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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by KayeBaby on July 20, 2007, at 8:06:15
A few weeks ago I started a small amount of Abilify 2-5mg. I discontinued after about 3 weeks because I started getting tired suddenly.
I thought maybe I had built up a sleep deficit from taking Abilify but I found out that I had a simmering ear infection that could account for the sudden tiredness.I have been off Abilify for a couple of weeks and slowly lost my momentum. On the med I had been getting things done. I had motivation and my mood was great. It seemed my other meds worked better. (Emsam,occasional 100mg provigil, 2-5mg dexedrine) Off of it-nothing seemed to work right. I became demotivated again and rather depressed.
I started the Abilify back up at 2.5 mg and noticed an immediate lift to my mood, 3 days later I am feeling much better, sleeping less (was oversleeping)motivation is improving.
The problem is-I am scared to take this med. I do not have any psychosis. I have dysthymia, ADD, anxiety.
I wonder what it is that the Abilify does that helps so much. When I take a small amount of Dexedrine on the Abilify it works like a charm. Calming and energizing. Without Abilify it makes me feel stoned. When I put on a new patch of Emsam-I can feel a lift in my mood and clarity on the Abilify. Not so much off of it.
Should I be concerned about taking this med seeing that it helps so much. Is there something else I can try?
If there are any mood disordered people who have taken abilify for a long time-I need to hear from you.
I appreciate any thoughts anyone has about this. I need some reassurance about staying on it or information you may have about problems with it so I can weigh it all out before I commit myself.
My biggest problem is lack of energy and motivation-always my biggest problem.
Thanks for any advice you may have for me.
Kaye
Posted by Phillipa on July 20, 2007, at 10:00:16
In reply to Abilify users I need your feedback, posted by KayeBaby on July 20, 2007, at 8:06:15
Kaye remember SLS Scott? I think it lead to his remission in part. You might want to google it? Srargazer was on it too haven't seen her in a while. Love Phillipa
Posted by KayeBaby on July 20, 2007, at 12:40:47
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback » KayeBaby, posted by Phillipa on July 20, 2007, at 10:00:16
Thanks Phillipa.
I was wondering about Scott.
Is he doing well?Thanks again!
Kaye
Posted by Honore on July 20, 2007, at 12:53:02
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback » Phillipa, posted by KayeBaby on July 20, 2007, at 12:40:47
Stick with it, KayeBaby. It does too much good for you to give up on it. There's nothing wrong with taking a small dose for energy and motivation, or any of the other positive effects it has.
It's being tested for social anxiety-- and is often given off-label to people with mood disorders to add to ADs.
Even my pdoc, who's worried about the effects, has advised me to continue, and to monitor any reactions. Maybe to have a holiday of 10 days every six months as a extra precaution. But I have very much the same reactions as you-- and he sees how much it does help me-- and thinks it's worth this risk. There's always a risk or downside with meds-- of one kind or another-- and when it improves your quality of life, it's a risk that's worth it.
He also thinks any problems may be dose dependant-- so if 2.5 helps, maybe stay with that-- or the lowest dose that gives you a good result.
Don't worry about the category-- just be aware of things-- and you'll be fine.
Honore
Posted by KayeBaby on July 20, 2007, at 13:50:42
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback » KayeBaby, posted by Honore on July 20, 2007, at 12:53:02
Honore,
Your encouragement means a lot.
When it comes down to it I don't see much alternative to taking it right now. I am just listless without it.I have been patient for a long time-with Emsam and all the rest. Although EMSAM seems to have helped my mood the lack of motivation to do ANYTHING is slowly eating away at the gains in my mood.
What the heck can I do if stimulants don't even work for me? It used to be that they worked some but the trade off was an irritable, non-social mood. They just don't help much anymore.
How long have you been on Abilify?
Have you already written out your situation in depth-if so I can do a search so you don't have to re-hash it.I had NO social anxiety on Abilify. Made me very nice and patient with my daughter.
I have a desire to help others, go to school, I am intelligent and I feel I will rot in this damn house! I just want to be able to do something!
I have graet empathy with those who are depressed, have anhedonia or any mental/emotional troubles but because I know what I am capable of I can't help but view myself as having a character flaw. Why is it so hard to move?! It practically hurts in some inexplicable way.
