dr. I will not explaine my choice) Yes, I am concerned about obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes but right now all are just fine and I am going to make lifestyle changes NOW instead of waiting like a sitting duck!!! IT IS POSSIBLE TO LOSE WEIGHT BUT YOU MUST BELIEVE IT AND STICK WITH IT EVEN IF YOU "SEEM" TO BE GAINING....I GET EXASPERATED FAST AND I HAVE TO CHANGE THAT MIND SET.....
GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU AS YOU VENTURE INTO THE UNKNOWN AND MAY YOU FIND GOOD HEALTH AND PEACE OF MIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!DEB 1313
Posted by frisky on November 19, 2003, at 19:01:43
In reply to Re: Abilify: weight, akithisia, posted by 1313 on November 18, 2003, at 20:02:19
i hope i'm not repeating anything that's been said, but my son is on abilify and he was experiencing anxiety, so his dr. reduced his dosage and recommended that he take vitamin E and this helped a lot.
Posted by jackberry on November 20, 2003, at 5:32:04
In reply to Re: Abilify: weight, akithisia, posted by frisky on November 19, 2003, at 19:01:43
I started on Abilify 15mg three days ago after being on Seroquel 900mg for a psychotic disorder. The first two days were tough; I had very bad akithisia: reslessness, sweating and insomnia. I think a lot of the insomnia had to do with the abrupt termination of the Seroquel. I have been using a lot of propranolol for the Akithisia and it works VERY well. I am thinking so clearly, I have lots of energy even though I sleep far fewer hours than I did on the Seroquel, and my appetite has subsided dramatically. I just hope it only gets better from here on; I seem to be responding well to Abilify which is great. Are there any others here who have been on it for a long time and feel it gets better with time? I ask because I have read a lot of posts here where people state that their anxiety and insomnia got worse with time…
JackB
Posted by HotmailLori on November 26, 2003, at 21:05:43
In reply to Abilify (aripiprazole) cost is PROHIBITIVE!, posted by andys on November 28, 2002, at 14:53:30
My Doctor just prescribed Abilify for me for the first time. It was $117.59 for the first 11 pills! Thank God he gave me a sample card!
I just filled my prescription to start a trial on aripiprazole. I assumed it would be expensive, but it turned out to be PROHIBITIVE! A 15 mg. tablet (the normal daily dose) is $13.00 per pill! I doubt if many people will be able to afford this potentially great drug. My insurance has a $1000 prescription drug cap, so that leaves me out. And I assume that many insurance companies will dis-allow a drug of this expense. (And many patients in the trials required 30 mg., so that's a whopping $26.00 per day!).
Posted by lesliekay on November 30, 2003, at 6:25:40
In reply to Re: Abilify: weight, akithisia, posted by jackberry on November 20, 2003, at 5:32:04
I am coming up on a year of abilify, this is what happened to me....insomnia for 6 wks..akathisia until now. check this out, I ran out of cogentin for 3 days and nothing happened!!!!!Weight gain coincided with reduction in Topamax dose from 200 to 100...I gained 30 pounds which I just lost 10. good luck les
Posted by LynnN. on November 30, 2003, at 21:10:49
In reply to Re:sleep and *increased energy and drive*!!!, posted by LynnN. on July 7, 2003, at 3:31:45
Well, I eventually went off the Abilify because it had me too HYPER! I couldn't sleep or relax. So now I am on Depakote and that seems to be working for me.
Lynn
Posted by HotmailLori on November 30, 2003, at 21:54:06
In reply to Re:sleep and *increased energy and drive*!!! » LynnN., posted by LynnN. on November 30, 2003, at 21:10:49
Ohhh. Depakote made me very sleepy and goofy. I'm glad it's working for you. So far I'm just extra tired all day BUT* I have insomnia. Usually if I have insonmia I'm hyper..but now I'm just tired. I don't know if this Abilify is going to work for me.
> Well, I eventually went off the Abilify because it had me too HYPER! I couldn't sleep or relax. So now I am on Depakote and that seems to be working for me.
>
> Lynn
Posted by HotmailLori on November 30, 2003, at 21:58:42
In reply to Re: Abilify: weight, akithisia, posted by jackberry on November 20, 2003, at 5:32:04
Posted by lynn3 on December 5, 2003, at 8:17:25
In reply to Is Abilify only used to treat Schizophrenia? (nm), posted by HotmailLori on November 30, 2003, at 21:58:42
I don't have schizophrenia but severe depression, I have been on abilify for a year now. I am feeling much more stable and able to function during this time. I take 15mg every day. I got hyper and gained some weight at first but now lost the weight and take cogention as needed for restlessness.
Posted by 1313 on December 6, 2003, at 20:56:30
In reply to Re: abilify working long term, posted by aussie lady on August 15, 2003, at 10:07:28
I AM 1313 I LOST MY PASSWORD AND WOULD LIKE TO STOP RECEIVING ANY FURTHER POSTS FROM DR. BOB....PLEASE E-MAIL ME MY PASSWORD SO I MAY GET OFF THIS SITE! THANK YOU 1313
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 9, 2003, at 1:17:22
In reply to LOST PASSWORD, posted by 1313 on December 6, 2003, at 20:56:30
> I LOST MY PASSWORD...
