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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Lazarus on September 24, 2003, at 17:12:54
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify » Lazarus, posted by Sebastian on September 23, 2003, at 22:24:01
> I take 5mgs now, for about a month now. I was on 10mgs for most of the last 5 years. I had a failed attempt last year, going from 5mgs to 0mgs. I lasted 8 days and slowly was developing a very hard time eating solid foods. By the 8th day I could drink milk and soda, and tried forcing some fries down my throught but they would not go down. My doc told me to take a 2.5mg zyprexa, within minutes I could eat again. This and the panic attacks that also were getting very troublesome. Eventualy I pleaded with my doc to put me back up to 10mgs of Zyprexa, which I religiously took till 2 months ago, when I started the decrease. I got down to 3.75 mgs and got a little panicy, so 5 mgs.
>
> One thing I've noticed when I take less zyprexa, my thinking changes. I get forgetfull. But at the same time more interested in people.
>
> SebastianThank you for the history. I understand the dependence you're caught up in.
If you want to lower your dose of Zyprexa I would suggest taking 5 mg on odd days and 3.75 mg on even days. Do that until you are absolutely comfortable. Then try taking 3.75 mg every day. Don't take less until you are comfortable at that level. And so on and so forth.
My guess is that you had trouble going from 5 mg to 0 mg because you did so too quickly. Go slower this time.
Again, I understand you. Zyprexa makes me feel so good that when I look at my bottle of 2.5's I want to take 5 mgs or more, but don't. I suspect that your mind is playing the same games with you.
Let me know how your progress is going.
Lazarus
Posted by Sebastian on September 24, 2003, at 18:24:53
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify, posted by cybercafe on September 24, 2003, at 13:09:44
I realy don't know anymore about abilify than you now, sorry.
That was my plan. Start low on one, decrease on the other. My doc didn't think so.
During the day do you feel sort of spacy and dizzy like you can't function or going to pass out? Thats what I was like for the hole morning on abilify and zyprexa, the one day I tried it that way, in school. It was horible, I was acting so stupid.
Ya, mornings suck, the day after coffee and wellbutrin are good. Except when I don't drink water.
Wired and tired! Sort of like after you take some drugs or some thing and wake up the next morning. Or a hang-over, but different.
Sebastian
Posted by Sebastian on September 24, 2003, at 18:39:30
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify, posted by cybercafe on September 24, 2003, at 13:13:13
Luckly! I was on vacation. I switched befor it was over too.
I've actualy tried the mix, didn't like it, felt high on drugs like acid or something in the morning. That was a wasted day at school.
I graduated 2 months ago, AAS in electronics engineering. Full time working as a air quality test equipment service technician. Free medical. No deductible on prescriptions. I never heard of $600 deductible on meds in Canada, and every 3 months? You would never pay down the deductible?
Ya, low dose zyprexa is about my speed. I'm on 5 now. My plan is to stay on 5 for about a years, then go to 2.5 for anouther year. And then as little as posible. Maybe 1.25 every now and again. Think it will work?---No side-effects just about on the 5 mg. In 1 year I will probably notice some side-effects, and decrease.
Sebastian
Posted by Sebastian on September 24, 2003, at 18:54:37
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify, posted by Lazarus on September 24, 2003, at 17:12:54
Thats exactly how the bottle was looking, when I decided to change my prescription last year. Suddenly thoughs 5 mg pills look better in pairs. I got worried and told my doctor when the pills started mating.
I have tried that lower dose. Took 3.75/day for about 2 weeks saw my doc and told him I had mild anxiety and how I wanted to go back up. We agreed on 5mg.
Last year I went down to 5 mg for 3 months. Was ok and went to 0. Went to 2.5, went to 5; both of these moves were unwanted, I wanted to stay at 0. But of corse the doc and my parents wanted me to eat again. Once I was on 5, this is when I started wanting double, because my brain and body functioned better, best and 10; this is what I was used to obviously. 2 months ago I wanted off the zyprexa again, and suddenly I was choping up the pills, self prescribed. Slowly I went down and down ; 10 > 7.5 > 5 > 3.75 ; I got to 3.75 and decided I would not make it any farther after going on 2 weeks. So My body functions better with zyprexa?
