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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by megg on January 29, 2003, at 19:07:14
In reply to Re: Abilify and akathisia, posted by River1924 on January 25, 2003, at 21:31:53
I have noticed my akathisia becomes much worse after I drink two cups of coffee. I only switched 2 days ago, and the akathisia isn't horrible yet, but if it is anything like my start with risperdol I am in for a bumpy ride. I only had akathisia about an hour today, after my morning dose of caffiene, but strangely after 8 hours of taking it. It went as quickly as it came... maybe I have built up a tolerance. I have been taking 3mg risperdol for a little over a year without missing a dose, and I am taking 15mg abilify now. I will keep updates of how I am doing, but everything seems great for now. Megg
Posted by Debbie2 on January 30, 2003, at 7:31:02
In reply to Re: Abilify and akathisia, posted by megg on January 29, 2003, at 19:07:14
I have been on the Abilify for about 2 weeks now, I was ready to give it up until I got on here. I have been on almost every med. Now my Pdoc is trying on this. He says it's good with min. weight gain. I have noticed I crave more sugar than normal, feel restless, and can't sleep. But I read 1313 (I think it was them) and they said after 4 weeks she felt better and lost weight. Please correct me if I wrong. So yes Megg please keep us posted and so will I.
Debbie
Posted by missinglynxx on January 31, 2003, at 7:37:49
In reply to Re: Abilify and akathisia, posted by Debbie2 on January 30, 2003, at 7:31:02
Hi there Debbie2. IVe been on Abilify (15mgs)since last December 31st. Like you ,, SSRIS caused me massive side effects from the very onset of taking them. I lasted around 2 days on some of them. Abilify DOES have a strong antidepressant component to it, if you symtomology is similar to mine (which I dont know it is). Some days the Abilify is right on target, other days I feel like I used to.. just keep taking it please. It could be the "answer" GOOD Health to you
Posted by nectar otg on January 31, 2003, at 20:00:32
In reply to Re: Abilify and akathisia, posted by missinglynxx on January 31, 2003, at 7:37:49
Posted by nectar otg on January 31, 2003, at 20:06:58
In reply to Ablify for sex therapy (nm), posted by nectar otg on January 31, 2003, at 20:00:32
Hi.
I was given a 1 month supply (7 15mg pills to be quartered) to help me with a mild depression as well as a non-existent libido. (The rationale is to curtail the depression then use topical testosterone...).
Anyway, I was very taken aback when I found that most ppl are using Abilify for schizophrenia, bipoloar disorder and anxiety. DOES ANYONE TAKE IT FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN THESE CASES? JUST DEPRESSION - ANYONE??
Since drugs that affect serotonin levels are not a good idea given that I am recently married and have no interest in sex, my doctor wanted to try something "radical."
I also have poor body image any used to be bulimic, so reading the postings here I worry that I will gain weight. I read that some lose weight, but I have a very low BMI, so I will probably gain??
Well, I would really appreciate any help here. I am holding off taking the med until I feel more comfortable. I am not sure what is worse here, but I know that a marriage can't last if one person is hyper-sexual and one is averse...
Posted by Debbie2 on February 1, 2003, at 8:22:23
In reply to Re: Ablify for sex therapy - take 2, posted by nectar otg on January 31, 2003, at 20:06:58
Yes, I am on the Abilify for severe depression and that's it, well beside the usually if your like me with the racing thoughts, not sleeping you know, all the stuff that goes along with it. It's going on three weeks and I still feel kinda of weird. Like I want to lay down but can't, but to tired to do anything. Man I hope this gets better. I like the way I'm thinking I haven't had one suicidal thought. But on the other hand I'm noticing weight gain I can't have that I'll get suicidal just getting any fatter. Anybody have answers?? Will this eating alot stop after 4-6 weeks? Will I be more motivated to want to go to a gym and walk?? What's the longest anybody has been taking it. Oh yeah and for Sex Therapy I think it has help with that, just weight out the other side effects first. Did you get back to feeling not so weird? Please help! If anyone has the answers!! Thanks
Debbie2
Posted by canwetalk on February 1, 2003, at 8:56:43
In reply to Re: Just Started Abilify Today--for Depression/Anxiety, posted by Surly on January 7, 2003, at 13:54:52
Daughter was recently started on abilify 10mg. her doctor wants to add lorazapam along with it. She gets aggitated. She still wakes up early in the morning and is still talking to herself rapidly. Has been on it for 16 days now. Still not getting the results were hoping for. Well keep you all informed about her progress. Anyone like to respond to this please feel free. This would be so helpful to me.
Posted by River1924 on February 1, 2003, at 16:49:11
In reply to Abilify and propanolol: We'll see, posted by River1924 on January 28, 2003, at 12:20:03
Propanolol really helped me tolerate Abilify. I could sit still and sleep. My doctor gave me 10 mgs/three times a day but I only need 5mg once a day. If I've read the literature and other posts, I should not need it at all in a month or two. Wish everyone well, River.
