Abilify and akathesia

[Wxman]

I just started on a low dose of abilify and like other antipsychotics it has given me restless legs and akathesia. Since it's only been 3 days I won't know yet if it will have a positive effect on my mood but I'm wondering if anyone else has had these side effects and then had them subside. Otherwise I doubt I'll be able to continue with this med

[Hidden]

I took Abilify years ago, when I was struggling with postpartum depression and PMDD. Had a horrible time with akathisia, ended up at my then PCP’s office once and the ER a couple of times because it was such an awful experience. All 3 times I was given a shot of Benadryl.

I cried to my then psychiatrist and I was taken off of the Abilify.

[LiveandLetLive42]

I love Abilify. I never had those symptoms.

[Dolphin14]

I had akathesia. Dose was reduced and it went away.

[Wxman in reply to Dolphin14]

I'm already on the lowest dose. Supposed to go to 2mg

[Dolphin14 in reply to Wxman]

I was on 2 mg

Went down to 1

[Billsfriend]

It is true that the side effects respond well to Benadryl. But some people develop akathesia that is permanent. I wouldn't want to take that chance. I wouldn't take it again until I consulted with my doctor, unless of course you Need it.

[Hidden]

Several years ago I was prescribed Abilify as an additive to my antidepressant. Wrong move. It made my depression worse. I stopped both. I can be depressed all by myself.

Now I'm on bupropion and hydroxyzine pamoate and lamictal. I can get up most days feeling like it's ok to be awake. Of course no pill can cure everything. The bupropion is to stabilize. The hydroxyzine for constant anxiety. The lamictal for mood swings. Some days it was hard to live with myself let alone with anyone else. Hang in there until you find what's good for you. Have monthly visits to GP so you & him/her can get the month's results. If it didn't work for you don't be afraid to tell them. It's YOUR mind and body. Try the next one for 30 days. Repeat until they get it right. I tried all the antidepressant available at the time (w/i last 3 yrs). None in that category worked for me. We just (kept going. It took about a year and a half but it was worth it. I still get depressed but I come out of it more times and up to an hour sometimes. For me that's progress. I wish you well.