I responded at PBA:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20031120/msgs/287911.html
Bob
Posted by dubious on December 10, 2003, at 14:26:06
In reply to Re: Is Abilify only used to treat Schizophrenia?, posted by lynn3 on December 5, 2003, at 8:17:25
no...its also used to treat bipolar disorder. although it is technically an atypical antipsychotic, my doctor classifies it as something different and unique because of its distinct properties.
I actually just started taking it for extreme anxiety, depression and depersonalization.
I already feel the effects.
Posted by Phoenixx on December 19, 2003, at 0:05:04
In reply to What dx was it prescribed for? » andys, posted by Vince on November 29, 2002, at 22:52:36
Hello, I am new to psycho-babble. I was prescribed Abilify a few weeks ago for "bipolar mood disorder type I with psychotic features," and it is working really well for me. I seem to be noticing things that I have been leaving unhandled in my life, and having the energy to address them. (I am not having an episode at this time.) It was prescribed to replace Zyprexa, because I have gained an ungodly amount of weight on that one.
Posted by Phoenixx on December 19, 2003, at 0:14:01
In reply to Abilify -- cost is prohibitive!/ Anxious?, posted by Vanidosa on January 3, 2003, at 16:36:47
When I started Abilify, it sedated me right to sleep for the first two days I took it. I had been told that I could take it at night if that happened, so I switched my dosing schedule. Then, a few days later, I was up all night playing minesweeper on the computer. It happened again the next night, so I switched back to mornings. Now, I don't notice any unpleasant side effects, although I definately do have more energy and a desire to keep busy at something. This is actually a good thing, because I have had a tendency to "zone out" and not get anything done for years, which I blamed on my medication. The bottom line is that I really like it. Fortunately, I have insurance that covers everything except a $2.00 co-pay per prescription.
Posted by Phoenixx on December 19, 2003, at 0:28:53
In reply to Re: Abilify: weight, akithisia, posted by 1313 on November 18, 2003, at 20:02:19
I wish you the best, and I appreciate your not wanting to say anything bad about a medication that might help someone else. But I feel that I ought to share this.
I felt the same way you do about Zyprexa. That was 150 or so pounds ago. I had always been heavy, but all of a sudden, I was unable to walk (even got an electric wheelchair from medicare) and my legs swole up with lymphedema and developed weeping sores through which I got strep into my blood. I almost died. I topped out at 479 lbs, and I don't know how I got there. Now, I am getting treatment for the lymphedema and physical therapy to help me walk again, and I have lost 64 lbs in a couple of months. (Almost dying is a great motivator. It's different than when you are thinking of killing yourself - been there too)I was told by my health care provider that my zyprexa could account for as much as 100 lbs of my weight, and so I'm off it now, and very happy with Abilify. I feel better, and I have more energy, and my appetite is greatly reduced.
Now, I realize that all of this probably has nothing to do with you, but you brought up the subject, and I wanted to tell my story in case knowing what I learned the hard way might help someone else.
Posted by JLM on December 19, 2003, at 1:36:07
In reply to Re: Abilify: weight, akithisia, posted by Phoenixx on December 19, 2003, at 0:28:53
Geez, sorry to hear about your troubles, that's horrible :(
I have heard more than one report of extreme weight gain with Zyprexa. How common is this? I have also seen references to treatment emergent diabetes, which is definitely not a good thing.
There is a recent NY Times article that talks about how state Medicaid programs are pulling Zyprexa from their formularies. Highly interesting.
Posted by gerosh on January 16, 2007, at 9:16:02
In reply to Re: New to Abilify, posted by kotsunega on June 20, 2003, at 15:46:14
I too have just started taking Abilify, and I am waking up every 30mins. I take 10mg at night, i will try switching to A.m. and see if the sleep situation resolves. I'm comming off of 300mg of seroquel which had me sleeping 14 hours a day, so this is a big change. Otherwise no other side-effects so far. week 1.
Posted by dreamandbe on October 8, 2007, at 4:52:21
In reply to Re: New to Abilify, posted by gerosh on January 16, 2007, at 9:16:02
I have been taking abilify for about 3 or 4 weeks, i can't remember, only about 1/2 a 5 mg. but for a few days i thought i could switch up to a full pill (5). But that really started in the insomnia and the restlessness. I decided to not take it last night and tonight. I HAD to drink some alcohol last night and today to calm myself down, I didn't know what else to do. Felt utterly awesome in one respect on this drug but utterly tired from the constant need to move around. I even cannot sit through class at all at uni. So I'm going to go back to the half pills but maybe only take it once everyother night.
Today I was soooooooooo hyper my sister couldn't even be around me because my energy level was just too much. I constantly wanted to talk to her, expecting her to listen even when she was in the bathroom, ect. But at the same time I feel so high and elated.
