Adding Abilify to Lexapro?

My shrink just asked me to add Abilify to Lexapro because it helps it work better. I don't really want to take it, but the Lexapro isn't working well enough and I'm at the therapeutic dose and have been for almost a month now.

I know about the side effects and don't really want any of them. I'm not entirely sure about this, but I also feel like something needs to be done.

He also mentioned Latuda. I'm not sure about that either. I guess it is a new one. I had mentioned Wellbutrin because it is what is approved for SAD. He seems not to want to go there.

That combo has been AMAZING for me. Abilify saved my life!

EJ

Thanks, that makes me feel better about the decision. Can I ask what is the dosage?

I have been able to get by lately on low doses of both: 5mg Abilify and 10mg Lexapro. In the past (when i was digging out of a deep hole) I have been up to 30 abilify and 20 lexapro with no ill effects.

Good luck!
EJ

I was just on Abilify/Lexapro for a long time, but just a couple of months ago had my psychiatrist switch Abilify to Latuda since it didn't help augment the Lexapro, and made me very tired, hungry and hot! I love the Latuda since it works on four of the serotonin receptors instead of one, so it's much more potent than Abilify for depression and it's weight neutral as well! Latuda works so well on my depression, I even cut my Lexapro dosage in half! Wellbutrin SR/Aplenzin is great for SAD as you know and promotes weight lose, and can be taken with Lexapro and Abilify at the same time! Best of luck!! Did your mood light come in the mail yet??

Thanks a lot to both of you. My shrink actually looked up the Latuda because I had read about it here and asked him. He knew about it but wasn't sure how it would augment the Lexapro. Now he seems to think it's an idea since my depression is still not really getting better, though my mood is okay, but I don't have energy or concentration.

Yes, vans, thanks for asking and remembering. I got my lamp yesterday and used it for 15 minutes. And used it longer this morning. I think it takes a few days to use it. It does have research that shows it works better than placebo so I hope it at least helps.

I'm on 20 mg Abilify (as an AP & AD), and taking 20 mg Lexapro & use a light box daily for over an hour. The trio snapped me out of a prolonged depression...SAD usually incapacitates me a good part of the winter. While the pdoc is keeping an eye on the Lexapro to make sure I don't go manic, it really seems to help with my depression.

I swear by Abilify. So many of the APs have adverse side-effects, but I've experienced none on Abilify. It's weight neutral (unlike many APs) and I've noticed no other significant problems. One problem folks might experience, depending on their health insurance, is the cost; 30 tablets costs $900 before insurance. I sometimes get a kick out of the fact that I'm taking a small $30 tablet each morning. I'm hoping for the sake of others that it goes generic soon.