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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Pamalamadingdong on August 8, 2009, at 11:05:45
I've been off Abilify for only two plus days now and I, too, have the stiff/sore neck on the left side (as described by a poster earlier in this thread). Very interesting. I also have had a physical problem that has caused me to have to take Naproxen and Acetometophan (sp) and have been experiencing dizziness that I think are due to a lot of pain meds. Don't have my normal energy. Perhaps due to both issues. Am sleeping quite a bit during day, which I haven't done for a long time.
My psych diagnosis is clinical depression and arrested alcoholism. Had heard of two other people I know having great success with coming out of deep depressions with Abilify. I decided to try it on that basis. Had a 6-week period of what can only be termed a manic episode. What fun it was. Never had one before. Shopped on eBay, (but luckily didn't spend too much at all) experienced bursts of creativity - both visual and in my writing. Began the great American novel and did a huge interior decorating project for a condo we haven't even bought yet (but plan to soon). When that ended, which it did, quite abruptly, I wasn't sure I was experiencing any effect at all, EXCEPT for horrible sugar and carbohydrate cravings. Gained about 10 pounds in about 3 months. Ate sugar every single day. Feel horribly blimpy. All good reasons to discontinue. Was taking 5 mg. after doctor prescribed only 2.5 mg. Took extra on own initiative. (Typical addict that I am...) Didn't notice any change or benefit, except that sugar cravings seemed to increase! I have nearly 15 years clean and sober, but while taking Abilify, I've withdrawn almost totally from AA and totally from OA meetings (overeaters anonymous) in move to isolate and eat. Also not good! Thank God, I'm still clean and sober. Don't recommend Abilify for people like me, but naturally, everyone is different and you never know what might hurt one person will help another. That's why boards like this are so important.
Posted by Phillipa on August 8, 2009, at 12:02:52
In reply to Withdrawal from Abilify, posted by Pamalamadingdong on August 8, 2009, at 11:05:45
Wow that's quite a story. Are you doing better now? Love phillipa welcome to babble if you haven't visited before.
Posted by Pamalamadingdong on August 8, 2009, at 12:37:11
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from Abilify » Pamalamadingdong, posted by Phillipa on August 8, 2009, at 12:02:52
> Wow that's quite a story. Are you doing better now? Love phillipa welcome to babble if you haven't visited before.
Can't say that I'm feeling better yet since I just got off the Abilify two days ago! Thanks for the welcome.
Posted by floatingbridge on August 8, 2009, at 15:09:30
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from Abilify, posted by Pamalamadingdong on August 8, 2009, at 12:37:11
Hi,
I found the higher dose of abilify had a terrible effect on me--similar to you. However, when I was at only 2.5 mg, I did not have the same effects--it was fine. You could try the smaller amount. It's quite potent for some.
good luck,
fb
Posted by Pamalamadingdong on August 8, 2009, at 20:46:56
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from Abilify » Pamalamadingdong, posted by floatingbridge on August 8, 2009, at 15:09:30
For me, the long term benefits of Abilify have been elusive at best. Two people I know who were doing really well on it initially, both completely lost the good effects after a period of time. Which is essentially what happened to me.
But, I'm only garden variety clinically depressed. It probably works differently for bipolar or schizophrenic patients.
It also costs an arm and a leg - $700 for three months. I think that's outrageous. Of course, I pay only $60 for it with my insurance.
It was a short-term pharmacalogical experiment for me with no lasting benefits. I just chalk it up to more research in this ridiculous game that we people with chemical imbalances must play to find just the right combination of just the right meds to feel half way normal.
Posted by floatingbridge on August 8, 2009, at 21:14:36
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from Abilify, posted by Pamalamadingdong on August 8, 2009, at 20:46:56
Yes! It's criminally expensive!
fb
Posted by alchemy on August 8, 2009, at 22:53:34
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from Abilify, posted by Pamalamadingdong on August 8, 2009, at 20:46:56
I was only on a 1mg dose of Abilify for about 3 weeks & had increased carb cravings, especially at night. I've been off of it for 1.5 weeks & I think I'm over it. Did it also make you a little agitated?
Posted by Pamalamadingdong on August 9, 2009, at 8:58:44
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from Abilify, posted by alchemy on August 8, 2009, at 22:53:34
I'm not sure about whether it made me feel agitated since I take Buspar, which helps anxiety, irritability and impatience tremendously for me.
When I started on Abilify and had that manic period for about 6 weeks, I felt bulletproof, full of beans, excited to be alive and when I woke up at crazy times of the night, I welcomed being awake just to experience whatever was in store for me. This stuff felt like a miracle after a period of low grade depression, but then I realized I was experiencing a manic episode, which I had never experienced in my entire life.
Posted by lois on August 10, 2009, at 11:48:05
In reply to Withdrawal from Abilify, posted by Pamalamadingdong on August 8, 2009, at 11:05:45
I have been on 10mgs of abilify for years. Am coming off due to less stress, feeling sleepy and medicated, and having trouble swallowing. Am taking 7.5mgs this week and decreasing by 2.5mgs every week due to having been on it so long. I am afraid even of this slow taper. Anybody else been on it for a long time and tapered off?
Thanks,
Lois
This is the end of the thread.
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