Posted by SLS on July 14, 2006, at 7:13:24
In reply to can anyone teach me about BIPOLAR and ABILIFY??, posted by bipolarspectrum on July 14, 2006, at 0:20:40
> Hi,
> I'm considering trying abilify for my bipolar disorder, which has alot of mixed states... agitated depressive episodes mostly.... couple questions and general opinions plz!
>
> 1. What dosage is used?I take 10mg
I have seen some people take 2.5mg. I get the impression that this is too low. I think 5mg should be the minimum.
> 2. How does it effect you cognitively?
I find Abilify to be without cognitive side effects.
> 3. Is it activating or sedating?
It is somewhat activating. When I first started it, I noticed an improvement in mental energy and motivation.
> 4. IS IT EFFECTIVE?!!!For me, not really. However, you and I have different requirements. I suffer from a chronic, unwavering, pounding, anergic depression. I do not cycle. In some fanciful way, Abilify is conceptualized by some as being a dopamine system stabilizer (DSS) because it acts as a D2 receptor partial agonist. Will this "stabilize" a rapid cycler? I guess we will soon see.
I think you should start at 5mg. Anything higher might trigger a manic reaction. Be prepared for some mild akathisia, agitation, anxiety, or insomnia during the first 1-2 weeks. It doesn't happen to everyone, and it almost always disappears when it does occur. It is a very clean drug.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:666932
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060709/msgs/666974.html