I feel like I am fighting an invisible demon.
I know there are no simple answers but many here understand my venting.
Thanks
Kaye
Posted by med_empowered on July 20, 2007, at 17:19:44
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback » Honore, posted by KayeBaby on July 20, 2007, at 13:50:42
there's really no telling why such a low dose makes everything else work better...if you want to stay on it, the only thing you need to do is avoid tardive syndromes. I've read that very high-dose antioxidants taken w/ a neuroleptic can prevent TD, even in patients taking high-dose haldol or prolixin, so maybe that'd be an option...if you're taking amphetamines with the abilify, keep in mind that both neuroleptics and amphetamines have pro-oxidant qualities, so anti-oxidants might help out some with that.
Posted by KayeBaby on July 20, 2007, at 21:51:54
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback, posted by med_empowered on July 20, 2007, at 17:19:44
Hey Med, Thanks!
I will bone up on the anti-oxidants. I know about the Vit E but I will do a little research and get a regime started.If this does not work well and soon I guess I will have to try upping my EMSAM to 9mg.
I'm feeling a tiny bit better this evening, Hopefully tomorrow will be better.
Thanks all!
Kaye
Posted by obsidian on July 21, 2007, at 5:20:02
In reply to Abilify users I need your feedback, posted by KayeBaby on July 20, 2007, at 8:06:15
I have not taken abilify for a long time (just a month or two now on 4mgs right now), but I do know what you mean about the increase in motivation because I have been experiencing it as well.
Initially I think it made me a little hypomanic -the world was just so frickin great! didya hear?! didya ? didya!? (that was my impression of me ;-) but that didn't last
low dose seroquel proved effective for me before the abilify for my ridiculous level of anxiety, but the sedation was getting really old - hence the switchgood luck with it
-obsid
Posted by KayeBaby on July 21, 2007, at 13:17:16
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback » KayeBaby, posted by obsidian on July 21, 2007, at 5:20:02
So, you feel like you are still getting the motivational effects from it?
No bad side effects?
What are you using abilify to treat?
Thanks!
Kaye
Posted by Sigismund on July 21, 2007, at 15:35:53
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback » KayeBaby, posted by obsidian on July 21, 2007, at 5:20:02
Hello Obsid
You're feeling OK physically?
Not restless and uncomfortable?
(Maybe that can be avoided by being careful with the dose?)
Posted by Honore on July 21, 2007, at 16:49:18
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback » Honore, posted by KayeBaby on July 20, 2007, at 13:50:42
Hi, Kaye.
I haven't posted much about my use of abilify. I started in January at 2.5, along with Emsam, which I now use at 12 mg. Probably 9 would be okay, but I think 12 mg of emsam is better for me.
Why not try 9 mg? I think it's generally a more effective dose. The insomnia isn't so bad (at least for me, as it is on 12 mg)-- and I find that it helps more with social anxiety and depression.
On the other hand, 2.5 mg of abilify has amplified the effects with social anxiety greatly-- and definitely gives me more energy and optimism. For me, esp., I find that I don't get lost in negative cycles of upsetness over various fairly unimportant daily events-- things that might be minor problems, quite soluble, but that, often send me into long emotional down-heavals, which I can't seem to control. I know they don't make sense, but the emotions keep going anyway. With abilify, it just doesn't happen.
Probably that, plus the additional motivation and energy are the two most valuable things-- and the reason why I wouldn't give up the abilify unless I really felt some symptoms were starting up. I've only taken 2.5 mg. For a brief while, I tested taking a little more (probably about 3.5), but it increased my irritability without seeming to have much other noticeable effects.
My opinion is that 2.5 mg can be a therapeutic dose. I notice that they're making 2 mg tablets now, which they didn't at first. On the other hand, my pdoc says that for serious cases of bipolar or other more severe emotional disorders, they can give as much as 45 or even 60 mg. So they're using both higher and lower doses.
I had initially taken Emsam without abilify, for four months and had had to stop for several months (for unrelated reasons to the Emsam). When I started again, in January, I added the abilify and noticed such a very distinct added benefit, there wasn't any doubt in my mind. My pdoc says the effects tend to be clear pretty soon after you start-- so you can judge within a couple of weeks whether it makes any sense.
