Posted by kittencat on May 8, 2004, at 1:30:45
First...thanks to Racer for responding to my first (& only) post...I tried to answer back, but the site wouldn't recognize my name...
After years of trying every anti-depressant in the book, my doctor has given me Abilify. I had never heard of it, but asked for it specifically after reading all the enthusiastic posts here praising the drug & its merits. I have tons of trouble just "getting out there"; working, going outside (sometimes don't/can't leave the house for days) & basically living my life, and this drug really seemed to help a lot of people with energy & motivation.
However, tonight, I've read posts that indicate that it, too, is likely to cause weight gain. I figured because of the drug's seemingly stimulating & energizing effects, it would promote weight loss, if anything. I hate to sound superficial...I know mental health is the key here, but I have an eating disorder & am prone to weight gain anyhow. Additionally & I suppose, unfortunately, I am a dancer who is required to remain within a certain weight range in order to get work (underweight, actually) , so additional weight gain would really be detrimental. I've read several posts which indicate that the probability of gaining weight on an AD or AP (wow, I'm getting the lingo) is based upon your BMI, and as mine is in the lower range, it seems I would be one of those prone to gain. Should I expect pounds from Abilify even if I were to stringently regulate my diet?
Also, my doctor gave me 15mg pills, & said to take one a day. Based on what I've read here, I've cut them into quarters (not easy...they are smaller than Xanax). Does 3.75 mg seem about right to begin with? I know many people had a rough time on anything higher than five.
One more thing...I am not now nor have I ever exhibited any signs of schizophrenia. Is Abilify commonly prescribed for other conditions? If a person suffered from schizophrenia, would they be prescribed anything else alongside Abilify? If not, how does it help them? Will it comparably help a person who suffers with severe depression?
Thoughts, postulations & advice greatly appreciated!!
P.S. Speaking of "the lingo", I've tried & tried to figure it out...what is a "pdoc?"
poster:kittencat
thread:344650
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040505/msgs/344650.html