Abilify and weight gain

[Existing]

I am on an antidepressant for my depression, and then added Abilify last year which has helped with the extremes I feel in anger and frustration, and also the depths of despair.

I like the effects of Ability as a mood stabilizer, but I started gaining unwanted weight.

Anyone have a suggestion for a mood stabilizer that does not cause weight gain? I know everyone's different, but I may approach my doctor with some suggestions for change. Thanks.

[designguy]

I've not had any experience with Abilify but I have with a number of other meds and the only side effect I ever experienced was mild sexual dysfunction on zoloft but we are all different.

From my personal experience of starting and stopping meds I would suggest staying on the Abilify for at least 6 months or even longer to stabilize and find other ways of dealing with the weight gain. I recently experienced high blood pressure issues and was amazed how quickly I could loose weight by limiting my carbs to a 100gm a day. The problem is when feeling better i want to eat more, especially things with carbs - LOL.

Another thing to consider is making sure your hormones, thyroid and adrenals are functioning properly. They can cause or contribute to weight gain, anxiety and depression if not.

[Existing in reply to designguy]

Thanks. Ive been on Abilify for over 6 months, and increased the dose, which seemed to be when the weight really felt out of control in response to a reduction in food intake and appetite. I recently lowered my dose, which seems to actually slow the weight gain that kept creating up. I just wondered if any other mood stabilizer was available without the effects of weight gain.

[designguy in reply to Existing]

My med person is actually a Functional Medicine Doctor which usually has a broader picture of mental/physical health and meds at least in my experience. You might see if there is one you could talk with.

[Existing in reply to designguy]

Thanks.