[Tmstew28]

How would one taper off of Abilify? If I've been on 2mg for two years, but want off of it, how would I go about it. I have only had a half of a tablet each day since Friday because my refills ran out, and my doctor's office was closed Fri-Sun. Then, after calling both first thing Monday and again twice today, my prescription was not called in. I even called my GP to see if they'd call it in so I wouldn't run out. Nothing. No refill. Now I do not have any of my medication for tonight. Can I just stop? How can I support my body during this? Or do I need to push for a refill and taper more slowly?

[kaliope]

hi tmstew
wow, it really sounds like your docs have left you in a lurch. i am not the right person to be answering you cause i go off meds all the time without much tapering but i do at least taper for a week and i usually havent been on them for years. i think missing a dose would be ok but i think your body would torture you in unimaginable ways if you didnt taper off more slowing then the half dose of pills you have been taking. i usually half, half, half for 3 days to a week at a time depending on how long i have been on it. it took me two months to get off klonopin as i just kept taking smaller doses until i felt my body adjust because i could feel the withdrawal from that. it is a shame you do not have your dr to guide you. i would definitely call and really demand the script or show up at the office if you can. welcome to psych central. you will find we have several forums where you can post about your concerns and receive feedback from other members. you will get a lot of support here. again, welcome

[Tmstew28]

But how would I half a half. They're small tablets and I think they'd crumble if I cut any more. I've already been cutting the tablets in half. This is the lowest possible strength.

[Tmstew28]

And thank you!

[sideblinded]

I was on abilify for a very short time so I was able to get off of it quickly. Since you have been on it a longer time I cannot say how to taper off it as your presciber would be the best one to ask.

Welcome to PC. I hope that you find the answers that you are hoping for and good luck.

[Ruftin]

(((Tmstew))) I think you need to push for that refill and let your prescribing doctor guide you in how to get off the medication, right after you tell him/her how disappointing it is that they couldn't find the time to address your concern. It's so upsetting.

Withdrawal symptoms can vary in different people from barely noticeable to very severe. Be careful. Get a hold of your doctor even if you have to call every 15 minutes. Can you get to the office and stand at the window until they acknowledge you. I've done it before. It works!! Be well!!!!

[FlowerChild67]

I went from 30mgs to 10 mgs in one day after being on Abilify for 6 months, I am currently at day 5. I had no ill side effects, but this is my story everyone is different.
I hope your doctor gets back to you soon like the other suggestions go to their office and wait tell they put the refill in I have done that in the past, now they make sure I have refills.

[Sometimes psychotic]

I went from 2.5 to zero as my last taper on a very slow taper under the care of a pdoc...I think you'll be ok....

[pinkflower17]

Originally Posted by Tmstew28

How would one taper off of Abilify? If I've been on 2mg for two years, but want off of it, how would I go about it. I have only had a half of a tablet each day since Friday because my refills ran out, and my doctor's office was closed Fri-Sun. Then, after calling both first thing Monday and again twice today, my prescription was not called in. I even called my GP to see if they'd call it in so I wouldn't run out. Nothing. No refill. Now I do not have any of my medication for tonight. Can I just stop? How can I support my body during this? Or do I need to push for a refill and taper more slowly?

Abilify is actually one of the few meds you can just stop and be okay. You don't really need to taper off of it. It has a really long half life, so it kind of tapers itself off within your system. 2 mg is also a really low dose. You shouldn't have any physical withdrawal symptoms, but I would watch out for a return of whatever symptoms caused you to start taking it in the first place.

[Tmstew28]

The last time I tapered from 2mg to 1mg for 6 months, and then stopped. I had a very difficult time. They finally filled the prescription, and I had a chance to speak with the doctor. She was very upset with the on call. We are going to taper again, starting today. I'm wondering what supplements I can take to support my body during the taper.

[RisuNeko]

I went from either 5 to 0 in one go or 2.5 to 0 in one go when I tapered off of it, I can't really remember. I don't remember having any problems though.