Quote:
Originally Posted by agma
I just recently switched from Seroquel XR to Abilify. I was having a lot of negative side effects from Seroquel, and it wasn't helping my mood very much. I have been on Abilify for almost a month. It has helped a ton with my mood, however I am having some side effects. I am starving ALL the time. I will eat a meal and still feel hungry. Has anyone else ever experienced this? It has also made me very restless; I have a very hard time sitting still, I feel like I need to be up walking around and pacing. That doesn't bother as much as the increased appetite since I have been gaining weight. Anybody else experience the big increase in appetite, and if so, what did you do????
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The restlessness is a common side-effect not just from Abilify but from many anti-psychotics as well, atypical and older ones (i.e. Haloperidol). Some atypical ones less frequently cause such symptoms, such as Lonasen, Fanapta, Latuda and Geodon/Zeldox (may cause weight gain and should be avoided if diabetic).
Alternatively, you may find relief in azapirones, a type of anti-psychotics which also act as anti-anxiety and some muscle relaxation. For example, Lullan, Umespirone and Tandospirone (not sure if it's approved for use outside China and Japan).
Lastly, you may find relief in "non-benzodiazepines". The name is a bit odd because it means the medications have similar effects as benzodiazepines without the high risk of dependence and withdrawal, so it can be used long-term. Like benzodiazepines, they can treat anxiety and restlessness, although some more than others will have stronger sedation effects. I'm not a huge fan of these medications, your doctor may also agree with my view because most have been found to cause liver damage in a very short time. Only a few have not so they're still used, such as Taniplon, Pazinaclone and Suril. They're relatively new, Suproclone is among the newest with little understanding of its mechanisms, so I don't know how available it is.