abilify - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

timeto · 07-06-2009, 11:50 AM

My doc wants me to try abilify and i am scared to try it. I am not taking any meds right now except for me blood pressure. I am 52 and have had depression as long as i can remember. Now they think i am bipolar 2. I have anxiety issues too. Like to hear if anybody has had good results with abilify.

hopetofeelwell1 · 07-06-2009, 04:48 PM

Hi Timeto! It seems we have a lot in common--age 52 with history of depression and/or bipolar and the pdoc I'm seeing first wanted to put me on Abilify. It was good for me for about a week when I began to get more agitated. It could have been because I was taking Prozac at the time and that was too activating to begin with. I was only getting 3 hours of sleep a night and I had just stopped smoking, too, so my nerves were shot to begin with. It might work for you if it is the only med to be taking, and I don't want to turn you off from it, but I was very agitated from it. Right now I'm taking Lithium, Paxil, and Risperdal(all low doses) and they work for me but the Risperdal is going to be changed because it's affecting one of my hormones. If you have anxiety issues like me, the last thing you'd want is to be more agitated. I find my moods are a lot more even now--like I'm part of the human race. God bless and I hope this was helpful--Hopeto--

Llama · 07-06-2009, 04:51 PM

hi timeto. I am on abilify currently. It works well for me as it clears up my thoughts amoung other things like help not make me manic, etc. I hope it works for you!

timeto · 07-06-2009, 06:38 PM

I have taken a lot of meds in the past, but most made me more anxious so that is what i am a little worried about. They only want me to start with 1 mg and work up slowly but i am still pretty nervous about it. Antidepressents make me worse. I never get manic, just days that i feel like maybe I am normal. I can sleep 15+ hours a day with no problem. My thoughts never shut down, my mind is going as soon as i get out of bed.

Llama · 07-06-2009, 06:52 PM

timeto, I can relate. I sleep 15+ hours easily too. What a depressing thing to have to go through. My mind was like that too, with thoughts that never shut down, but the abilify has helped that at 30mg for me. You may need less, it all depends on your body chemistry.