[bptoo]

I had a Psych appt yesterday. We had been discussing over the last several months about switching me from Zyprexa to Abilify. I told him that I wanted to give the Ab a few more months on the market and see how the report looked before trying it. Everything on it looks good, so we're giving it a shot.

So of course I'm wondering if anyone out there is, or has used it, and can share their experience with it? My doc says that unlike Zyprexa, the Abilify carries zero weight gain with it. His concern was that along with the weight gain comes an increased chance for diabetes, especially at my age.

Any help I can get would be appeciated.

Greg

[hifrumjohn7]

I was on Zyprexa for about four years and gained over sixty pounds. Iam fairly certain that's why Im a diabetic today. I am now on Abilify and it is a much better drug. it does not dull the senses or cause the extreme food cravings. but keep in mind that habits are hard to break. even if you go on the Abilify, you still might be tempted to visit the fridge. also, if you have already gained a lot of weight, it will take a effort on your part to lose it. still, I think Abilify is a sound medicine.

[bptoo]

John, (I assume that's your name, sorry if it's not)

Thanks for responding! I gained 55 lbs on the Zy. I started Topamax which helped a bit to lose weight, then a dear friend set up a diet (lots of skinless white meat chicken) for me and put me on an exercise program schedule. I'm just a few pounds from having lost it all. I haven't had the food cravings for quite awhile, but when I did, it was always for carbohydrates. Was it like that for you? I'm glad to hear that the Ab is a good med. The Zy turned my life around literally overnight, and I hate to lose it. I hope this new med will keep me in balance. Or at least as in balance as I ever get.

Thanks again for your response! I'll let you know how the new med works out. I start it tonight...

Greg

[Lexicon78]

I'm currently on Abilify and it works great. The only problem I had with it was extreme anxiety and restlessness. I couldn't sit, stand, lie down, nothing. I had to keep in constant motion to feel any relief. My pdoc eventually gave me Cogentin to help with this and it's working. You may not be affected this way, but I thought I'd let you know just in case.

Don't change your mind about Abilify on my account. It all depends on the person. It seems like I'm part of a minority here so I wish you well on the Abilify. It is a good drug.

[bptoo]

Lex, well, there's a big difference I can see right off. Assuming it happens to me of course. With the Zyprexa, it really helped with my anxiety and restlessness. It would calm me down quite a bit. I'm hoping for the same effect with the Abilify. My Psych did mention that the Abilify has a different effect on seritonin levels. He wants me to try it over the weekend, and says if I have any major side-effects to switch back to the Zyprexa immediately. I've been very lucky with this doc, he keeps a very close eye on me.

Thanks so much for the feedback. I'm glad we're all here to help each other out.

Greg