[crawf]

Hi everyone!

Sort of new to the forum.Currently using Olanzapine and Effexor.

Going to be taking Abilify from this coming Tuesday.I realise everybody reacts differently to meds but read somewhere(for this drug) you tend to get the side effects in the 1st couple of weeks of taking it and they then go away .

My question basically is what your experiences are from this drug(if your using it)?

Thanks!!
Crawf

[Taonuviel]

Well, I went on it and Effexor at the same time, and one or both are making me constantly tired. Other than that, it's possible my shakes are a little worse, but they may be the same as before. Problem is, I don't know which medicine is giving me these effects, so it's not a whole lot of help.
Personally, it's not helping me, I'm pretty sure none of the four I'm taking are helping, because I feel miserable and want to die. But these aren't the first meds that haven't worked for me, and I hope they work for you.

[ktp]

Welcome to the forums!!!

I don't currently take Abilify but as far as side effects go. I can give you a little insight on that. My cousin took it for awhile but he is medicine resistant (in his own mind) so....

side effects I think are worst the first two weeks. I'm on a totally different med (Prozac) and my worst was nightmares and those have passed now that I'm 4 weeks in.

I think it rings true with most medications, although people's bodies react to them differently. I wish you luck and apologize for not being more help

take care.
K.

[crawf]

Thanks for the welcome and the input

Sorry the combo's not working for you Taonuviel.Ive been taking the Olanz. and Effexor for a couple of years now.The Olanz. I found made me tired(until I got it reduced) but it only helped me to a certain extent thus the change now to Abilify.

.The worst thing I found with the Effexor was that its like smoking cigarettes,very addictive but it certainly helps me with the depression side of things and reduces stress.

Reg. feeling tired Taonuvie,l Im totally guessing here but it could be the Abilify,read somewhere that it can lower blood pressure(makes you feel light headed,less energy).Best of luck !!

Thanks for the help ktp.Abilify still very new here in the uk(anywhere for that matter).Been on Olanz. for 3 yrs now,drug really hasnt worked for me.Tried Risperidone for all of 4 days,big mistake for me.Now its Abilifys turn.More than willing to give it a try,have absolutely nothing left to lose.Wish me luck!

Thanks again both of you for your help!!

[Lexicon78]

I currently take Abilify and when I first started it the only negative side effect I got was severe agitation and severe anxiety. Once the pdoc added Cogentin to my meds, it took away most, if not all, the severe side affects. Actually, it's a pretty good medication in my opinion.

[crawf]

Thanks Lexicon,glad to find someone on here taking Abilify.Found your comments very reassuring and taken note of the Congentin(will mention this to my doc).

Cheers!

[crawf]

Hi everyone!

Been on Abilify for nearly 4 weeks now.Wroks similarly to Olanzapine in my mind( minus feeling sleepy tho).

Ive been having a couple of side effects from the the Abilify,maybe its still early days but they really are worrying me.Firstly,everytime Im about to fall asleep I start to get some kind of electric shock(had sleepless nights because of it) and jolts.Resorted to taking some of my Olanzapine just to help me sleep.Am seeing the GP today so hopfully Ill get some sleeping pills.

Very rarely I get an irregular heart beat and hot flushes.

Did a search on google to see if theres anything I can take to overcome these side efects but couldn't find anything .

Does anyone know anything I can take to overcome these side effects?

Thats all really,otherwise I still think its a good medication.If you can help ...thanks!!

Crawf