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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Chocamine on August 27, 2009, at 18:43:14
Hi guys,
I am currently on day 4 of 12mg of Abilify.
Although I am Bipolar type I, the main purpose of the treatment is to reduce the negative symptoms (just like in schizophrenia) that followed my first psychotic episode.I was previously using Zyprexa (10mg) with modest results. It even made me hypomanic for a short period of time.
The main problem I am having with Abilify (other than insomnia, which I can sort of deal with), is the tremors. It makes me feel flat out "twitchy". I have hand tremors and my face starts to spazz out a bit if I try to smile or produce any kind of facial expression. I do not have any of these problems when I am off of antipsychotic medications.
I should also mention that Zyprexa also gave me these symptoms, albeit much less severe. Likewise, pramipexole (a DA agonist) gave me severe tremors.
Is this a side effect that would likely go away with time? It is really bothering me.
On the same note, I want to say that I am really not keen on the idea of being on an AAP, but it seems to be the only thing out there that is even remotely close to being able to treat the negative symptoms. Without it, I am simply unable to hold a conversation, and I have no desire to socialize. My working and short-term memory is also completely shot.
I sure miss the days when I was normal (especially manic). It was the complete opposite. I just HAD to talk and socialize all the time. It sure was fun.
My (unfounded) theory is that left untreated, my prefrontal cortex will just wither away and things will just get worse, so I'm pretty desperate to find an effective treatment. I'm only 21 so I have a lot to live for.
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by floatingbridge on August 28, 2009, at 0:16:39
In reply to Abilify tremors., posted by Chocamine on August 27, 2009, at 18:43:14
Hi,
I don't have much advice--I suffered from tremors on 10mgs of abilify and was withdrawn. Hopefully, others here will be able to provide you with some information and support. I reacted similarly to Seroquel. You'll find something to help you.
Here's to speedy relief--
fb
Posted by Chocamine on August 28, 2009, at 0:22:26
In reply to Re: Abilify tremors. » Chocamine, posted by floatingbridge on August 28, 2009, at 0:16:39
Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it.
Out of curiosity, how long were you on the Abilify for?
Posted by floatingbridge on August 28, 2009, at 1:26:07
In reply to Re: Abilify tremors., posted by Chocamine on August 28, 2009, at 0:22:26
Let's see. I started at 2.5 for a few months, then pushed it to 5, then 10. All told, about 8-9 months. Truthfully, even at the low dose, my thumbs would twitch, and occasionally my hand would shake. I kept that to myself, but at 10 I had facial stuff--like I wasn't able to smile properly--the corners of my mouth would twitch when I turned them up.
I'm not currently on a mood stablizer, or I would share that information with you.
Hang in there, and if this thread doesn't attract much response, maybe try another with a different title.
Good Luck,
fb
Posted by floatingbridge on August 28, 2009, at 1:36:02
In reply to Re: Abilify tremors. » Chocamine, posted by floatingbridge on August 28, 2009, at 1:26:07
When I (finally) told my pdoc about the tremors he said that was not good and withdrew me....
Posted by Chocamine on August 28, 2009, at 1:38:13
In reply to Re: Abilify tremors. » Chocamine, posted by floatingbridge on August 28, 2009, at 1:26:07
That sounds like me to a T!
Even though if I raise my hand in mid-air and it isn't visibly shaking like someone with Parkinson's (although it does a bit sometimes), it FEELS like its shaking, so I'd rather sit still and stiff so no one notices, which makes it worse.
Ditto on the facial stuff.
I'm going to try an experiment... I will add 10mg Zyprexa to the mix tonight just to see what happens. I think it's the dopamine agonist property of Abilify that is causing the tremors (based on my experience with Mirapex).
At the very least I'll get my first night's sleep in a long time!
floatingbridge, did you notice that your tolerance to stimulants (like coffee) went down after starting the Abilify?
And a couple more questions... what other side effects did you experience with Abilify, and which ones went away with time?
What mood stabilizer are you currently on?
Sorry to probe you like that! I really appreciate the info. Thanks.
Posted by floatingbridge on August 28, 2009, at 1:54:10
In reply to Re: Abilify tremors., posted by Chocamine on August 28, 2009, at 1:38:13
Let's see...
>
> floatingbridge, did you notice that your tolerance to
stimulants (like coffee) went down after starting the Abilify?No, in fact I drank more tea at the higher doses because I felt stupified and tired.
>
> And a couple more questions... what other side effects did you experience with Abilify, and which ones went away with time?
>
I felt emotionally blunted--I'm not sure the correct term--is that like flattened affect? I was unable to think of things to say in conversation (different than my social anxiety). I just felt like a lump-lump. Also, my depressive symptoms increased--lots of weeping epidoses. These became evident at the higher doses. Oh, and I began to eat like a horse--or should I say I felt I could eat a horse?
> What mood stabilizer are you currently on?I'm not on one. My dx has changed to MDD, though I do take klonopin which has mild stabilizing properties.
> Sorry to probe you like that! I really appreciate the info. Thanks.No problem at all--I do it all the time (probe that is). Glad to help.
I hope some others with the same dx as you weigh in soon. Many people here use Abilify successfully. (Though your tremors don't sound so good.)
best,
fb
Posted by Zyprexa on August 28, 2009, at 3:20:00
In reply to Abilify tremors., posted by Chocamine on August 27, 2009, at 18:43:14
I would go back to the zyprexa as quickly as possible. I had the same thing on abilify. It also does not go away fast the longer you are on the abilify. I had tremors so bad that I could not work with my hands.
Posted by SLS on August 28, 2009, at 5:33:11
In reply to Abilify tremors., posted by Chocamine on August 27, 2009, at 18:43:14
As was already mentioned, going back to Zyprexa, or perhaps even Geodon is an alternative. It is possible that directly stimulating DA receptors is problematic for you. You could try low-dose amisulpride (Solian) or even sulpiride (Dogamtil) if you reach a point where you are not getting enough relief from negative symptoms with drugs that are available in the US.
The other thing that might be worth looking into is whether or not a small dose of a beta-blocker like propranolol and pindolol would reduce the tremors. You could even use it as a PRN.
I have been on Abilify 20mg for about 5 years now. I have not noticed having tremors except for when Lamictal or lithium are being used. So, I'm afraid that I don't have any personal experience with trying to remedy your situation.
Have you ever tried Parnate or selegiline?
- Scott
Posted by Chocamine on August 28, 2009, at 21:34:58
In reply to Re: Abilify tremors., posted by Chocamine on August 28, 2009, at 1:38:13
Alright. I'm dropping the Abilify. I just can't take the sides anymore.
It seems like this is very much a "hit-or-miss" drug. Works for some people- not for me.
This is the end of the thread.
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