I'm only to be on this for six weeks anyways.
Oh yeah, and I have no desire to eat, I only MAKE myself eat and I also take Lexapro for anxiety/depression. I am all out of my klonapin though and I really can't get a hold of my doctor, if I had that, I would be far better off. However! I must say confidently, that drinking some long-strong brewed cups of chamomile tea really helped. And forcing yourself to eat healthy things like protein and take vitamins because vitamins help with any type of mental process.
Its 2:30am and of course I just finished my second small, yet glass of gin and pierrer, and I really want to sleep coz i know i have a long day today. I pray that this second day of not being on it will really feel better than yesterday (regarding restlessnesss)
I used to take ambien, yet I'm reluctant to go back on that because I was so dependent on it. I think just the anti-anxiety drugs such as xanax, klonapin, ativan, lorazapam, ect are really helpful in combination with abilify.
i hope this helps and it helps me with getting it all out!
Much love,
Sarah
Posted by Gerosh on October 8, 2007, at 22:42:54
In reply to Re: New to Abilify, posted by dreamandbe on October 8, 2007, at 4:52:21
Hey Sarah,
A lot has changed since January. I really liked Abilify despite the ongoing sleep problems. They tapered off after 2 months. I was taking it with Wellbutrin, and I was having a lot of breakthrough depression. So after 6 months I swithed to Abilify and Lexapro. I Lost 30 lbs because of nausea, still depressed and over sleeping. So then I swithed to abilify and prozac, no better. Then Abilify and Cymbalta, no luck. Finally my doctor dropped Abilify and anti-depressants and put me on monotherapy with Lamictal. I've been on Lamictal for 2-3 months and I feel good. Thats saying a lot, because I don't get to say that often. Its almost like a wonder drug for me. No side-effect (I've had my share), and a relatively even keel. I still have short bouts of hypomania and depression, but they are mild and don't last long.
On a side note, talking about this just makes me feel as though I've been on so much crap that I don't remember who I am or who I was anymore. Before Abilify was seroquel and before that Risperdal. But somehow if I just stay in the moment I feel alright. I always suspected that dumbing down was part of the Drugs effectiveness, same as alcohol used to be. I've been sober over 1 year now. Sometimes I still just want a drink, but my wife would divorce me. Fortunately for me, the drugs fill that void.
Anyways, I'm doing well now and I hope to stay that way. I had to laugh when you mentioned talking to your sister in the bathroom. I do that to my wife all the time and it drives her nuts.Take care,
Harry
Posted by dreamandbe on October 9, 2007, at 9:00:26
In reply to Re: New to Abilify » dreamandbe, posted by Gerosh on October 8, 2007, at 22:42:54
> Hey Sarah,
>
> A lot has changed since January. I really liked Abilify despite the ongoing sleep problems. They tapered off after 2 months. I was taking it with Wellbutrin, and I was having a lot of breakthrough depression. So after 6 months I swithed to Abilify and Lexapro. I Lost 30 lbs because of nausea, still depressed and over sleeping. So then I swithed to abilify and prozac, no better. Then Abilify and Cymbalta, no luck. Finally my doctor dropped Abilify and anti-depressants and put me on monotherapy with Lamictal. I've been on Lamictal for 2-3 months and I feel good. Thats saying a lot, because I don't get to say that often. Its almost like a wonder drug for me. No side-effect (I've had my share), and a relatively even keel. I still have short bouts of hypomania and depression, but they are mild and don't last long.
> On a side note, talking about this just makes me feel as though I've been on so much crap that I don't remember who I am or who I was anymore. Before Abilify was seroquel and before that Risperdal. But somehow if I just stay in the moment I feel alright. I always suspected that dumbing down was part of the Drugs effectiveness, same as alcohol used to be. I've been sober over 1 year now. Sometimes I still just want a drink, but my wife would divorce me. Fortunately for me, the drugs fill that void.
> Anyways, I'm doing well now and I hope to stay that way. I had to laugh when you mentioned talking to your sister in the bathroom. I do that to my wife all the time and it drives her nuts.
>
> Take care,
> HarryThat's tremendous to hear how well you are feeling on the lamictal....because that is what my doc wants to put me on now! I loved and hated the albify, but it feels unhealthy to be on that stuff. It was crazy this past weekend and yesterday i was droning about on 1 hour of sleep while urgently trying again to contact my doc...fortunaltely i did, and she refilled my klonapin (which I desperately needed) and I took it last night and slept the best in like 2 weeks. I feel great now and she said NOT TO TAKE THE ABILIFY if it was giving me those aversions.
She mentioned lamictal and I dont wanna gain weight though, luckily my dad; a pyschologist said many people like lamictal and it doesn't usually cause weight gain. So good...luckily I'm a routine Gymee.
So yeah, i guess that means I'll go off the lexapro too. I'm a bit nervous about that though coz I love the lexapro. But we all gotta try something that is right and keep trying.
Yeah, being in the moment is something I try to practice, even if I dont get it down straight.
Nice talking to you, thanks for your words.
~Sarah
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