So I’ve found abilify incredibly effective as a maintenance med but I’m not sure it works for acute stabilization. I’ve only had one manic/psychotic episode....pdoc swears the meds are just that good. Anyway....I was acutely stabilized on risperdal for like four months I think. It’s not a perfect med by any means buts it’s very strong. It can cause male breast development though...so that could be a deal breaker....there are ways to reduce the prolactin effect....either pair with abilify or metformin. I guess the overall thing I wanted to say was don’t give up on abilify as a long term med...but maybe look for something stronger until you’re stable?