Any Input on Abilify?

[puppypancakes3]

My psychiatrist prescribed a small dose of Abilify at our appointment today, and I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this drug, and if it has been beneficial to them. I have been in the midst of a major depressive episode, and have never tried anti-psychotics, but being near the end of my college trimester, I don't want my mood to worsen and struggle anymore than I already have through my classes. I just want to feel functional. My hope is that this prescription will help me get through these last few days, so if anyone has any positive experiences with this drug, it may give me a little extra hope. Also, if anyone has had any bad experiences, I would like to know that as well, just so I can be aware of what may come of it.

[K9Crazy]

Two ladies at work both had terrible neurological issues from taking it. One is adamant they should take this drug off the market. The other has been coming off Abilify but is still having severe uncontrollable shaking of her lower arm. Hope her issues aren’t permanent. Beware of this med.

[Atimetoheal]

My doctor also added small dose of Abilify to help alleviate symptoms of major depression. It helped me enormously. Night and day. I finally had desire to do things again. I wanted to live again. 10 months later I’m still taking it with no notable side effects. Wishing you the best

[puppypancakes3 in reply to Atimetoheal]

That is great to hear! I feel like I've been doing a bit better having been on it for a week now. I know that's not enough time to see how it really affects me, but I have some hope.

[LilyAnnepuppy in reply to puppypancakes3]

I’ve been on it since July. Maybe it’s poison. Maybe if I have to get off of it, it will be a nightmare. Maybe my neurons are deteriorating. But it has made all the difference in the world. I can finally get out of bed and stop crying. My breakdown had lasted a year and a half.

The antidepressant took me from a fetal position (10 on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst) to an 8. The addition of Abilify has me at a 3 (sometimes 2). Cons are sleep patterns get screwed up a bit (but I’m getting enough) and weight gain. Also stay away from online shopping.

Everyone is, indeed, different so please don’t take my experience over anybody else’s.