Shown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Rainee on January 29, 2005, at 8:21:02
My doc added cogentin to my meds I take abilify and it makes restless. well I feel less restless. but think I'm getting side effects from the cogentin. mainly anxiety, slow thinker just scared it won't go away.. does your body adjust to this med? or will I have too stop it?
God Bless,
Rainee
Posted by ed_uk on January 29, 2005, at 20:53:23
In reply to I need a little support, posted by Rainee on January 29, 2005, at 8:21:02
Hi Rainee,
Cogentin can somtimes cause anxiety and cognitive/memory problems. These side effects will go away if you stop taking Cogentin.
I think it would be a good idea to try a different medication for the restlessness. A low dose of propranolol (Inderal) might be helpful. You cannot take Inderal if you suffer from asthma.
What dose of Abilify are you taking? Can you reduce the dose? .....if you can, the restlessness should go away.
Have you taken any other atypical antipsychotics? Some of the other APs are less likely to cause restlessness than Abilify.
Ed.
Posted by Rainee on January 30, 2005, at 1:17:52
In reply to Re: I need a little support » Rainee, posted by ed_uk on January 29, 2005, at 20:53:23
Hi thanks for writing. abilify seems to the only one except for the restlessness. plus its weight nuetral.I just lost 60 pounds and have 50 more to go.In a way I have had a laugh because it feels like I's legally stoned! I'm gonna give it some time if it gets too bad I'll have to come back.
PS I alomost thought I was taking topomax..lol
Posted by Rainee on January 30, 2005, at 1:19:48
In reply to Re: I need a little support » Rainee, posted by ed_uk on January 29, 2005, at 20:53:23
Hi thanks for writing. abilify seems to the only one except for the restlessness. plus its weight nuetral.I just lost 60 pounds and have 50 more to go.In a way I have had a laugh because it feels like I's legally stoned! I'm gonna give it some time if it gets too bad I'll have to come off.
PS I alomost thought I was taking topomax..lol
Posted by SLS on January 30, 2005, at 7:41:46
In reply to Re: I need a little support, posted by Rainee on January 30, 2005, at 1:19:48
Hi Rainee.
The restlessness and anxiety, which is sometimes attributed to akathisia, is most often a temporary side effect with Abilify. It might take 3 weeks or so to dissipate, but it is generally worth the wait. I hope it resolves on its own for you soon like it does with most other people. In the meantime, you can continue with the Cogentin, understand its side effects and that it is only temporary, or try another anticholinergic like Akineton (biperidon), which might not affect you as much cognitively. If you can handle being stupid for a couple of weeks, perhaps you should stick with the Cogentin until the critical period of Abilify-induced restlessness has passed, after which, Abilify will exert its own anxiolytic effect.
- Scott
Posted by Rainee on January 30, 2005, at 16:44:36
In reply to Re: I need a little support, posted by SLS on January 30, 2005, at 7:41:46
Thanks scott..you answered my concerns..I feel much better,
Rainee
This is the end of the thread.
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