Abilify took me about a month before it started to be truly effective. When I first started it, it caused me restlessness and more agitation. Now, it makes me sleepy when I take it. I like it now because it helps with my mania and psychosis. I don't take any other medication but do have side effects of akathisia and at times tardive dyskinesia. They come and go for me and are tolerable. Also, to find out if it really works, you should take the medication for about 2-3 months and ride out the initial problems it may cause. I believe initially, Abilify caused me to sleep less and more problems with my mental illness but I got sick of taking Geodon at the time because it was not working for me and decided to stick with Abilify for some time. I'm glad I did because it worked well for me. I did not like taking Geodon twice daily because each time I took it, it knocked me out causing me sedation then uncomfortable muscle twitching. Going through with these side effects twice a day for two years was a pain. Thus, I am happy Abilify came out when it did, it saved my life. I take about 15 mg daily.