This time I'm going to go real slow, read Cyber's post from me, the two previous ones.
Sebastian
Posted by Lazarus on September 24, 2003, at 20:39:04
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify » Lazarus, posted by Sebastian on September 24, 2003, at 18:54:37
Sebastion, thanks for the post. I like your methodical nature (e.g., 10 > 7.5 > 5 > 3.75).
Be careful with Abilify; it can exacerbate your underlying anxiety. If you take it tell your doc that it causes anxiety and ask for a long-acting benzo. My preference is 10 mg Librium.
Lazarus
Posted by cybercafe on September 25, 2003, at 2:32:57
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify » cybercafe, posted by Sebastian on September 24, 2003, at 18:24:53
> That was my plan. Start low on one, decrease on the other. My doc didn't think so.good plan
> During the day do you feel sort of spacy and dizzy like you can't function or going to pass out? Thats what I was like for the hole morning on abilify and zyprexa, the one day I tried it that way, in school. It was horible, I was acting so stupid.nope i don't feel spacy and dizzy .... fortunately
Posted by Sebastian on September 25, 2003, at 11:54:01
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify, posted by Lazarus on September 24, 2003, at 20:39:04
I've permanently given up on abilify, tryed it, didn't like, much anxiety. I've been on this thread giving my experiences with the abilify, minly helping cyber.
Sebastian
Posted by cybercafe on September 25, 2003, at 14:59:59
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify » Lazarus, posted by Sebastian on September 25, 2003, at 11:54:01
> I've permanently given up on abilify, tryed it, didn't like, much anxiety. I've been on this thread giving my experiences with the abilify, minly helping cyber.
>
> Sebastiancyber really appreciates your insights
Posted by Lazarus on September 25, 2003, at 17:11:43
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify » Lazarus, posted by Sebastian on September 25, 2003, at 11:54:01
Sorry to hear that Abilify has not worked out for you. It is completely different than Zyprexa so I am not surprised. Just focus on Zyprexa for now.
Lazarus
Posted by Sebastian on September 25, 2003, at 18:23:04
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify, posted by cybercafe on September 25, 2003, at 14:59:59
I want to help! I don't know how to say anything do I?
Posted by Sebastian on September 25, 2003, at 18:31:15
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify, posted by cybercafe on September 25, 2003, at 14:59:59
I was trying to explain what was going on here! Lazarus seemed to think 'I' was interested in Abilify.?
sorry
Posted by cybercafe on September 26, 2003, at 1:14:10
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify » cybercafe, posted by Sebastian on September 25, 2003, at 18:23:04
> I want to help! I don't know how to say anything do I?
sorry dude did you think i was being sarcastic?
no i really meant you have been a big help
Posted by cybercafe on September 26, 2003, at 1:17:23
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify » cybercafe, posted by Sebastian on September 25, 2003, at 18:31:15
> I was trying to explain what was going on here! Lazarus seemed to think 'I' was interested in Abilify.?
oh well... i'm happy to have another person discuss the drug .... it's great to be able to get things done rather than sleep all day !
Posted by Sebastian on September 26, 2003, at 12:08:50
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify, posted by cybercafe on September 26, 2003, at 1:14:10
Ya, man! Maybe I have an inferiority camplex. Or constant worrier.
Posted by Sebastian on September 26, 2003, at 12:09:56
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify, posted by cybercafe on September 26, 2003, at 1:17:23
Haw much do you sleep noe?
Seb
Posted by Lazarus on September 26, 2003, at 17:18:02
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify, posted by cybercafe on September 26, 2003, at 1:17:23
Cyber,
How much Abilify are you taking? Today I took 2.5 mg Abilify (one-quarter of a 10 mg tab) and had a very, very productive day.
