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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 38. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by laurarn on February 13, 2003, at 13:15:07
My pdoc suggested several weeks ago that I consider taking Abilify. As usual, he threw the idea out there and let me think about it for a few weeks.
I've decided to start this med. Some posts report it as sedating while others report activation. Any Abilify experiences out there?
Thanks for your support.
Posted by utopizen on February 13, 2003, at 17:28:24
In reply to Abilify, posted by laurarn on February 13, 2003, at 13:15:07
I'm on Day 5 of Abilify. So far, I've experienced slight nausea. That passed. Sedation passed on Day 2, where activation was noticed, then things balanced out by Day 3.
I just woke up, and my left leg and left arm were "asleep". I hope that's not some early sign of tardive dyskinseia. If it is, someone let me know.
Try it though. I take it for social anxiety. My doctor's a Klonopin avoider, but I'm hoping it'll go further than Klonopin anyway. No effect yet, but here's hoping for the best- takes 7-10 days to kick in.
Posted by missinglynxx on February 13, 2003, at 18:05:45
In reply to My arms tend to flap around unexpectedly, but ok.., posted by utopizen on February 13, 2003, at 17:28:24
> I'm on Day 5 of Abilify. So far, I've experienced slight nausea. That passed. Sedation passed on Day 2, where activation was noticed, then things balanced out by Day 3.
>
> I just woke up, and my left leg and left arm were "asleep". I hope that's not some early sign of tardive dyskinseia. If it is, someone let me know.
>
> Try it though. I take it for social anxiety. My doctor's a Klonopin avoider, but I'm hoping it'll go further than Klonopin anyway. No effect yet, but here's hoping for the best- takes 7-10 days to kick in.
Make sure you have a well stocked Refrigerator and Cupboard. Abilify CAN make you ravenously hungry, sort of like a pre hybernation Bear!
I think it lowers blood sugar.
Ive found this hunger to be CONSISTANT after each dose. Just up your exercise and you will be fine! good luck
Posted by laurarn on February 14, 2003, at 14:19:22
In reply to Abilifys #1 side effect is.........., posted by missinglynxx on February 13, 2003, at 18:05:45
Thanks for your input Utopizen and Missinglynxx. I will let you know how it goes. I am waiting to make sure my insurance covers the med as it is incredibly expensive otherwise.
Posted by missinglynxx on February 14, 2003, at 17:13:12
In reply to Re: Abilifys #1 side effect is.........., posted by laurarn on February 14, 2003, at 14:19:22
> Thanks for your input Utopizen and Missinglynxx. I will let you know how it goes. I am waiting to make sure my insurance covers the med as it is incredibly expensive otherwise.
I hope they cover this,, Laurarn! I call it a Bill Gates Drug,,, He could possibly afford Abilify haha , Im sure you will do great on this once you get approval,, what are you taking right now ?
Posted by missinglynxx on February 14, 2003, at 17:15:23
In reply to Re: Abilifys #1 side effect is.........., posted by laurarn on February 14, 2003, at 14:19:22
Oh I forgot this Laurarn. ITS neither sedating nor Energizing.......Its COOL cuz its neutral////
Posted by utopizen on February 14, 2003, at 17:42:03
In reply to Re: Abilifys #1 side effect is.........., posted by laurarn on February 14, 2003, at 14:19:22
> Thanks for your input Utopizen and Missinglynxx. I will let you know how it goes. I am waiting to make sure my insurance covers the med as it is incredibly expensive otherwise.
>
My insurance charges me $25, the highest co-pay they have, which is rare of them to do.
Posted by utopizen on February 15, 2003, at 0:46:55
In reply to Re: Abilifys #1 side effect is.........., posted by utopizen on February 14, 2003, at 17:42:03
Abilify's odd right now- it causes me to be super tired 20 minutes after taking it, which is around 10 or 11 at night. Then I go to sleep at this point, and naturally, living in a college dorm, get woken by my inconsiderate roommates as they talk on the phone or whatever they do when they come in at 1 am. Then I wake up and pop a Neurontin 800mg, because i'm so wired all of a sudden that's the only thing that will work.
So I'm going to start taking Abilify in the morning and see how that goes. I'll start taking it at 3AM sat night, 6 AM sun morning, and 8 am mon morning
Posted by megg on February 15, 2003, at 7:44:40
In reply to Re: Abilifys #1 side effect is.........., posted by utopizen on February 15, 2003, at 0:46:55
I really think it depends on the person... I don't get hungry or particularly sleepy, the only side effect I have (besides an inital week of nausea) is waking up easily. I was definetly not a light sleeper on my old AP.
