Going On Abilify

My doctor gave me samples of Abilify
2 mg every morning for 1 week then
then
5 mg every morning until I see him in 2 weeks .

I looked on youtube to hear people talk about it and I have heard nothing good about it .
I have to take this I need to control my paranoid problems and other things..

Will update here for any change good or bad affect

Hope it helps you

I don't have bad side effects on it.

My pdoc wanted to try me on this for depression because I have side effects on antidepressants, doesn't sound like a good idea from what you're saying. I'm going to research it but I likely will not be trying it.

I hope it works for you, let me know how it goes in the way of side effects.

Cool I hope I don't either

I will update ..
I will be starting the meds. tomorrow morning

Let us know how it goes. Good luck.

I've been taking 2 mg for about a week. I take it at night because it makes me drowsy. I've had some mild nausea a couple of days, but so far nothing too bad.

It seems really strong. Plans are to move me to 5 mg, but I may split them in half and stay around 2.5 mg. I don't like being heavily sedated.

I'm on 10 mg so far. I don't have any sedation anymore, that's mainly an initial side effect.

I was on it for 3 1/2 years and it works good for paranoia and psychosis since it's a anti-psychotic. I would really try to keep the dose as low as you can because it can be a bear to get off of. Best of luck.

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I have been on Abilify for around 5 or 6 yrs. I started out on 10mgs and am now at 40mgs with no side effects now. I did have tremors when I first started it. It is working great as an additive to my anti-depressant. I hope it works for you.

So far it's been the only thing that has worked for me. Didn't have any side effects. Hate not being able to afford it now. I've heard other people say it's a bear to come off of but I quit cold turkey and didn't really notice anything. Wasn't on a big dose though just 15 mg once a day.

Well I took one tablet this morning around 8 am
Very small tablet so it's very easy to swallow ( thank Goodness )
Doctor said you won't notice anything right away as it takes time .

I take it with lamotrigine and I was tired on it but I started taking it at night and I'm fine now.. It works pretty good - I'm only on 7.5 (started at 5)

I think tomorrow I will be taking it at night as I have been tired all day

Day 2
I weighted myself this morning and I have gained 2 pounds !
I have 0 energy I feel like I am caring a ton of bricks on me .
I just want to lay in bed all day . I just took my pill just now , and now I just want to sleep .
I am not happy so far about this . I have busted my butt losing weight this year I lost 30 pounds and seeing I just gained 2 pounds is not good . All that hard work is slipping
away !

If I gain 2 more pounds then I am off this , not going to have my health in danger as I was up in the 200 before if I go back there I will flip out .

And to top it off my meds. sucks my energy so how am I to exersie ?
I can see how this works your so tired you don't give a hoot who is going to hurt me , I'm to tired to care !

Oh and this is only 2 mg , my goodness I can't imagine what 5 mg will do to me ?

I'm trying to lose weight too. Feeling a bit freaked out too.

Day 3
Gained one pound , I ate late last night my fault Chinese food , I normally stop eating by 7 pm .
Anyway's I am going to try something and I hope my plan works

This morning I took my Abilify ( 2gm ) this morning and I took my Dextroamp-Amphet er 20 mg for my ( ADD ) .
I am hoping by doing this it will help me lose weight and give me energy .

I keep getting up around 2 am but fall asleep soon after . I am tired but not as tired as I was the last 2 days . I deal with Chronic pain as well and hard for me to move around .

I told my T I refuse to take a bunch of meds. and already I am taking ..
Abilify 2gm
Dextroamp - Amphet er 20 mg
Vitamin. 1.25 mg ( one a week )

So much for putting my foot down

The higher the dose of Abilify, the more chance of unwanted side effects.
It's mechanism of action is different from those of the other FDA-approved atypical. Usually for anxiety and depression, the dose is very low around 1- 2.5mg with 5 mg max out. Where as for other conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar the amount climbs up to 20-30mg, a big difference.
It is a partial DA2 agonist, that mediates DA release to about 30-20%. Which almost puts close to the antagonist category but is still not a antagonist obviously. It is also a partial agonist at the 5-HT1A receptor, and like the other atypical antipsychotics displays an antagonist profile at the 5-HT2A receptor. It also antagonizes the 5-HT7 receptor and acts as a partial agonist at the 5-HT2C receptor, both with high affinity. The latter action may underlie the minimal weight gain seen in the course of therapy.

