Abilify (Aripiprazole) - Schizophrenia Message Board

greekpig · 02-16-2003, 03:48 AM

Hello.

I've tried a list of atypical medication, and have ruled them all out - basically because of side effects. I've been taking pimozide (orap) for the past twenty years.

I'm hoping that abilify will be able to treat me better than pimozide, because I feel increasingly that I should be on a better drug.

The main side effects that I just can't live with are drowsiness, sexual dysfunction, sleep disruption and weight gain. I know that many people just have to live with these side effects, but for one reason or another if I suffer from them they are a big disruption to my life. I'm also suffering increasingly from depression.

Hence I have high hopes for Abilify for myself, which I hope is a clean drug which won't give me the afore mentioned side effects, and may even treat my depression.

A lot of people tell me to be cynical of claims for new drugs, because they are often no better than the old ones.

I live in the UK, and I'm hoping Abilify will be licensed here in June / July 2003, so I'm hoping that some people who have been on Abilify might tell me (us) their thoughts on the drug.

Many thanks,

GP.

[This message has been edited by greekpig (edited 02-16-2003).]

BahalaNa1128 · 02-20-2003, 05:51 PM

Hi greekpig, I am new to this site and I am anxious to see what folks say about abilify. I saw a new psychiatrist today and he suggested abilify but I am not sure if I am willing to take it. He is wanting to prescribe it for my paranoia. I am unsure because it has been over three years since I have been on any meds. My previous experience is years of being very overmedicated so I guess I feel scared. I have been doing okay since being off meds but I still have a bit of paranoia which I know is not rational thought. Anyway, I am also in a twelve step program, a friend of Jimmy K.'s, and I am scared in that respect because I have a few 24 hours in the program. Well, this is my dilemma. I hope someone will be able to give me any insight on abilify. Thanks. Peace.

Chatham24 · 10-22-2006, 04:57 AM

Hi, I am a 25 year old fem that has been diagnosed paronoid schizophrenic. I was on abilify for about 6 month or more. 3 months ago I slowly stopped taking my medication, which was abilify, wellbrutrin and deseryel, because people said I looked like " a deer in headlights." I found that with the abilify I was less paranoid but my voices did not completly go away. They said that I should get a burst of energy with abilify but did not find that to be true. I was wondering if anyone has had the same experiences with abilify or if anyone has had any good experiences with the medication. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Does anyone suggest any other medication? Thanks- Chatham24

stephaniechase · 10-22-2006, 11:55 AM

Hi all,

Two months ago, I switched my meds from geodon and lamictal to abilify. I am a bit anxious that some of my depression and lack of motivation have returned after getting off geodon and lamictal, which both have mood-buffering qualities. I liked the geodon/lamictal combo especially because neither cause any weight gain. The official studies say that abilify doesn't cause weight gain, but I've read otherwise from first person accounts, and am worried that I have been putting on a few new pounds (hope that doesn't continue). Another side effect of Abilify that I am worried about is the restlessness it causes. I have that can't-sit-still feeling more often than not which is pretty awful, esp. at work. So I'm also hoping that side effect will subside. I am sharper mentally on the Abilify, but that's not always for the best when it spills over into the emotional.

Good news: Qualitatively, the Abilify has almost entirely eliminated my voices. Now I come home and lay on the couch and just enjoy the peace and quiet, for the first time in 3 1/2 years. But it's hard to say whether the Abilify is working better in terms of managing other symptoms (I'm schizoaffective). I'm going back to the doctor this week, and am going to suggest going back on the geodon and lamictal, in combo with the Abilify.

Hope this helps. Would also like to hear some other people's experiences and opinions of this new drug.

Thanks

Lealing · 10-23-2006, 06:13 AM

I've recently started on abilify after having been on Olanzapine for years. I find that I am more awake on Abilify than when I was on Olanzapine. I used to sleep lots when I was on Olanzapine and now I am more awake during the day and get up earlier in the morning. I have schizoaffective disorder.