Posted by Emme on February 15, 2003, at 8:54:47
In reply to Re: Abilifys #1 side effect is.........., posted by megg on February 15, 2003, at 7:44:40
At first I thought it was the most activating thing I had ever tried (except maybe Geodon). Now I'm soooo tired. I don't know if my body is changing its response to the drug, I'm just tired from other things and being worried in general, or I'm cycling. I hoped for normal energy. At first I thought "wow, this had antidepressant effects". NOw I'm depressed again. Whaddaya think? Will things even out? I'm only taking something like 1-2 mg (I'm the microdose patient.).
Emme
Posted by laurarn on February 15, 2003, at 12:06:15
In reply to Re: Abilifys #1 side effect is.........., posted by missinglynxx on February 14, 2003, at 17:13:12
I've already used the "Bill Gate's drug" line. Thanks for the funny material. I have been on Seroquel for a year and it has helped me. My concern is that it de-motivates me in terms of interacting with other people. I just sort of "blah" out.
I think Abilify is worth a trial. While I do need something with AD properties, I also need something to hold my thoughts together when they race on uncontrollably. I'll keep you posted.
I was a bit taken aback at jojones reply. Thanks Dr. Bob for helping with that.
Posted by utopizen on February 15, 2003, at 17:12:39
In reply to Re: Abilifys #1 side effect is.........., posted by Emme on February 15, 2003, at 8:54:47
Emma,
Abilify made me dead tired the first 3 days, then it started making me wide awake after that passed.
I could go to sleep fine, but when I woke up from my roommates I couldn't go back to sleep for hours.
Being in college, I have to deal. So I'm going to start taking it in the AM instead of PM. Get this- I figured out a way to start AM dosing titiration (scaling) without waking myself up in the middle of the night during my adjustment period.
I was thinking at first I would go from my usual 9PM dose to a midnight dose one night, the second night a 3AM dose, the third a 6 AM dose.
Well if I just go backwards in the day, I can do this without waking up to take the 3 AM dose!!
I just took a 6PM dose, and tomorrow I'm taking a 3PM dose. And then on subsequent days I'll take a 12PM dose, and finally a 9AM dose.
This way, too, if I find it ends up making me sleepy instead, I can easily go from 6PM back to 9PM.
Posted by megg on February 15, 2003, at 17:29:02
In reply to Abilify side effects » Emme, posted by utopizen on February 15, 2003, at 17:12:39
wow that sounds complicated... and I forget to get the milk when I go to the store for it, so I think I will stick with my bedtime dose. (luckily I my roomate is a morning person, and goes to bed early ;)
Posted by missinglynxx on February 16, 2003, at 2:53:48
In reply to Re: Abilifys #1 side effect is.......... » missinglynxx, posted by laurarn on February 15, 2003, at 12:06:15
Well IM assuming you have drug coverage with your insurance plan,, I would try the Abilify. its both an agonist of Dopamine (where it is TOO low) and blocks it in areas of the brain where it is too high.. ITS very high Tech
The Japanese discovered it ----> Otsuka is the Manufacturer in cahoots with Bristol Meyers Squibb
On test subjects there was no weight gain over 6 weeks, I find It doesnt make me talk too much, but I do enjoy people more . Im hypercritical .Plus I have that *everyone is out for my money * mentality. Try the Abilify,,, it might be right up your alley Take care
Posted by missinglynxx on February 16, 2003, at 2:57:16
In reply to Re: Abilify side effects » utopizen, posted by megg on February 15, 2003, at 17:29:02
Thats a good scheme Utopizen. I split mine with a knife and take it twice a day...I loathe the price..I want MY MONEYS WORTH,,, I dont have Michael Douglas's Stock Portfolio,
Posted by utopizen on February 16, 2003, at 9:26:54
In reply to Re: Abilify side effects, posted by missinglynxx on February 16, 2003, at 2:57:16
> Thats a good scheme Utopizen. I split mine with a knife and take it twice a day...I loathe the price..I want MY MONEYS WORTH,,, I dont have Michael Douglas's Stock Portfolio,
>>I have a PPO (premium, non-HMO thing) and even with it I get charged $25/month-- very few drugs are $25 co-pays for me.
I suggest a $4 investment in a pill cutter. It still won't cut perfectly in half because Abilify isn't scored for some reason, but it's better than hacking it. good luck! I'm still waiting for it to "kick in".
