Posted by Alvin on May 18, 2005, at 11:18:34
I am intersted in reponses from people who have had similar experiences to me who are now taking low dose Abilify as sole med ,(along with low dose ativan as needed): I've had a diagnosis of soft bipolarity and anxiety. Most significant impairment is work related (meaning difficulty performing high level, executive positions on long term basis). I tend to experience anxiety, then confusion when trying to sustain myself in such positions. Due to significant weight gain & cognition problems from almost all antidepressants and antipsychotics I've been given, I have dealt with issues by carefully structuring & limiting the type of work I do and taking ativan on an as needed basis. But i'm increasingly less content with the isolation and lack of growth resulting from such a situation. I'd like to challenge myself more, but suspect ativan will not be sufficient to handle all life's ups and downs. Based on my experiences I believe the least possible medication is the way to go, and my new psych. has suggested that a low dose (2.5mgs) of Abilify may help without the side effects. He says you can start it without being in an acute situation, and go higher on dose if need be. I'm thinking of taking psych.'s suggestion, but don't know if I could tolerate weight gain again and wonder if I'm just prone to weight gain with any drug. Best prior drug was Topomax (I had no weight loss, but don't believe too much weight gain; however I got hungry and eventually had cognitive side effects). I'd appreciate any suggestions/thoughts you have, especially if you've been on Abilify and like it, and consider yourself to be somewhat similar to me.
poster:Alvin
thread:499413
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050516/msgs/499413.html