> I'm trying again. I doubt if Abilify was even out of my system. Propanolol should slow my heart rate, reduce my anxiety and sweating, and (let's hope) make it possible to read, type, or do anything quiet without the akathisia making me want to jump out the window. Wish me luck, River. I'll let you know.
Posted by 1313 on February 1, 2003, at 20:39:14
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by canwetalk on February 1, 2003, at 8:56:43
I am currently on 10 mgs of Abilify and half a miligram of ativan. I take the abilify between 9:00AM and 5:00 PM. The ativan I take a half hour before bed. I started on December 24th and have had a very rough go of it until about 5 days ago. I also take Lamictal for depression....It is approved only for epilepsy (but it works). about 11 days ago I wanted to give up but I stuck with it....I AM REALLY GLAD!! Two is not enough give it six weeks....deb
Posted by 1313 on February 1, 2003, at 21:28:35
In reply to Re: Ablify for sex therapy - take 2, posted by Debbie2 on February 1, 2003, at 8:22:23
Hi! Debbie 2, I do not know how much you weigh but if you go to the web site ABILIFY.COM you will find the prescribing Information. go to the chart on page 3 or four in the upper right hand corner It will tell you the mid-range of how much weight you can expect to gain. The lower your BMI (body mass index) the more likely to gain 7 percent of your weight IF you gain at all...the higher your BMI the less you will gain and like me you might lose weight....(to calculate your bmi go to xenical.com.)(I don't use it) I weigh 287 and I was 310. While my weight can make me depressed I would NEVER take such a PERMENENT action....KEEP HOPE ALIVE!!! DEB1313
Posted by canwetalk on February 2, 2003, at 9:16:38
In reply to Re: Abilify give it six weeks, posted by 1313 on February 1, 2003, at 20:39:14
Deb I appreciate your response to my posted message regarding giving it 6 weeks. The doctor has included xanax .025mg. She is also taking 150mg dilantin, 2mg of congentin and 10mg abilify. She did appear in good mood this morning. She was awake at 4:53am though even after taking the xanax at bedtime. You say you take the abilify between 9am-5pm she takes hers at 7pm. Wondering if I should try a different time in giving it to her. Her doctor did say I could try different times and see if that would help regarding the sleep problem. Maybe I well give it a shot. Well keep you posted and thanks again.
Posted by Debbie2 on February 2, 2003, at 9:32:02
In reply to Re: Abilify debbie 2, posted by 1313 on February 1, 2003, at 21:28:35
I am not totally ready to give on it yet. I am going to hang in. Thanks for all your support Deb. I have put on weight, but still hanging in here. I'll keep you posted and thanks again
Debbie2
Posted by lynn3 on February 4, 2003, at 13:30:38
In reply to Re: Ablify for sex therapy - take 2, posted by Debbie2 on February 1, 2003, at 8:22:23
> Yes, I am on the Abilify for severe depression and that's it, well beside the usually if your like me with the racing thoughts, not sleeping you know, all the stuff that goes along with it. It's going on three weeks and I still feel kinda of weird. Like I want to lay down but can't, but to tired to do anything. Man I hope this gets better. I like the way I'm thinking I haven't had one suicidal thought. But on the other hand I'm noticing weight gain I can't have that I'll get suicidal just getting any fatter. Anybody have answers?? Will this eating alot stop after 4-6 weeks? Will I be more motivated to want to go to a gym and walk?? What's the longest anybody has been taking it. Oh yeah and for Sex Therapy I think it has help with that, just weight out the other side effects first. Did you get back to feeling not so weird? Please help! If anyone has the answers!! Thanks
> Debbie2I take ablify for psychotic depression, 15mg every day since it became FDA approved in Nov. I have gained 10 # but no more now. I am functioning much better on it. I would rather be 10lb heavier and feel better.
Posted by canwetalk on February 5, 2003, at 9:42:58
In reply to Re: Ablify for sex therapy - take 2, posted by Debbie2 on February 1, 2003, at 8:22:23
Yeah Deb 2 just read your post. So you have been on it for 3 weeks (15mg.) My daughter is on 10mg and has also been on it for 3 weeks. We do notice slight improvement. Now you say you have gained weight, my daughter hasn't gained. I guess it varies with different people. But I agree with you Deb it is better to gain the weight than to suffer with what you had been experiencing. Hang in there Deb just as we are hanging in there. Give it time and it shall make all of the difference in the quaility of our life.
Posted by 1313 on February 6, 2003, at 21:53:29
In reply to Re: Ablify for sex therapy - take 2, posted by canwetalk on February 5, 2003, at 9:42:58
Hi, deb here...before I started on Abilify....I was on Zyprexa....5MGs....Because of 9/11 I added lamictal for depression about 5 months ago...I felt better but some psychosis remained...one time in the gym I yelled at a worker because I thought he was talking about me in a mean way...(he swears he wasn't) I was worried about this and the doc an a I increased the Zyprexa by 2.5(MGS) I gained 25pound in about 3 months taking me to 310 lbs(and rising)....when Abilify came out it was supposed to have a favorable weight profile so I tried it for just about 6 weeks...I am now on ten mgs and I keep on hearing horrible things when I am among others(especially strangers) I know I never did anything wrong and I would love to reality test this feeling but I am afraid to....I don't know if I need more Abilify or If it is just not strong enough for me............sometimes I think people can read my lips even in the car or at home....If they can then they know EVERYTHING about me and know that I am good and kind.....If they can't then I told my fears to my family at a restaurant and maybe someone heard me....I love my family very much and plan to be with them for a very long time....I will do whatever it takes to make sure that this happens...I love my family VERY MUCH....