Most atypical antipsychotics bind preferentially to extrastriatal receptors (outside the corpus striatum), but aripiprazole appears to be less preferential in this regard, as binding rates are high throughout the brain.It implicates 5-HT7 antagonist as playing a major role in aripiprazole antidepressant effects, similarly to amisulpride, another AAP.
The half-life is long at approximately 75 hours. Steady-state plasma concentrations are achieved in about 14 days.

An important fact is Aripiprazole is a substrate of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. So, Coadministration with medications that inhibit (e.g. paroxetine, fluoxetine) or induce these metabolic enzymes are known to increase and decrease, respectively, plasma levels of aripiprazole. So, anyone taking aripiprazole should be aware that their dosage of aripiprazole may need to be decreased.

Below are some studies and papers concerning aripiprazole. I may have to make two posts out of it:

It is one of the atypicals with fewest side effects. It's dose a can be varied depending on the mental disorder with depression and anxiety being on the low end. It's mechanism of action should really make it a third generation anti-psychotic.

It is a DA2 partial agonist. So, basically it is a dopamine mediator and stabilizer
They use it's scientific name in the graph, aripiprazole. It's easy to see how Abilify levels it out. While other antipsychotics fluctuate.



This is from a CNS paper:
Aripiprazole, an effective SGA for the treatment of schizophrenia, has a unique pharmacologic profile in that it functions through partial agonism at D2/3 receptors.1 Aripiprazole does not induce extrapyramidal symptoms, an increase in prolactin, weight gain, type II diabetes, or sedation. Instead of blocking D2/3 receptors as is the case with other antipsychotics, aripiprazole acts as a partial agonist at dopamine receptors. In vitro assay shows aripiprazole to be less potent as a receptor agonist than dopamine (range 30% to 80. In behavioral tests, aripiprazole blocks apomorphine-induced climbing behavior (mediated by dopamine receptors) at low dose without inducing catalepsy, unlike typical antipsychotics which do produce catalepsy. This suggests that aripiprazole’s primary mechanism of action of partial agonism at D2/3 receptors has successfully differentiated antipsychotic efficacy and the adverse effects associated with typical antipsychotics.
Aripiprazole is a partial agonist of 5-HT1A receptors at therapeutic concentrations as well. Clozapine and the SGAs ziprasidone and quetiapine also exhibit 5-HT1A partial agonism at clinically effective doses. This distinguishes aripiprazole and these other atypical antipsychotics from first-generation antipsychotics, and suggests they may have particular utility in ameliorating the affective components of psychosis, such as anxiety and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. It appears that the distinctive therapeutic profiles of SGAs are related to partial agonist at dopamine and serotonin receptors.

5HT1a agonists have been used to treat depression and anxiety.
This from Wiki:
Quote:
Some of the atypical antipsychotics like aripiprazole[21] are also partial agonists at the 5-HT1A receptor and are sometimes used in low doses as augmentations to standard antidepressants like the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).[
5-HT1A receptor activation has been shown to increase dopamine release in the medial prefrontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus, and may be useful for improving the symptoms of schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease.[33][34] As mentioned above, some of the atypical antipsychotics are 5-HT1A receptor partial agonists, and this property has been shown to enhance their clinical efficacy.[33][35][36] Enhancement of dopamine release in these areas may also play a major role in the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects seen upon postsynaptic activation of the 5-HT1A receptor.[37][38]
5-HT1A receptor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Here is a very short and succient article by a pdoc:
abilify | Search Results | Thought Broadcast

Quote:
So, Abilify is a potent antagonist at the dopamine D2 and D3, serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, a moderate one at dopamine D4, serotonin 5-HT2C and 5-HT7, alpha1-adrenergic and histamine H1 receptors, and even does a little serotonin reuptake inhibition.
Like Seroquel, Geodon, and Clozaril (clozapine), Abilify is a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, but what makes it special (for now) is also being a partial agonist at the dopamine D2 receptors. Blocking 5-HT2A, and having a positive effect on 5-HT1A and D2 are responsible for fewer movement disorder and prolactin problems, and all those agitating/antsy/activating side effects.
Abilify (aripiprazole) Overview | The Good, the Bad & the Funny of these Crazy Meds

Here is Crazy Meds. 2 part paper with plenty of links and their down to earth writing style If you want to see studies and/or do research. This is it!
Finding the Treatment Options that Suck Less | The Good, the Bad & the Funny of these Crazy Meds
Finding the Treatment Options that Suck Less | The Good, the Bad & the Funny of these Crazy Meds

This is a long research paper by CANMAT abot medication stratigies for anxixiety and co-morbid disorders, publishes in 2012.
https://www.aacp.com/pdf%2F0212%2F0212ACP_Schaffer.pdf

Quote:
Mechanisms of Action
Aripiprazole is what is known as a partial agonist (stimulator) of dopamine D1, D2, and D3 receptors, in contrast to all other typical and atypical antipsychotics, which are full antagonists (blockers) of dopamine receptors. The partial agonism means that when aripiprazole binds to the receptor, it activates the receptor only about 20%, but never any more, no matter how high the dose or blood levels of the drug are.

