Abilify: Wondering what experiences... - Anxiety and Depre...

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Abilify

vet_techie profile image
15 Replies

Wondering what experiences people have had with Abilify/Aripiprazole. Fluoxetine and therapy have brought my anxiety under better control, but now I've swung hard into a depressive state, and my doctors have mentioned adding in a mood stabilizer. My wife and her friend, both of whom have bipolar disorder, had hallucinations with Abilify but they also said that might be specific to those with bipolar.

Thoughts?

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vet_techie
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15 Replies
Dolphin14 profile image
Dolphin14

I'm on it. Very small dose. Caused weight gain. I think it also effects my sleep.

It did boost my mood at a bigger dose. Now that the dose is lowered I seem to be more sensitive and sad.

So it did work for me.

LilyAnnepuppy profile image
LilyAnnepuppy

I’m on both Fluoxetine and Abilify. And Xanax once a day (or as needed). Seems to be working well.

BonnieSue profile image
BonnieSue

Hi vet_techie,

It worked great for me in your same situation. Somehow adding a different type of drug to my SSRI, such as Abilify, is usually helpful to me. Mood stabilizers have been a huge plus in my treatment. I suppose some of us just need that different approach to our brain's malfunctioning. Best wishes to you!

Hugs, Love, and Blessings...😊🍃☀️🍀🙏🌺💜

Shadow19422 profile image
Shadow19422 in reply toBonnieSue

Hi

I am taking fluoxetine went from 20m to 40m after two weeks, on the 13 day I felt as though a cloud had been lifted, but the next day felt that low mood again, and no interest, how long did it take before the low mood lifted on Tuesday it will be three weeks.

Look forward to hearing from you

BonnieSue profile image
BonnieSue in reply toShadow19422

Are you saying it's been almost 3 weeks since your 40 mg dose was started? And no improvement? If so, that would explain your doc suggesting the mood stabilizer. The increase in Prozac/fluoxetine should have helped by now, but don't completely give up on it yet. The addition of a mood stabilizer is a very reasonable approach and I would do it if I were you. I don't think I've been without one for the last, oh, 15 years or so. Several different ones at different times. I've been highly functional and of happy mood! It's so worth a try! Why not give it a chance?

Shadow19422 profile image
Shadow19422

No I started on 20m for two weeks and then 40m, on Tuesday it will be three weeks so I am hoping it will improve, it’s the low mood that’s worst, not feeling like doing anything or eating.

I had one good day on day 13 but next day I had that cloud hanging over me, just awful, I will ask the Doctor if I can take that combination, thank you for your help

I had hallucinations with it too and it sent me back to the hospital for two months.

Shadow19422 profile image
Shadow19422 in reply to

I want to persevere with Fluoxetine, I would not like to take a antipsychotic drug.

I have been on Fluoxetine 20ml and Friday was increased to 40m, so on Tuesday tomorrow it will be four weeks, I have had a odd day when I thought I was getting better and the next day, I have low mood and black cloud hanging over me, can’t eat or sleep, just awful.

What tablet were you on and how long did it take.

in reply toShadow19422

It was Risperdal for seven years. It was horrible but the doc convinced me I'd go crazy without it but I was crazier with it.

Shadow19422 profile image
Shadow19422 in reply to

Are you taking anything now, or are you feeling ok

in reply toShadow19422

I quit all about a year ago. I get depressed and isolate but it's situational because my husband won't work for two years now and we all had to move in with his mother. Then I lost my dad and his dad months afterwards so I expect to be stressed right now.

Shadow19422 profile image
Shadow19422 in reply to

Oh that’s good that you came off of the drugs, make sure you don’t let the stress get out of control before you see your GP

in reply toShadow19422

Ok. Thank you.

Dolphin14 profile image
Dolphin14

Just for the record

Abilify is an anti psychotic.

i experienced a whole range of different things on this, while on other things at the same time and by itself. my doctors are trying to get me to continue it, but i don't want to. i don't like stabilizers. they frustrate me sexually and emotionally

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