Posted by med_empowered on May 21, 2005, at 4:10:51
In reply to Re: Please , tell me about your experience w/Abilify?? » banga, posted by Alvin on May 20, 2005, at 23:01:58
Hi! I have Bipolar Disorder (type I or NOS, depending on my shrink at the time)...I've done the Abilify thing 2 times. First time I used it was added to a huge mega-med combo (Klonopin, Trileptal, Celexa, Ambien, Neurontin, Propranolol, and Ritalin) to help with mood-stabilization, and also was used in the hopes that it would help with anxiety and maybe lift depression that had proven resistant to all the other meds. I also had tried Zyprexa (I developed akathisia at 2.5mgs, so that DID NOT go well) and Seroquel (gave me terrible dreams and also caused melancholy/sadness)...no luck. Abilify really did help at first--7.5mgs, then 15mgs. The problem, really, was that, like a lot of people, I probably should have only taken Abilify (or any other anti-psychotic) for a **limited** time and then had it withdrawn. My shrink at the time was so impressed with the Abilify that the trileptal, propranolol and celexa were withdrawn and I was moved up to 30mgs Abilify a day. I turned apathetic, and felt vaguely dissatisfied and melancholy. I stopped taking it and felt better, but did have another mood-episode (such is the nature of bipolar, I suppose). I restarted Abilify to treat a depressive episode (severe, with psychotic features). I took it along with Adderall, Klonopin, Tofranil-PM, Cymbalta, and BuSpar. I started at 10mgs, went to 15mgs, but requested that the Abilify be tapered once the psychotic features had cleared up and the depression had improved somewhat. Overall, I'd say Abilify can be an absolute Godsend, just do realize that even though it is a new, improved anti-psychotic (some are calling it the first "3rd generation anti-psychotic" or a "dopamine and serotonin-stabilizer), it still has many of the same problems as the old drugs (Haldol, Prolixin, etc.), just the problems aren't as common (thank god) or as severe (again, thank god). If you are psychotic and demonstrate a need for an anti-psychotic (if, for instance, bumping up your mood-stabilizer and adding a sedative doesn't help), starting at 10-15mgs would probably be the way to; once the episode clears, the dosage could be lowered considerably. If you're in need of something to kind of "even things out," which it sounds to me like would describe your situation, I think it would very wise indeed to "start low, go slow" and see how things work out. My own personal recommendation would be to try, if you can, an Abilify+anti-depressant combo. In my own experience, this worked nicely....with a lot of anti-depressants (the SSRIS, and I think Cymbalta and Effexor, too) the levels of both meds will be boosted when they are combined, so you'll be able to keep doses low. Remeron is another good med to try an anti-depressant+anti-psychotic combo with, as long as you are prepared for some weight gain. Some studies show the remeron+anti-psychotic combo reduces negative symptoms in schizophrenia and helps curb anxiety and depression along with any psychotic symptoms that may be present in depression or bipolar disorder. Good luck!
poster:med_empowered
thread:500321
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050521/msgs/500677.html