Posted by Cady on December 6, 2008, at 7:39:20
In reply to Re: Abilify as Monotherapy for Depression?, posted by hugo on December 1, 2008, at 18:43:17
I started reading this post because I had the same question myself (does Abilify work as a monotherapy for bipolar depression?).
I had ultra ultra rapid cycling caused by taking Zoloft for depression. I switched to Lamictal, but the cycling persisted, even after giving Lamictal way too much time to work and going up to 400mg.
I started on 5mg of Abilify two weeks ago, and it has already stabilized my mood and greatly reduced my depression, hypomania, anxiety and irritability symptoms.
So I am thinking about discontinuing the Lamictal now and taking only Abilify if my doctor approves (my new smarter doctor, not the one who gave me Zoloft).
But I also wanted to comment on anxiety and other side effects, since this has come up in a lot of the replies. So far I have no serious side effects. Just nuisances such as indigestion, which could go away eventually. My doctor said some people experience anxiety or restlessness, some experience sedation, and you'll know within the first week which way it's going to affect you. I find it sedating, so I take it at night. It is helping me sleep, and I am not feeling sedated or unrested during the daytime.
poster:Cady
thread:865262
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081204/msgs/866975.html