Since you had a good experience with it, I would encourage you to give it another try-- but also,unless there's some reason, to try 9 mg of the Emsam, too. You could use a little xanax to cope with initial anxiety, and/or ambien and/or sonata or some combination to help with insomnia, if that's been an issue.
Life without motivation or energy is pretty hard to tolerate-- IMO-- so I really identify with the feeling that that's so necessary to address.
If you do start abilify again, let me know how you're responding to it.
Honore
Posted by KayeBaby on July 21, 2007, at 21:55:54
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback » KayeBaby, posted by Honore on July 21, 2007, at 16:49:18
> Hi, Kaye.
>
> I haven't posted much about my use of abilify. I started in January at 2.5, along with Emsam, which I now use at 12 mg. Probably 9 would be okay, but I think 12 mg of emsam is better for me.
>I really think I should try the 9mg because I feel a distinct let down in the antidepressive effects that it had at first. It really helped my mood for awhile.
> Why not try 9 mg? I think it's generally a more effective dose. The insomnia isn't so bad (at least for me, as it is on 12 mg)-- and I find that it helps more with social anxiety and depression.
HaHa! I'm the one that slept about 10-12 hrs every night on the 6mg. I'm not afraid of insomnia from it.
>
> On the other hand, 2.5 mg of abilify has amplified the effects with social anxiety greatly-- and definitely gives me more energy and optimism. For me, esp., I find that I don't get lost in negative cycles of upsetness over various fairly unimportant daily events-- things that might be minor problems, quite soluble, but that, often send me into long emotional down-heavals, which I can't seem to control. I know they don't make sense, but the emotions keep going anyway. With abilify, it just doesn't happen.
>I found this to be true for me too on Abilify. Much harder to rattle me.
> Probably that, plus the additional motivation and energy are the two most valuable things-- and the reason why I wouldn't give up the abilify unless I really felt some symptoms were starting up. I've only taken 2.5 mg. For a brief while, I tested taking a little more (probably about 3.5), but it increased my irritability without seeming to have much other noticeable effects.
>Absolutely. How long can you be in a good mood if you are laying around just watching life pass you by??
> My opinion is that 2.5 mg can be a therapeutic dose. I notice that they're making 2 mg tablets now, which they didn't at first. On the other hand, my pdoc says that for serious cases of bipolar or other more severe emotional disorders, they can give as much as 45 or even 60 mg. So they're using both higher and lower doses.
>I went up to 5mg for a short time and it effected my sleep and I don't know that it helped that much more.
> I had initially taken Emsam without abilify, for four months and had had to stop for several months (for unrelated reasons to the Emsam). When I started again, in January, I added the abilify and noticed such a very distinct added benefit, there wasn't any doubt in my mind. My pdoc says the effects tend to be clear pretty soon after you start-- so you can judge within a couple of weeks whether it makes any sense.Same here. I took the EMSAM for a couple of months alone then added Namenda for a few weeks then the Abilify. The Namenda really helped with any anxiety from the abilify I noticed.
I did start to get hypotension on the 5mg Abilify and Emsam.
>
> Since you had a good experience with it, I would encourage you to give it another try-- but also,unless there's some reason, to try 9 mg of the Emsam, too. You could use a little xanax to cope with initial anxiety, and/or ambien and/or sonata or some combination to help with insomnia, if that's been an issue.I would just about welcome a little anxiety at this point. I'm so tired of being BLAH!
>
> Life without motivation or energy is pretty hard to tolerate-- IMO-- so I really identify with the feeling that that's so necessary to address.
>
100% in agreement.
> If you do start abilify again, let me know how you're responding to it.
>I have started it again. Today is day 4 and this evening I was up and around like magic.
> Honore
>
>Honore,
I appreciate your input so much. It does me good to hear from others with similar issues.I will keep you updated on my progress and we can compare notes.
Thanks!
Kaye
Posted by Honore on July 22, 2007, at 11:11:47
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback, posted by KayeBaby on July 21, 2007, at 21:55:54
Great, Kaye. I'll be looking for you.