I am seeing the Dr. tomorrow (fri) I don't know if switching back will help matters but I'll let the doc decided that....any comments would be gratefully appreciated.........please wish me luck
SIGN ME NEVER MAKING A PERMANENT DECISION....
DEB1313
Posted by River1924 on February 6, 2003, at 22:29:14
In reply to Re: Abilify ......., posted by 1313 on February 6, 2003, at 21:53:29
I just wanted to say I admire your struggle. Although I think it is unlikely people are talking about you...cynically, most people are too busy thinking about themselves (and that includes myself.) I wish you luck. It is tiresome to comb one's thoughts, trying to be reasonable and sensible. You sound like a winner to me.
Posted by 1313 on February 7, 2003, at 3:18:53
In reply to Re: Abilify » 1313, posted by River1924 on February 6, 2003, at 22:29:14
River, thank you for your kind words. deb
PS. You sound like a winner to me too!..best of luck...
Posted by 1313 on February 9, 2003, at 2:19:39
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by 1313 on February 7, 2003, at 3:18:53
RIVER, I NEVER HURT ANYONE....AND I HAVE NO PLANS TO EVER!!! THERE IS ALOT OF CONFUSION IN MY MIND I NEED TO WORK OUT, LIKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SERIOUS VERBAL MISTAKE AND BLANTENT LIE. EITHER WAY IT WAS SOMETHING I SAID NOT DID THAT GOT ME IN THIS SITUATION..... I DONT THINK CHANGEING BACK TO ZYPREXA IS GOING TO MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE ( DO YOU THINK!!!???)ASSUME FOR A MOMENT THAT I WAS WRONG IN YOUR ESTIMATION....WHAT WOULD YOU (RIVER) WANT FROM ME..............BESIDES DEATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by utopizen on February 9, 2003, at 12:23:19
In reply to Re: AbilifyRIVER, posted by 1313 on February 9, 2003, at 2:19:39
You need more than an atypical at this point- try Haldol or Thorazine. Preferably within the safe confines of an institution, no offense, just advice.
Posted by xjs7 on February 9, 2003, at 14:56:47
In reply to Re: AbilifyRIVER, posted by utopizen on February 9, 2003, at 12:23:19
> You need more than an atypical at this point- try Haldol or Thorazine. Preferably within the safe confines of an institution, no offense, just advice.
Just saying "no offense" does not automatically make what you say non-offensive. Is this supposed to be funny? It's not. Is this supposed to be clever? It definitely is not.
This board is for "mutual support and education." Is this statement supportive? No. Is it educational? Not in my opinion.
By the way, psychiatrists use atypicals even for the most severe cases of schizophrenia. They are not less powerful drugs.
xjs7
Posted by utopizen on February 9, 2003, at 21:21:26
In reply to Re: AbilifyRIVER » utopizen, posted by xjs7 on February 9, 2003, at 14:56:47
Um, there's nothing wrong with going to an institution. Frankly, I find it offensive that you would suggest there's something offensive about institutions, especially since many of us here have had to enter them!!
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 10, 2003, at 9:02:45
In reply to Re: AbilifyRIVER, posted by utopizen on February 9, 2003, at 21:21:26
Posted by gregg on February 10, 2003, at 10:06:00
In reply to Re: AbilifyRIVER, posted by 1313 on February 9, 2003, at 2:19:39
Deb,
How are you doing? In your last post you mentioned switching back to Zyprexa. Is that what you are doing now?
Please let us know how things work out.greg
Posted by nectar otg on March 8, 2003, at 21:46:04
In reply to Re: AbilifyRIVER » utopizen, posted by xjs7 on February 9, 2003, at 14:56:47
Is Abilify an MAOI inhibitor? Could not find info on abilify.com... thanks.
Posted by kd3qc on March 21, 2003, at 18:09:55
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by 1313 on January 26, 2003, at 8:10:42
I've been on Abilify for 3 months and my heart is acting wierd on it, especially at night. So, I'm taking some Verapimil for the palipitations. Just started it. Saw a cardiologist about it.
> My doctor asked me to give abilify 6 weeks. I am on week four and two days most of the side effects have gone away. I do not have akathesia. My main concern is my HEART! I feel a tenderness and soreness on the skin above it and at night I can feel my heart beat.This makes it hard to fall asleep. I think my nights and and gym workouts would be better if I could prove to myself I was not at risk! To this end I am going to see my regular doctor and ask if it is necessary to see a cardiologist. I hope he will understand. I had an ekg recently and it came back with good results. Maybe I am carrying my stress in a new place! did anyone else feel this way?!
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