Posted by SLS on March 2, 2003, at 13:31:30
In reply to Abilify agitation, posted by laurarn on March 2, 2003, at 10:19:50
> I take Abilify 7.5 mg in the morning. This is my eighth day on this med. A couple of days ago I began to wake up in the morning feeling as though I needed to continually move my legs.
>
> I have a sense of restlessness, and am not really able to concentrate on any one thing for too long.
> I believe in waiting out side effects and giving a med at least a 2-3 month trial to see if it is working.
>
> I can get past this restless thing, but it is beginning to drive my crazy. I am a bit agitated as well.
>
> Any advice?Hi Laura.
You are probably experiencing a side-effect common to (neuroleptic) antipsychotics known as akathisia. It is grouped into the category of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Akathisia usually shows itself early in treatment, and very often resolves without intervention. I wouldn't be able to tell you how long it might take for it to do so.
"(Akathisia is having a feeling of inner restlessness and the urge to move, rocking while standing or sitting, lifting of the feet as if marching on the spot, and crossing and uncrossing of the legs while sitting.)"
http://www.namiscc.org/newsletters/February02/aripiprazole.htm
The incidence of EPS has been reported to be very low with Abilify (aripiprazole), however, it is probably higher than what the PDR and package insert assert.
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/abilify_ad.htm
"The most frequently reported adverse events were insomnia, nausea, akathisia,anxiety, headache, somnolence, light-headedness, and upper respiratory tract infection."
There are some medications that your doctor can prescribe to you to lessen the intensity of akathisia until it disappears. I would recommend that you speak to your doctor. There are, of course, other neuroleptics that might help you which would not produce this side effect. For what condition have you been prescribed Abilify?
Good luck.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:205257
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030301/msgs/205297.html