Posted by missinglynxx on February 16, 2003, at 9:38:53
In reply to Re: Abilify side effects, posted by utopizen on February 16, 2003, at 9:26:54
> > Thats a good scheme Utopizen. I split mine with a knife and take it twice a day...I loathe the price..I want MY MONEYS WORTH,,, I dont have Michael Douglas's Stock Portfolio,
> >>
>
> I have a PPO (premium, non-HMO thing) and even with it I get charged $25/month-- very few drugs are $25 co-pays for me.
>
> I suggest a $4 investment in a pill cutter. It still won't cut perfectly in half because Abilify isn't scored for some reason, but it's better than hacking it. good luck! I'm still waiting for it to "kick in".
>Sure I understand . well if this is any consolation, I had the best day Ive had in 6 months, partly due to the Abilify. This occured about the 7th day that I was :on: this medication at 15 mgs a day. I assume you take 10 or 15....Hopefully you will stay Lean and mean on the Abilify..HOPE it helps cure you, Utopizen!@@@
Posted by Jeff Oblivion on February 18, 2003, at 13:04:43
In reply to Re: Abilify side effects » utopizen, posted by missinglynxx on February 16, 2003, at 9:38:53
I have been taking Abilify for over a week now. I am taking 15mgs once a day. Is this a really low dose? It made me drowsy right after I took it for the first two days. Now it doesn't have many side effects at all. It feels like I'm not taking anything, which is exactly how I would like for my medication to feel. But I am wondering. Is 15mgs too small of a dose? I have schizoaffective disorder bipolartype and am on Trileptal as well. Thank you.
Posted by SLS on February 18, 2003, at 16:32:55
In reply to Re: Abilify side effects, posted by Jeff Oblivion on February 18, 2003, at 13:04:43
> I have been taking Abilify for over a week now. I am taking 15mgs once a day. Is this a really low dose? It made me drowsy right after I took it for the first two days. Now it doesn't have many side effects at all. It feels like I'm not taking anything, which is exactly how I would like for my medication to feel. But I am wondering. Is 15mgs too small of a dose? I have schizoaffective disorder bipolartype and am on Trileptal as well. Thank you.
Hi Jeff.My experience with Abilify has been exactly the same as yours. I started taking it three days ago at 20mg. I don't really notice any side-effects right now, with the possible exception of increased appetite. We'll see where that goes. I hope it treats me better than Zyprexa in that regard. I gained 20 pounds on Zyprexa in three weeks. Also, I experienced some itching yesterday and the day before. It's pretty much gone now.
I have a treatment-resistant chronic bipolar depression. I'm using Abilify for its antidepressant effects. How about you?
Here's what it says in the drug monograph / package insert:
****************************************
Usual Dose
The recommended starting and target dose for ABILIFY is 10 or 15 mg/day administered on a once-a-day schedule without regard to meals. ABILIFY has been systematically evaluated and shown to be effective in a dose range of 10 to 30 mg/day; however, doses higher than 10 or 15 mg/day, the lowest doses in these trials, were not more effective than 10 or 15 mg/day. Dosage increases should not be made before 2 weeks, the time needed to achieve steady state.
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/abilify_ids.htm
****************************************
Good luck with Abilify!
- Scott
Posted by missinglynxx on February 18, 2003, at 18:24:02
In reply to Re: Abilify side effects » Jeff Oblivion, posted by SLS on February 18, 2003, at 16:32:55
Thats exciting Scott that your MD prescribed Abilify.. I take 15 mgs per day,,, Broken into 2 pieces >> You might want to divide it ?
for a more intense reaction. The side effects are ONES I can deal with,,,,!! love that.
Good luck with you health, Scott
Posted by Jeff Oblivion on February 18, 2003, at 21:40:03
In reply to Re: Abilify side effects » Jeff Oblivion, posted by SLS on February 18, 2003, at 16:32:55
>
> Hi Jeff.
>
> My experience with Abilify has been exactly the same as yours. I started taking it three days ago at 20mg. I don't really notice any side-effects right now, with the possible exception of increased appetite. We'll see where that goes. I hope it treats me better than Zyprexa in that regard. I gained 20 pounds on Zyprexa in three weeks. Also, I experienced some itching yesterday and the day before. It's pretty much gone now.
>
> I have a treatment-resistant chronic bipolar depression. I'm using Abilify for its antidepressant effects. How about you?
>
> Here's what it says in the drug monograph / package insert:
>
> ****************************************
>
> Usual Dose
>
> The recommended starting and target dose for ABILIFY is 10 or 15 mg/day administered on a once-a-day schedule without regard to meals. ABILIFY has been systematically evaluated and shown to be effective in a dose range of 10 to 30 mg/day; however, doses higher than 10 or 15 mg/day, the lowest doses in these trials, were not more effective than 10 or 15 mg/day. Dosage increases should not be made before 2 weeks, the time needed to achieve steady state.