Since aripiprazole “sits” on the receptor, any degree of excess dopamine that may occur in mania or schizophrenia cannot reach these dopamine receptors, so aripiprazole effectively produces an 80% functional blockade. The 20% stimulation (agonism) of dopamine D2 receptors is sufficient to make aripiprazole the only typical or atypical antipsychotic that significantly lowers prolactin levels. Aripiprazole is also a partial agonist at serotonin 5HT1A receptors, like the drug buspirone (Buspar), which is known for its antidepressant and antianxiety effects. Aripiprazole is a full blocker of 5HT2A receptors, which might also contribute to its antidepressant effects, and (like the antidepressant Trazodone) its ability to increases the deeper phases of sleep known as slow wave sleep.
Aripiprazole (Abilify), the Atypical Atypical Antipsychotic : Bipolar Network News

Here is a study Abilify + Zoloft with positive results. It seems like a tolerable SSRI with Abilify's partial DA2 agonism and it's 5HT actions can possibly be a very good combo. Note in the study the experimental group was only on 2.5mg Abilify.

Another study that shows Abilify's therapeutic effects for depression and anxiety!

From another source:
"There are D2 receptors in the pancreas which usually mediate inhibition of insulin secretion, atypical antipsychotics can mess with these and that's thought to be atleast one reason why blood sugar levels go up and so on.

Dopamine D2-like Receptors Are Expressed in Pancreatic Beta Cells and Mediate Inhibition of Insulin Secretion

GLUT5 expression may also play a role (atleast in Zyprexas case):

Zyprexa's Weight Gain: Does What You Eat Matter More Than How Much?

In this case Zyprexa is thought to make your body use fat, not carbs, as fuel, however this was less the case with abilify and others:

In the fed state, Zyprexa and Clozaril do a massive conversion to fat utilization, Risperdal a medium, and sulpiride minimal conversion. Geodon has a lesser effect than Zyprexa, and appears to normalize; Abilify and Haldol seem close to normal."
http://thelastpsychiatrist.com/2010/...a_and_fat.html



*Here is a chart on the likelihood of side-effects. Charts, you can never have to many charts!!!;D
Antipsychotics: relative adverse effects – a rough guide
This is from a very informative CNS paper, the link below:
Quote:
Aripiprazole, an effective SGA for the treatment of schizophrenia, has a unique pharmacologic profile in that it functions through partial agonism at D2/3 receptors.1 Aripiprazole does not induce extrapyramidal symptoms, an increase in prolactin, weight gain, type II diabetes, or sedation. Instead of blocking D2/3receptors as is the case with other antipsychotics, aripiprazole acts as a partial agonist at dopamine receptors. In vitro assay shows aripiprazole to be less potent as a receptor agonist than dopamine (range 30% to 80. In behavioral tests, aripiprazole blocks apomorphine-induced climbing behavior (mediated by dopamine receptors) at low dose without inducing catalepsy, unlike typical antipsychotics which do produce catalepsy. This suggests that aripiprazole’s primary mechanism of action of partial agonism at D2/3 receptors has successfully differentiated antipsychotic efficacy and the adverse effects associated with typical antipsychotics.
Aripiprazole is a partial agonist of 5-HT1A receptors at therapeutic concentrations as well. Clozapine and the SGAs ziprasidone and quetiapine also exhibit 5-HT1A partial agonism at clinically effective doses. This distinguishes aripiprazole and these other atypical antipsychotics from first-generation antipsychotics, and suggests they may have particular utility in ameliorating the affective components of psychosis, such as anxiety and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. It appears that the distinctive therapeutic profiles of SGAs are related to partial agonist at dopamine and serotonin receptors.
http://www.primarypsychiatry.com/asp...articleid=1149

5HT1a agonists have been used to treat depression and anxiety.
This from Wiki:
Quote:
Some of the atypical antipsychotics like aripiprazole[21] are also partial agonists at the 5-HT1A receptor and are sometimes used in low doses as augmentations to standard antidepressants like the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).[
5-HT1A receptor activation has been shown to increase dopamine release in the medial prefrontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus, and may be useful for improving the symptoms of schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease.[33][34] As mentioned above, some of the atypical antipsychotics are 5-HT1A receptor partial agonists, and this property has been shown to enhance their clinical efficacy.[33][35][36] Enhancement of dopamine release in these areas may also play a major role in the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects seen upon postsynaptic activation of the 5-HT1A receptor.[37][38]
5-HT1A receptor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Here is a very short and succinct article by a pdoc:
abilify | Search Results | Thought Broadcast