I'm glad you started again-- and especially that you're feeling more alive and motivated. 4 mg sounds like a good dose. I think it's what obsidian is taking.
Honore
Posted by obsidian on July 22, 2007, at 19:24:05
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback » obsidian, posted by KayeBaby on July 21, 2007, at 13:17:16
I am using it to treat anxiety and depression- the hypersensitivity, rumination, "f*ck its" that seem to come with it, etc
I do not perceive any negative effects now, but when I started it I was pretty hyped up and had a lot of trouble sleeping (mind you I had stopped seroquel too which is super sedating)
yeah I have found it motivating, but as of this moment I am in a bit of a slump
you know when I started lamictal I felt irritable/agitated...then depressed for a week or so...so s l o w e d d o w n > > .
and I wonder since the abilify sped me up initially if I am now on the flip side
or maybe my coping skills are lackinggood luck with it, I think it's a good med
-obsid
Posted by obsidian on July 22, 2007, at 19:26:20
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback » obsidian, posted by Sigismund on July 21, 2007, at 15:35:53
hey sig,
I'm fine physically, no abnormal restlessness
hope you're well,
sid :-)sig and sid, laverne and shirley, abbott and costello....sometimes things just work out right ;-)
Posted by KayeBaby on July 22, 2007, at 21:28:30
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback » KayeBaby, posted by obsidian on July 22, 2007, at 19:24:05
How long have you been on the abilify? What dosage.
Do you feel like you are just leveling out on it or do you think it's changed in effect on you?
Thank you for answering my questions!
Kaye
Posted by obsidian on July 23, 2007, at 7:34:55
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback » obsidian, posted by KayeBaby on July 22, 2007, at 21:28:30
I have only been on it for a little over a month. I am on 4mgs right now. I think I am just leveling out.
I can't be sure. I am not that low, but a little bit.
-obsid
Posted by Michael on July 25, 2007, at 17:22:00
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback » KayeBaby, posted by Phillipa on July 20, 2007, at 10:00:16
> Kaye remember SLS Scott? I think it lead to his remission in part. You might want to google it? Srargazer was on it too haven't seen her in a while. Love Phillipa
Hi,
I check in here only intermitantly these days, but just wanted to ask if I understand you correctly regarding Scott's condition...
Scott's experienced some improvement or even remission? I hope that's the case. If he's feeling better, there really is hope for the rest of us...
Thanks,
michael
Posted by Michael on July 25, 2007, at 17:57:52
In reply to Abilify users I need your feedback, posted by KayeBaby on July 20, 2007, at 8:06:15
> A few weeks ago I started a small amount of Abilify 2-5mg. I discontinued after about 3 weeks because I started getting tired suddenly.
> I thought maybe I had built up a sleep deficit from taking Abilify but I found out that I had a simmering ear infection that could account for the sudden tiredness.
>
> I have been off Abilify for a couple of weeks and slowly lost my momentum. On the med I had been getting things done. I had motivation and my mood was great. It seemed my other meds worked better. (Emsam,occasional 100mg provigil, 2-5mg dexedrine) Off of it-nothing seemed to work right. I became demotivated again and rather depressed.
>
> I started the Abilify back up at 2.5 mg and noticed an immediate lift to my mood, 3 days later I am feeling much better, sleeping less (was oversleeping)motivation is improving.
>
> The problem is-I am scared to take this med. I do not have any psychosis. I have dysthymia, ADD, anxiety.....
Hi,I have a similar diagnosis - dysthymia, some add-like symptoms, not much anxiety...
I had largely the same experience as you... I added it to welbutrin. Did much better, though sleep was thrown off some; didn't sleep much at night (maybe 4 hours?) and slept a couple/few hours during the day.
I was hoping that the akathisia, or restlessness would diminish with time, along with the sleep issues... which it seemed to be doing.
I went from 2.5 mg to 5 mg, (after 2 weeks) and I experienced the opposite effect - that is to say, it sedated me. I stopped for a while, (a couple weeks, maybe) and started again @ 2.5 mg again, but I still experienced the sedation this time.
So, I'm wondering how you're doing now? Has the sedation returned for you?
