[Dysmas]

Hey,

I have just been started on Abilify and have been told to take 5mg for 1 week, then upgrade to 10mg.
I have done my research on it, but still don't understand what i should expect from the drug.
Now, i just went and watched a video on youtube about it (i know, not the best place to go) and saw some really weird comments, such as it's basically a legal form of marijuana. Here is one quote i read;

''They were discovered as "chemical straightjackets" and used to quiet crowded mental hospitals before the drug companies campaign to market them to consumers through the psychiatric profession.''

I am quite worried right now. I don't know what positives i should expect from the drug, nor the negatives as everyone seems to be saying different things.

Please help.

[clskrock]

Hi Dysmas,

Abilify has worked out great for me. Most of the other meds I have been on in the past, I found too sedating. Not Abilify. I take 20mg which may seem kind of high. I've been taking it for two years and I've talked to a lot of people about it.

The thing with meds is that they work differently for each of us.
So I'm sure you may get a different response from different people on how it worked for them.

Give it a shot. If it doesn't work for you, let your Dr. know.

Good Luck,
Dennis

[tracy33]

I've been taking Abilify for 5 years. The doctor put me on it after I got an assault charge for fighting with someone unknown to me in the Walmart parking lot. I had alot of rage back then. It really helped with that. I used to have alot of anger in me that I would take out on my stepdaughter and Abilify helped. (therapy helped, too)
Abilify also helped so much with paranoia. I used to get SO paranoid, but I don't anymore.
I tried stopping it once and I got very depressed, so I went back on it. So maybe it also helps me with depression.
I don't recall side effects from it. Maybe tiredness at first, but I take it at night.
I think it's a good drug. You should give a try.
Keep away from You Tube when it comes to your mental health.

Take Care.

[CrazyTinkerbell]

I've been on Abilify for almost 2 weeks now. I love it except for the fact that I have so much energy I never sleep now!! I don't want to give it up just cause of the insomnia. It has helped my irritability alot. I have noticed though that if I haven't taken my dose by a certain time inthe morning that I start to feel the effects of withdrawals. Good thing is I'll never miss a dose lol.
I will have to say that everyone is right in that all medications affect us in different ways. Good Luck

[Dysmas]

Thanks for the replys, they really help.

I have started on my 10mg dosage today, so far i'm just suffering from insomnia, like you Crazytinkerbell. I don't really mind this as with the depression i could sleep 15 hours a day if i liked.
I have definitely noticed that it is more of a numbing effect on the depression, it doesn't take it away. But i am calmer, and i haven't been letting myself get as angry even on a low dosage, and i have a sense as though some paranoia has been lifted off my shoulders.
However, racing thoughts are still very active, and lashing out after them is still a problem for me, so maybe i need to talk to my doctor next time i see him.

Thanks again, if anyone has more to add i'd be very greatful still.

I've been on 25 mg Abilify for 10 years--excellent for knocking out my delusinal thinking (paranoia). Now trying to decrease dose with intensive therapy to retrain my thinking. We'll see. On 5 other meds, too.

Abilify actually changed my life. Gave me the ability to think straight & feel joy--something I had never experienced before.--Suzy

[Dysmas]

Originally Posted by Suzy5654

I've been on 25 mg Abilify for 10 years--excellent for knocking out my delusinal thinking (paranoia). Now trying to decrease dose with intensive therapy to retrain my thinking. We'll see. On 5 other meds, too.

Abilify actually changed my life. Gave me the ability to think straight & feel joy--something I had never experienced before.--Suzy

That's great Suzy, good luck in therapy.