Quote:
So, Abilify is a potent antagonist at the dopamine D2 and D3, serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, a moderate one at dopamine D4, serotonin 5-HT2C and 5-HT7, alpha1-adrenergic and histamine H1 receptors, and even does a little serotonin reuptake inhibition.
Like Seroquel, Geodon, and Clozaril (clozapine), Abilify is a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, but what makes it special (for now) is also being a partial agonist at the dopamine D2 receptors. Blocking 5-HT2A, and having a positive effect on 5-HT1A and D2 are responsible for fewer movement disorder and prolactin problems, and all those agitating/antsy/activating side effects.
Abilify (aripiprazole) Overview | The Good, the Bad & the Funny of these Crazy Meds

Here is Crazy Meds. 2 part paper with plenty of links and their down to earth writing style If you want to see studies and/or do research. This is it!
Finding the Treatment Options that Suck Less | The Good, the Bad & the Funny of these Crazy Meds
Finding the Treatment Options that Suck Less | The Good, the Bad & the Funny of these Crazy Meds

This is a long research paper by CANMAT about medication strategies for anxiety and co-morbid disorders, publishes in 2012.
https://www.aacp.com/pdf%2F0212%2F0212ACP_Schaffer.pdf

Quote:
Mechanisms of Action
Aripiprazole is what is known as a partial agonist (stimulator) of dopamine D1, D2, and D3 receptors, in contrast to all other typical and atypical antipsychotics, which are full antagonists (blockers) of dopamine receptors. The partial agonism means that when aripiprazole binds to the receptor, it activates the receptor only about 20%, but never any more, no matter how high the dose or blood levels of the drug are.

Since aripiprazole “sits” on the receptor, any degree of excess dopamine that may occur in mania or schizophrenia cannot reach these dopamine receptors, so aripiprazole effectively produces an 80% functional blockade. The 20% stimulation (agonism) of dopamine D2 receptors is sufficient to make aripiprazole the only typical or atypical antipsychotic that significantly lowers prolactin levels. Aripiprazole is also a partial agonist at serotonin 5HT1A receptors, like the drug buspirone (Buspar), which is known for its antidepressant and antianxiety effects. Aripiprazole is a full blocker of 5HT2A receptors, which might also contribute to its antidepressant effects, and (like the antidepressant Trazodone) its ability to increases the deeper phases of sleep known as slow wave sleep.

For reference of potential side effects:
http://www.npc.nhs.uk/therapeutics/c...izophrenia.pdf

Extrapyramidal symptoms: Movement related symptoms including akathisia (inner restlessness), dystonia (muscle tension/contractions), Dyskinesias (rapid blinking), Pseudoparkinsonism: (cogwheel rigidity, resting tremor).
Anticholinergic side effects: Dry mouth, constipation, urinary hesitancy.
Hypotension: Dizziness, low blood pressure, sinus congestion.
Prolactin Elevation: Raised amount of the hormone Prolactin (also know as Hyperprolactinaemia), side effects associated with this state can include sexual dysfunction, weight gain and secretion of breast milk.
__________________

wow that's a lot of info. wish I could understand half of it but I don't , sorry Thanks anyways

Day 4
Took my Abilify 2 mg ( 1 tablet )
and my Dextroamp - Amphet er 20 mg
This morning , I have a bit more energy this morning going to try to clean the house .
My weight stayed the same so that's good and now that I have more energy then I had the last past days I can burn some calories .
I like to get back to walking at least 20 min. a day
As for food I will get no more then 40 carbs as for calories around 1200 a day

Day 5
Lost a pound good so now I am back to losing weight
I have 2 more tablets to take 2 mg before I step it up to 5 mg
So far I am still the same no change for the better . I know the mg has to be higher for the psychosis to stop .
Cold weather is effecting my chronic pain , it's hard to do anything my body stiffens up .
I need to move to the south , and I would drop everything and hop on my jeep and leave with clothes on my back if this crap dose not stop .

Even if you retain some of it and/or print it out or take notes to your pdoc. That will help. I wasn't trying to overwhelm or try to impress anyone. I like to do research that will help!

It's all good thank you

Day 6
Lost another pound ya !
Other then that still having paranoid thoughts