Manic or medicine induced???

[Caseopia]

I'm on day 4 of no sleep. I dont know if it's stress and depression or because my doctor increased my abilify. Too high of a dosage has given me bad insomnia in the past and I'm getting scary side effects. I expressed this to my doctor and he said I need to take it. I'm hoping I finally get sleep tonight. Anyone ever had experience with abilify making them manic?

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer]

Hi Caseopia. I’ve never had Abilify but have had meds that cause or exacerbate insomnia. Sometimes that side effect will abate as you get used to a med. But it’s always a cost/benefit equation. If Abilify or anything else for that matter is helping in many ways then some insomnia may be a reasonable price to pay. If not, you and your doctor may want to reconsider.

[Caseopia in reply to Catsamaze]

I can admit I can deal with the insomnia. I just get so hyper. I like doing art. I just spent over 40 hours straight painting something on my bedroom wall. It's beautiful but I get so excited I can't stop. I think it worries my loved ones more than me. I totally enjoyed it. And ps. I did just get 5 hours sleep. So I feel good. Thank you guys for your replies.

[Hidden]

Hi, read up on Google about Abilify. It has been known to cause some impulsive behaviors like compulsive shopping or gambling, and hypersexuality. I'm not sure about insomnia. It does help your mood but you may be very correct that you might be on too high of a dose on it. No one knows you better than you know yourself. Arm yourself with some knowledge about the drug and keep talking to your doctor about what you're feeling. If he's dismissing what you're going through and not treating you well, you may want to consider seeing a different psychiatrist. It's totally your call.

[Starrlight]

I’ve not had it causeinsomnia but I think it sounds like that’s what is causing it for you since you’ve experienced it in the past. It would be nice if your doctor showed some compassion. Have you tried Benadryl or Melatonin to sleep?

[Caseopia in reply to Starrlight]

I haven't tried benadryl but I have tried melatonin and it doesn't help. My doctor gave me an anti anxiety med that basically knocks me out but I don't like taking it during the day. It makes me a zombie. Thank you for your suggestions.

[Starrlight in reply to Caseopia]

So maybe the anxiety med will work for you at night?

[Caseopia in reply to Starrlight]

Yes. I get extreme night terrors and flail in my sleep. So bad I woke up to a broken foot twice last summer. The anti anxiety meds help me test me peaceful when it works. Nothing has ever helped the night terrors before.

[Starrlight in reply to Caseopia]

Sorry to hear that. Best to you.

[Caseopia in reply to Starrlight]

Thank you. I'm used to it

[Trying1268]

I can relate caseopia. At the moment I am terrified to sleep. I am hoping for me it is induced by coming off my medication. I feel like if I fall asleep something horrible is going to happen. Or worse I fall asleep and have a vivid nightmare.

I close my eyes and right away the panic symptoms start. I can't breath, I get hot, I wanna run. So I get out of bed and do something menial or just walk around the house. By the time I feel sleepy or not panicked my family is waking up.

It has gone on for 3 days now. I am ready to pass out from exhaustion I'm so tired. Funny thing is, the minute I close my eyes to rest...it just starts over again.

Anyhow, I just wanted to say your not alone. We need to be strong and ignore our thoughts and get a good night sleep

Be well.

[Caseopia in reply to Trying1268]

I know exactly how that is. I'm terrified to sleep. We can get through this

[Trying1268 in reply to Caseopia]

We can! *hugs*

[Caseopia in reply to Trying1268]

Hugs back!