[netsavy006]

I feel that even on my current dose of Lithium (900mg/d) and with the proper levels, I still shift moods while on it.

Though I understand that with every person YMMV, is it possible that Abilify could be a potential replacement for Lithium since I can't take these mood stabilizer medications:

Lyrica
Neurontin
Tegretol
Depakote

(I'm scared to try Lamictal because I don't get depressed, I'm mainly a manic person).

Thanks,
Andy

[WikidPissah]

abilify is an anti-psychotic, not a mood stabilizer. So it works in a different style then lithium. Check out crazymeds.com for peoples reactions to it.

[Travelinglady]

I'm no M.D., but I think Abilify is used mainly to supplement other drugs. I know Lithium has been the backbone of drugs for bipolars for many years.....I haven't been on that, but I've been on about every other mood stabilizer at some point. Have you talked to an M.D. (such as a psychiatrist) about it?

[Leed]

Yes, I thought it was to be used in addition to another drug. I'm on Cymbalta, and my doc added Abilify as the Cymbalta seemed to lose it's punch. Now I'm doing much better. I don't think it was intended to be used alone, but I might be wrong.

[lotusflames]

the way my pdoc explained lithium to me was that you do still get the natural shifts that everyone does they just aren't as extreme as you get with bipolar. so you're mood will still change but the effects should be less