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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
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?
2. How does it effect you cognitively?
3. Is it activating or sedating?
4. IS IT EFFECTIVE?!!!
bps
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
Posted by curtm on July 14, 2006, at 14:01:49
In reply to Re: can anyone teach me about BIPOLAR and ABILIFY?, posted by SLS on July 14, 2006, at 7:13:24
I'm copying some of the answers above because they are the same except #4.
> 1. What dosage is used?
I take 10mg
> 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?!!!
YES. So far. I am only on my second week, but I have had significanly less angry outbursts, and more content mood. I think I even look more approachable. I started out on 5 mg last week and went up to 10 this week. I also take Lamictal. I hope I can tell you more. Do you have any other questions? I am very cyclothemic/bipolar.
Posted by curtm on July 14, 2006, at 14:02:32
In reply to Re: can anyone teach me about BIPOLAR and ABILIFY?, posted by SLS on July 14, 2006, at 7:13:24
> 3. Is it activating or sedating?
It is somewhat activating. When I first started it, I noticed an improvement in mental energy and motivation.
***
Is it still having that effect? How long have you been taking it?
Posted by Phillipa on July 14, 2006, at 15:53:17
In reply to Re: can anyone teach me about BIPOLAR and ABILIFY? » SLS, posted by curtm on July 14, 2006, at 14:02:32
Curtm I have a friend who takes it and it stays activating at least for him. Love Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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