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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by JohnX2 on January 26, 2003, at 0:53:03
In reply to Re: Abilify and akathisia, posted by River1924 on January 25, 2003, at 21:18:18
Does the potential for akathisia get worse over
15 mg/d?I have been taking this medicine just short of 2 weeks 20 mg/d. The medicine takes 2 weeks to build up in your system.
I get this funny response where I feel akathisia for about 4 hours after a dosing and then it goes away. I seems odd to me because the medicine has such a long 1/2 life (like 90 hrs)?
J
> Found this on the web...
>
> "Potential Problem with Akathisia
> According to Larry Ereshefsky, Pharm.D., professor of pharmacy, pharmacology and psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, the novel partial dopamine agonist mechanism of action augments the 5-HT1a and 5-HT2 effects of aripiprazole.
>
> "These effects should lead to greater dopaminergic throughput and cortical activity which is good for thinking," says Ereshefsky. "But it also might possibly explain the increased rates of akathisia at [the] middle doses (15 mg/d) in some studies. There is clearly a greater effect on the Barnes akathisia scale than [from] risperidone, and about half the effect of haloperidol."
>
> Ereshefsy adds, "Akathisia is a potential side effect which bares further evaluation in long-term studies to see whether it abates."
Posted by 1313 on January 26, 2003, at 8:10:42
In reply to Re: Abilify and akathisia, posted by JohnX2 on January 26, 2003, at 0:53:03
My doctor asked me to give abilify 6 weeks. I am on week four and two days most of the side effects have gone away. I do not have akathesia. My main concern is my HEART! I feel a tenderness and soreness on the skin above it and at night I can feel my heart beat.This makes it hard to fall asleep. I think my nights and and gym workouts would be better if I could prove to myself I was not at risk! To this end I am going to see my regular doctor and ask if it is necessary to see a cardiologist. I hope he will understand. I had an ekg recently and it came back with good results. Maybe I am carrying my stress in a new place! did anyone else feel this way?!
Posted by River1924 on January 26, 2003, at 9:16:06
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by 1313 on January 26, 2003, at 8:10:42
Although I'd guess abilify is throwing off your whole system right now (giving a version of panic attacks), it wouldn't hurt to see someone who specializes in cardiology. Maybe take a stress test. It is such a new med. Who knows what it does outside clinical studies???
As for me, my pdoc convinced me to keep going on it...at a tiny dose. Hopefully, I can get him to subscribe a beta-blocker for awhile.On the web:
"Beta blockers.
(B2 blockers). These are the most useful group of drugs in the treatment of akathisia. The mechanism is thought to be antagonism of the adrenergic system which is overactive due to neuroleptic blockade of presynaptic dopamine receptors. The initial use of propranalol is suggested, starting at 10mg three times a day and increasing every few days to a maximum of 90-120 mg. The onset of action is usually fairly rapid (4-40 hours) and it is well tolerated.
Posted by sebastian on January 26, 2003, at 13:15:55
In reply to Re: Abilify (sebastian), posted by 1313 on January 25, 2003, at 18:48:16
1313
I took the Abilify for 14 days.
I had a problem with a red sore in the corner of my eye that went away when I stoped the Abilify and went back to the Zyprexa. I also was having problems with panic attacks that got worse taking the Abilify, when I stoped and went back to the Zyprexa they continued for about 2.5 weeks. Ackistishia or motor restlessness yes on the Abilify. Also sleeplessness, not feeling rested. I felt like I was deterierating like in above posts my mental state, I was almost afraid to leave the house again. After stoping the abilify (within about 5 days) I had another majorly depresive episode like I used to have years ago.
I didn't like the whole experience, I was ready to stop Abilify after the first day, but I had to give it a chance, I wish I haden't.
So you have been taking Abilify for 4 weeks? Do your simptoms inprove? Are you enjoying the Abilify more now?
Sebastian
Posted by 1313 on January 26, 2003, at 18:13:18
In reply to Re: Abilify (sebastian) » 1313, posted by sebastian on January 26, 2003, at 13:15:55
hi! sebastian, I assume that 4 weeks is some kind of record. I will tell you this...I would never want to relive them!!! I had many side effects including too much arousal, too much coughing, not being able to eat, too little or no sleep, feeling my heart at night and yes! I had my first ever panick attack!! there was a series of three or four I am not sure of one because I took the ativan right away! I try to avoid the ativan because it is a controlled substance.
The good news is I am losing weight (now 22 pounds) I am more able to concentrate on tasks.
I take better care of my surroundings. I laugh more. I don't sleep twelve hours a day (5or 6now)
I wake up without an alarm clock and get to work early. I feel a great sense of pride in doing ordinary things that may seem mundane to others.(laundry,brushing teeth,calling friends,showering,etc...)The biggest negative for me (besides my concern about my heart....) is that because of the panick attacks I am nervous about driving. Because of that for the next few days I am going to stay on roads I know well( and not too trafficky) It has been over a week since I had one so I am feeling safer now but I am still cautious! My psychiatrist believes I will not have another one but that doesn't make me comfortable.I am his FIRST patient on Abilify. both of us are flying by the seat of our pants... I promised six weeks and I plan to keep it! as for the heart...it could be stress But I still plan to get a referral to a cardiologist.
when I get my results I'll post it!
PS. I now take only 10 mgs the half life of the 20 should be over by tuesday!!! I post the results of that too!!!
Posted by lynn3 on January 27, 2003, at 18:36:16
In reply to Re: Abilify (sebastian), posted by 1313 on January 26, 2003, at 18:13:18
I have been on abilify since Nov.'02, I had the initial restlessness and insomnia that many speak of but it did go away after a month or so. It is really working well for me. My only complaints is weight gain, my psych doc said I should loose weight but I have gained 10 pounds in two months. I crave sugar! Anybody else gaining weight on this drug?
Posted by 1313 on January 28, 2003, at 7:42:05
In reply to Abilify, posted by lynn3 on January 27, 2003, at 18:36:16
Hi! Lynne, If you go to abilify.com and look at the prescribing information and do the BMI(body mass index) math you should be able to figure out the median weight gain for yourself...
as for me I weighed in at 310 and counting..I have totally lost my sugar cravings which means I have had very little of it or fake stuff (cake candy ice cream chocolate....especially chocolate....One day could consist of 6 or more of these items along with a quart of ice cream to top off the day It is no wonder I have lost...
The main draw to Abilify for me was the promise that I would maintain my weight and not gain...
from what I understand from that chart is that the lower your BMI the more you will gain....
I hope this helps you!!!
Posted by River1924 on January 28, 2003, at 12:20:03
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by 1313 on January 28, 2003, at 7:42:05
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 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
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