>
> http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/abilify_ids.htm
>
> ****************************************
>
>
> Good luck with Abilify!
>
>
> - Scott
Thank you for the monograph information, Scott. I should have kept the one that came with my bottle, but I didn't really think about it. I just threw the bag away.
Anyway, I'm taking Abilify to help with hallucinations, mostly auditory. I'm also hoping it will work with my trileptal to keep the bipolar aspect of my schizoaffective disorder in check. It gave me the urge to start exercising again, which is good because I have been really lazy lately. It's only been 3 days since I have been back on my workout routine after, I would say, about 3 months. The funny thing that, after I exercise, instead of getting a high from it, I just feel kind of tired and maybe even a little depressed. It's pretty weird because that's not how I remember my body reacting to a good work out. It might be because I have become so out of shape in the last three months, just sitting there at my computer for twelve hours a day. That's not much more exercise than sleeping and eating all day. So maybe that will get better as time goes on or I will just get use to it. I'm not going to stop working out nor quit the abilify. I only remembered to mention that in this post because I just finished exercising not too long ago.
So Abilify is making you hungry, huh? I think I noticed something like that at first. It's not as bad as zyprexa was to me though. I can handle eating a more normally now. I am determined to lose the weight I gained with zyprexa, around 40 pounds.
Well good luck with the Abilify, yourself, and take care. It's a good thing the itching went away too.-Jeff
Posted by SLS on February 18, 2003, at 21:47:03
In reply to Re: Abilify side effects » SLS, posted by missinglynxx on February 18, 2003, at 18:24:02
> Thats exciting Scott that your MD prescribed Abilify.. I take 15 mgs per day,,, Broken into 2 pieces >> You might want to divide it ?
My doctor said that the side effects of Abilify are not dosage-dependent. He thought it logical to go right for the target dosage, especially since it takes quite a while for it to reach steady-state levels. So far, he seems to be right.The mean elimination half-life for Abilify is 75 hours (146 hours for poor metabolizers). For this reason, once-a-day dosing is recommended.
How have you been doing?
Take care.
- Scott
Posted by ShelliR on February 18, 2003, at 22:03:41
In reply to Re: Abilify side effects » missinglynxx, posted by SLS on February 18, 2003, at 21:47:03
My doctor called in cogentin last night, but my street's not plowed yet, so I can't get it from the pharmacy. Has anyone else added cogentin to abilify? My insides are shakey both from abilify, then straterra and I can't settle down to do any work, read, etc. Does anyone use cogentin for shakiness anymore. Neither valium or klonopin did anything, but I never heard cogentin mentioned on this board. (btw, he prescribed it at my request).
Shelli
Posted by xjs7 on February 18, 2003, at 22:27:46
In reply to Re: Abilify and cogentin, posted by ShelliR on February 18, 2003, at 22:03:41
I use Cogentin 1 mg BID and it works great for tremor (which I have naturally and is not drug-induced), and EPS (which is from my Geodon). I have been on Cogentin for 10 months and highly recommend it for shaking and stiffness, drug-induced or not drug-induced. I tried a benzodiazepine (Ativan) first and it didn't work on the tremor at all. I hope this helps.
xjs7
Posted by missinglynxx on February 19, 2003, at 1:25:02
In reply to Re: Abilify side effects » missinglynxx, posted by SLS on February 18, 2003, at 21:47:03
> > Thats exciting Scott that your MD prescribed Abilify.. I take 15 mgs per day,,, Broken into 2 pieces >> You might want to divide it ?
>
>
> My doctor said that the side effects of Abilify are not dosage-dependent. He thought it logical to go right for the target dosage, especially since it takes quite a while for it to reach steady-state levels. So far, he seems to be right.
>
> The mean elimination half-life for Abilify is 75 hours (146 hours for poor metabolizers). For this reason, once-a-day dosing is recommended.
>
> How have you been doing?
>
> Take care.
>
>
> - Scott
>
How am I doing. Oh Im a little discouraged. Like when the tight end drops the ball going for the goal Line. I took a few BUSPAR as part of my "grand experiment". Friggin mix made me Paranoid for 5 hours. THEN I lifted weights to get it out of my system.........For some reason that Stampede insident really upset me. I hate accidents (freak ONES)
I guess I can relate to accidents LOL, having taken Lexapro and nearly falling down from its Power... your basic Nitroglycerine.
well Ill go watch Exorcist III with George C Scott.. it caught my eye,
You guys recover soon!
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