Does anyone know, does the stimulation typically change to sedation as the dose is raised? Or simply over time? It was such a drastic reversal - from stimulation to sedation - that I don't understand how & why the change happened.
Perhaps 2.5 mg / day was too much, as time passed and it built up in my body? Maybe taking it a couple times a week would've been better than every day? ...don't know if that makes any sense?
[does anyone take it less frequently than daily?]
In any case, I hope you're still getting a benefit from it... Any feedback or insights that you or others may be able to offer would be greatly appreciated.
... I really had my hopes up - it helped so much initially, w/energy & motivation, etc. ...and then it was like a sleeping pill, knocking me out...? Does that make any sense, or tell me anything about HOW my brain is [not] working?
Thanks,
michael
Posted by Phillipa on July 25, 2007, at 20:13:35
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback » Phillipa, posted by Michael on July 25, 2007, at 17:22:00
Michael Scott was getting better on nardil, abilify and eithe nortriptalline or desipramine. He hasn't been here in a while either. Love Phillipa hope he's still better he deserves to be.
Posted by KayeBaby on July 25, 2007, at 23:12:38
In reply to Re: Abilify users I need your feedback » KayeBaby, posted by Michael on July 25, 2007, at 17:57:52
> Hi,
>
> I have a similar diagnosis - dysthymia, some add-like symptoms, not much anxiety...
>
> I had largely the same experience as you... I added it to welbutrin. Did much better, though sleep was thrown off some; didn't sleep much at night (maybe 4 hours?) and slept a couple/few hours during the day.
>
> I was hoping that the akathisia, or restlessness would diminish with time, along with the sleep issues... which it seemed to be doing.
>
> I went from 2.5 mg to 5 mg, (after 2 weeks) and I experienced the opposite effect - that is to say, it sedated me. I stopped for a while, (a couple weeks, maybe) and started again @ 2.5 mg again, but I still experienced the sedation this time.
>
> So, I'm wondering how you're doing now? Has the sedation returned for you?
>I did the same thing. Couple weeks at 2.5 then up to 5mg. # weeks to the day I became fatigued and slept for literally half the weekend.
A few days later I got chills and fever and went to the dr. Found ear infection.
Did I get fatigued at 3 weeks becuase the abilify reached asteady state and was too much or was it the infection. I quit abilify the moment I experienced the profound fatigue although it had been working great till then. The longer I was off the abilify the worse I felt. Tired and depressed. I was off for about 10 days and I began feeling better about 4 days back on the Abilify.
> Does anyone know, does the stimulation typically change to sedation as the dose is raised? Or simply over time? It was such a drastic reversal - from stimulation to sedation - that I don't understand how & why the change happened.
>
> Perhaps 2.5 mg / day was too much, as time passed and it built up in my body? Maybe taking it a couple times a week would've been better than every day? ...don't know if that makes any sense?
>
> [does anyone take it less frequently than daily?]
>
> In any case, I hope you're still getting a benefit from it... Any feedback or insights that you or others may be able to offer would be greatly appreciated.
>I was doing really well for the week or so I was on the 5mg before I quit it. I am thinking of going back up to that again. Maybe 2.5 one day and 5mg the next.
How long were you at the 5mg dose before you became fatigued?
I know some people take as little as 1mg with good results for energy.
What time of day do you take it?
Also-point to ponder. One thing I considered was that before I crashed I had been experiencing sleep disturbance and wonder if I maybe built up a sleep deficit and this played into my tiredness. I really slept for a couple of days.
Maybe you are cathing up on your sleep?
> ... I really had my hopes up - it helped so much initially, w/energy & motivation, etc. ...and then it was like a sleeping pill, knocking me out...? Does that make any sense, or tell me anything about HOW my brain is [not] working?
>
> Thanks,
>
> michael
It is helping but I am hoping I will become more enrgetic and motivated the it was before I got sick. I know people go on it and off it with mostly consistant results. Not true with alot of meds and definately not true often with me. I usually try to be really sure before stopping a med as it usually will not work the same for me.I was looking at my journal and my response so far seems consistant with taking it the first time so I am hopeful.
Let's keep each other up on our experimentation with this med.
Thanks!
Kaye
This is the end of the thread.
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