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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by lapdog on April 8, 2003, at 23:53:03
My son, who is 25 now, has been taking Abilify (aripiprazole). Although there was much initial promise, extreme insomnia and akethesia (pacing and aggitation) has cause us to reduce the starting dose of 15 mg of Abilify a day to 3.75 mg a day (1/4 tablet). At 7.5 mg a day, he would often go with only two hours of sleep a night despite our best efforts to sedate him (Seroquel, Trazadone, and even Benadryl). Needless to say, after four or five days, he would become disfunctional due to the lack of sleep. He also had a simular problem when taking Geodon (before switching to Abilify).
I was wondering how pervasive a problem this might be. Would anyone taking Abilify share with me their experiences with insomnia or restlessness (or lack thereof)?
Abilify seems to be a wonderful drug. Its a shame my son can not take it. Thanks to all.
Posted by lauran on April 9, 2003, at 11:49:08
In reply to Abilify and insomnia « lapdog, posted by Dr. Bob on April 8, 2003, at 22:52:40
I was on Seroquel for 15 months. I then switched to Abilify for a 6 week trial. I experienced a severe case of akathisia that still is with me today even after stopping three weeks ago. I am no longer on the Seroquel and think that some of what I am experiencing might be withdrawal from that med as well.
I cannot sleep for more than 2 hours at a time. I have an incredible amount of inner tension and I have no appetite to speak of. I have done some reading and believe that this will pass with time.
I know Abilify is helpful for some, but be careful to watch for the akathisia. It is known for producing this.
Posted by canwetalk on April 9, 2003, at 18:43:25
In reply to Abilify and insomnia, posted by lapdog on April 8, 2003, at 23:53:03
My daughter who is 30 years old has been on Abilify now for 4 months. We did notice when she first started it (10mgs) she was having a very bad problem regarding sleep. It's like she would fall asleep but than wake up very early. She is now on 15mgs. and we have noticed that she is able to sleep through the night and is not waking up early early in the morning.
I suppose it takes time for the med to adjust to the individual. Each individual is different so the med is going to react differently for each person.
Have researched a lot on Abilify and do know that it is unfortunately one of the side effects. Perhaps your son's psdoc could prescribe something for sleep.
Posted by lapdog on April 10, 2003, at 0:35:31
In reply to Abilify and insomnia, posted by lapdog on April 8, 2003, at 23:53:03
Thank you both for your responses - obviously insomnia is a problem, more so for some than for others.
I have another question. Do you suppose that it is possible for the manufacturer to break down Abilify into two medications? One components seems especially helpful in regard to cognitive slowing, communication, and clear thought processes. The other component seems to energize and control depression. I wish we could the ratio of one to the other.
I often have the impression that the manufacturers of Geodon and Abilify (and other major anti-psychotics) are trying the capture the market with an all-in-one knockout drug. Not understanding the neurochemistry involved, I cannot validate or invalidate this. What do you think?
Posted by Ritch on April 10, 2003, at 13:51:57
In reply to Re: Abilify and insomnia, posted by lapdog on April 10, 2003, at 0:35:31
> Thank you both for your responses - obviously insomnia is a problem, more so for some than for others.
>
> I have another question. Do you suppose that it is possible for the manufacturer to break down Abilify into two medications? One components seems especially helpful in regard to cognitive slowing, communication, and clear thought processes. The other component seems to energize and control depression. I wish we could the ratio of one to the other.
>
> I often have the impression that the manufacturers of Geodon and Abilify (and other major anti-psychotics) are trying the capture the market with an all-in-one knockout drug. Not understanding the neurochemistry involved, I cannot validate or invalidate this. What do you think?
>
I think you are very correct in your assertion. Abilify hits more receptors than Remeron (and I thought that was a bunch). Abilify has moderate affinity for the serotonin transporter, so in a way you are taking an SRI and that may be why there are many complaining of insomnia while on it (also the half-life is lengthy). Abilify will probably be the biggest competitor to Lilly's new combo of Prozac+Zyprexa.
Posted by canwetalk on April 10, 2003, at 19:55:23
In reply to Re: Abilify and insomnia, posted by lapdog on April 10, 2003, at 0:35:31
Well I really don't know regarding division of the composition of Abilify. I do know one thing however it is the only anti-psychotic medication that has no induced seizures. My daughter being an epileptic all the rest of the anti-psychotics she has been on has induced seizures.
It is something about the composition of Abilify that really amazes me in this regard. I believe that we give it time we shall see remarkable outcomes for a lot of people. Good luck to you and your son.
This is the end of the thread.
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