Abilify Withdrawal / Taper

My pdoc had me suddenly drop my Abilify dosage (due to some dystonia). He had me drop from 10 mg to 2 mg over night.

Wow!
My head was spinning. I was light-headed and had a chronic headache. I'd felt totally depleted, both brain and body. I could not function at all. Confined to bed and much worse if/when trying to stand or sit up.

I brought the dose back up to 4 mg. and feel a bit better. I may be able to hold at 4 mg, we will see in time.

Have you ever withdrawn from Abilify?
If so, what was it like for you?


WC

Was on 30mg when I stopped cold turkey. Nothing happened. Probably because it never worked in the first place.

The lightheadedness and head spinning are probably blood pressure related since abilify can affect blood pressure.

I had been switched to a new med while IP so I didn't feel the effects. It didn't work for me either.

It sure felt like it was affecting the circulation in my head/brain.
I felt very ill, could not cope, thought I was losing my mind.


WC

I tapered very slowly...10to 7.5to 5 to 2.5 to zero.....I tried tapering 10 to 5 it was too fast I was unbelievably angry at everyone.

Yes! I think the slow taper makes sense. Thanks for posting. I just called my pdoc for more Abilify so I have enough to complete a slow taper.

Thanks again!
WC

I think I just came off it and switched to a diff AP. I think I was on 30 mg at the time. I do know it was making me suicidal and that's why I came off it. That time period is a little fuzzy though. I might not be remembering things right. Had a horrible pdoc those 7 years.

My pdoc has me stop 30 mg. suddenly due to extreme sleeplessness. I’ve noticed that tears are close to the surface and a big rise in anxiety. I’m sorry you are experiencing difficulties with this. I read your post on ECT and just wanted to give you a hug. I hope you find an answer to your treatment resistant depression soon.

I just went from 30 to 20 no issues

I dropped it with out a hiccup.

I hope your feeling better soon, dammit !!!! * hugs*

I went from geodon to abilify and got manic then back to geodon, have added zyprexa.
bizi