Experience with Abilify

@sallycanuck , I take generic Abilify (aripiprazole), 2mg, to supplement my SSRI for depression, not anxiety. Since I do take another script (Neurontin/Gabapentin) for GAD, I cannot say if the aripiprazole would be helpful for that or not. Citralopram is not generic Abilify but rather Celexa, an SSRI, so maybe she is taking the Abilify to supplement that? Most of these drugs can cause a propensity for weight gain, not so much for me as I have Crohn's disease.

I was on the starting dose of Abilify and had bad insomnia. I got off it at my next Dr. appointment.

Hi @book2075, thanks for sharing your experience with Abilify with the group. Your insights are much appreciated! What were you taking Abilify for?

@sallycanuck, how is your sister doing? Has the medication helped?

Hi @alysebrunella...thanks for checking in. My sister is doing fine...on her citalopram boosted by Abilify.Only down side is the weight gain.

Glad it's working for you. Watch out for involuntary leg, arm and even head jerks and report them to your doc ASAP. They can continue years after you discontinue the medication and even become permanent. And yes, this is the voice of experience talking.

I was diagnosed with tardive dyskinesia more then 16 years ago when I was taking trilafon and then Zyprexa. Needless to say it was disturbing. The neurologist said there was nothing that could be done, and it would continue to get worse. I had uncontrollable head movements, and tongue movements.
Fortunately with changes in my meds, those major symptoms went away. Other symptoms continued. Then after researching the internet and noticing I had a sensitivity to light. Especially flouresent light, I decided to start using sunglasses which have really helped. I use them even when using the computer and watching tv. I also take 2 mg melatonin and 2000 units D3 at night. I take these supplements after much trial and error. So I hope this can be of help. I also take 15 mg abilify per day. If not I'm afraid I will have a relapse, and then more drugs and a return of these distressing symptoms.

HI @berit,
Thanks for your post. My sister has been experiencing a lot of hand tremors since starting Abilify. She is reluctant to chalk it up to the Abilify (I just mentioned your post to her). She's more prone to blame it on stress and smoking, but she had stress and was smoking pre-Abilify. Any comments? Thanks so much.

Hi @nickjr,
Glad to hear the major symptoms are at bay. Congrats on your perseverance to find things that helped. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, especially 3 months after my post...you guys are all very generous and thoughtful.

It could be a side effect of the abilify and not permanent damage like I have. Maybe ask the doctor to cut back the dose, maybe that would help. I would only take these medicines if they are absolutely needed. I also would not take them for years unless you really have to . Has she seen a neurologist? Also maybe a different med would agree with her more. Another idea with the doctors permission stop taking the abilify for about a week and see if the tremors go away. In addition drinking alcohol with these drugs can really mess a person up.

Thanks again @nickjr for sharing your wisdom. My sister is so darn stubborn...when I suggest these things to her, she just brushes me off. I think I'll send our posts to her daughter- she seems to be the only one that can get through to her mom.
You are absolutely right...no one should take anti-psychotics unless it's absolutely necessary. I just spent the past year coming off Seroquel, opiates and ativan. I feel so much clearer and much more energy. It all happened at the suggestion of my lawyer after an MVA...not from my GP or psychiatrist. Isn't life strange? And yet, my sis (who has witnessed my relatively easy withdrawal from all) doesn't heed my warnings. Guess I'm a prophet in my own town...families (sheesh:)
Oh, and last thought, my sister doesn't drink at all, so I'm thankful for that blessing.