[Ursula Shackleton]

Sorry to be posting so very many threads lately. Just a lot going on in life and in my brain.

I *really* didn't do well with Lamictal, and my pdoc wants to put me on Abilify. I'm very nervous about the potential for TD and all the bloodwork that will need to be done. Wondering what other people's experiences have been on Abilify. Thank you!

[CANDC]

Originally Posted by Ursula Shackleton

Sorry to be posting so very many threads lately. Just a lot going on in life and in my brain.

I *really* didn't do well with Lamictal, and my pdoc wants to put me on Abilify. I'm very nervous about the potential for TD and all the bloodwork that will need to be done. Wondering what other people's experiences have been on Abilify. Thank you!

I would double check with your prescriber about testing for abilify and how often it is and how long testing lasts. I was surprised when you said you would need testing for Abilify. I have heard there is a lot of testing for Lithium. My friend has been on Abilify and if there is testing it is once every 6 months. Maybe there is testing to see blood levels until a person gets stable. I am not an expert. Hope you get the answers from a professional.

[Victoria'smom]

I didn't have any tests with abilify. I was on the dissolvable ones now I'm on the monthly injection. It works well for me.

[MickeyCheeky]

Unfortunately can't help much since i have never tried this med. i think if you have any doubts it may be good to share them to your Pdoc if you feel comfortable about it. Sorry if this post wasn't really Helpful. i Hope things will improve really soon for everyone. Please do keep us updated if you want to. Much Love. Stay Safe. Hope you will feel better really soon. Wishing you the best. Sending many Safe, warm hugs to BOTH you, @Ursula Shackleton, your Family, your Friends and ALL of your Loved Ones! Keep fighting and keep rocking NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, OK?!

[Ursula Shackleton]

Thank you both for the feedback! Maybe I have to be tested more often because I have hypothyroidism. I know this med has the potential for causing metabolic syndrome as well as trashing your thyroid.

[Soupe du jour]

I've never heard of regular testing for Abilify, like there is on Lithium. As for a TSH/T3/T4 and comprehensive metabolic, I think it is good for everyone to have those tests as least once per year, but never heard that Abilify puts many people at risk for abnormal results. Or at least not compared to other antipsychotics or moodstabilizers. It's among the friendlier of the lot, for most people.

There is a risk for TD with all antipsychotics, but I believe the risk from Abilify is lower than for others. I will say that the risk of akathisia on Abilify seems comparatively high. I developed akathisia from it. For those that do, there are medications that can ease it.

[Ursula Shackleton]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

I've never heard of regular testing for Abilify, like there is on Lithium. As for a TSH/T3/T4 and comprehensive metabolic, I think it is good for everyone to have those tests as least once per year, but never heard that Abilify puts many people at risk for abnormal results. Or at least not compared to other antipsychotics or moodstabilizers. It's among the friendlier of the lot, for most people.

There is a risk for TD with all antipsychotics, but I believe the risk from Abilify is lower than for others. I will say that the risk of akathisia on Abilify seems comparatively high. I developed akathisia from it. For those that do, there are medications that can ease it.

This is really useful! Thank you so much for this. Did it help you?

[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by Ursula Shackleton

This is really useful! Thank you so much for this. Did it help you?

Perhaps in the beginning. I recall getting back to work after having been hospitalized a number of times. I also recall getting more active, such as starting ballroom dance classes. However, I did eventually become very manic and hospitalized. I can't say Abilify was at fault, but it didn't prevent my mania. I was also on Lamictal, which has historically been activating for me. But that is me. Some are more prone to mania (like me), while others are more prone to depression. I think that for depression Abilify is quite recommended. I also think for some it is sufficiently good at mania control.

As I recall, the only side effect I developed from Abilify was the akathisia. I had far worse akathisia on some other antipsychotics.

[Ursula Shackleton]

Thank you so much! This is really helpful. Depression is *definitely* my main issue, but I'm also very med sensitive. I was only on 50 mg of Lamictal, and it was hugely activating.

[*Beth*]

I was on Abilify for a fairly short time. I had such extreme akathisia, I just couldn't stay on it. I never had any specific blood work done while on it.

[Ursula Shackleton]

Thanks, Beth!

[Daonnachd]

I'm on aripiprazole, the generic for Ability. I also have been diagnosed with hypothyroid but I cannae recall any blood work tracking it. Of course, I'm also an ECT patient so there are a lot of things I cannae recall.

[Blue_Bird]

I'm on the abilify maintena injections. It's helped quite a bit. It helped with my hallucinations/paranoia/delusions a lot and keeps my mood mostly stable. I haven't had any issues with it nor needed any kind of frequent testing of anything.