My ECT pdoc prescribed abilify because he said it works well as an and-on to an antidepressant for depression. Has anyone had good results with this for depression?

[rockgal]

Originally Posted by newgal2

My ECT pdoc prescribed abilify because he said it works well as an and-on to an antidepressant for depression. Has anyone had good results with this for depression?

Yes, excellent results at an extremely low dose. For years. I only stopped it because it was causing a very gradual weight gain and I wanted to nip it before it became a problem. Not everyone gains weight with Abilify, and the gain is not nearly as jaw-droppingly fast as with Zyprexa, but just keep an eye out for it.

One note - it gave me bad insomnia for about eight weeks at the startup. That wore off and then I slept well - far better in fact than before the depression was adequately treated. During those initial eight weeks, I used a low dose of Seroquel to help with sleep. So do not be discouraged if you encounter the startup insomnia.

Originally Posted by rockgal

Yes, excellent results at an extremely low dose. For years. I only stopped it because it was causing a very gradual weight gain and I wanted to nip it before it became a problem. Not everyone gains weight with Abilify, and the gain is not nearly as jaw-droppingly fast as with Zyprexa, but just keep an eye out for it.

One note - it gave me bad insomnia for about eight weeks at the startup. That wore off and then I slept well - far better in fact than before the depression was adequately treated. During those initial eight weeks, I used a low dose of Seroquel to help with sleep. So do not be discouraged if you encounter the startup insomnia.

Thanks rockgal, and I'm glad it worked for you. I doubt I'll experience insomnia because with taking trazadone and Xanax at night, I sleep great. Took abilify yesterday afternoon and slept great at night.

[Rundogrun]

Abilify was a lifesaver for me for depression. Tried multiple antidepressants over 20 years including Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Elavil and Effexor at maximum recommeded dosages, for anywhere from 2 mos to years. Also tried Lithium (really crappy side effects) for almost one year. No other medical problems (normal TSH, chemistry, CBC, vitamin levels). Only problem I seem to have with Abilify is cost and insomnia. I haven't slept through the night for five years. Up every night for 1-2 hours, at least once and sometimes twice. Slept like a baby before Abilify. I am currently on about 4 mg a day.