I have almost constant anxiety. This anxiety prevents me from being productive, as I am constantly thinking "forward" instead of in the now. During the past two days I have noticed how well Abilify lessens that anxiety.
A month on Abilify and I'm still learning how it works.
Lazarus
Posted by cybercafe on September 26, 2003, at 18:12:24
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify » cybercafe, posted by Sebastian on September 26, 2003, at 12:08:50
> Ya, man! Maybe I have an inferiority camplex. Or constant worrier.
i used to be like that so i understand. but there is hope! ... i find that if i go out and approach beautiful women, my fears get focused on things more socially acceptable. plus ativan and celexa help too :)
Posted by cybercafe on September 26, 2003, at 18:15:54
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify » cybercafe, posted by Sebastian on September 26, 2003, at 12:09:56
> Haw much do you sleep noe?
dunno, today i felt tired earlier, so i went to sleep , slept 5 hours, got up for 3, then slept another 3 or 4 if i remember correctly
i started taking my celexa at night, so hopefully things will get better (i.e. i want my emotions back)...
Posted by cybercafe on September 26, 2003, at 18:24:30
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify Cybercafe, posted by Lazarus on September 26, 2003, at 17:18:02
> How much Abilify are you taking? Today I took 2.5 mg Abilify (one-quarter of a 10 mg tab) and had a very, very productive day.
wow that's not much. what's your diagnosis dude if you don't mind me asking? i'm bipolar type I + ADHD + anxiety i'm taking 3.75 mg and i thought i was the king of microdosing.
> I have almost constant anxiety. This anxiety prevents me from being productive, as I am constantly thinking "forward" instead of in the now. During the past two days I have noticed how well Abilify lessens that anxiety.
hmmm.. really? i thought abilify caused anxiety? but often people who say that mistake "agitation" for "anxiety" (and take higher dosages). I havnt' noticed any increased anxiety from abilify.. but i take ativan for anxiety anyways so i'm cool
> A month on Abilify and I'm still learning how it works.
i love this stuff ... first mood stabilizer i've come across that doesn't sedate me ... and works well too :)
Posted by Sebastian on September 26, 2003, at 18:57:01
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify Cybercafe, posted by Lazarus on September 26, 2003, at 17:18:02
Did you say Abilify lessens anxiety? As lowering your anxiety? I am amazed! My problem was opposite; more anxiety?
Sebastian
Posted by Sebastian on September 26, 2003, at 18:59:48
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify, posted by cybercafe on September 26, 2003, at 18:12:24
You know that is the ''!ideal!'' option!!! Hopfully I will build up the nerve???
Seb
Posted by Sebastian on September 26, 2003, at 19:03:09
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify, posted by cybercafe on September 26, 2003, at 18:15:54
So,, 8 hours total a day??!/average?
Celexa works much better at night, especialy in high doses. How bout for you?
Sebastian
Posted by Sebastian on September 26, 2003, at 19:10:27
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify Cybercafe, posted by cybercafe on September 26, 2003, at 18:24:30
Dude! I had some prity serious panic atacks on that abilify, even at home not around people? Or the other. I think they were worse by myself though. Especialy towards the end of my 2 week extravaganza. Sort of like I was going crazy or some thing.
Some major depresive episodes at the end a few days after I had switched back to the zyprexa.
Seb
Posted by Lazarus on September 26, 2003, at 19:59:36
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify Cybercafe, posted by cybercafe on September 26, 2003, at 18:24:30
1. Diagnosis: Bipolar II w/Rapid Cycling (very rapid), anxiety disorder, disturbed identify, blah, blah, blah.
2. 2.5 mg - 3.75 mg is still a good dose of Abilify as it is a VERY potent antipsychotic. I'm prescribed it as a mood stabilizer (I think....I don't always trust my shrink to tell me the truth).
3. Initially Abilify increased anxiety but recently it has decreased anxiety, yes decreased. You know the anxiety I'm talking about, that ball of fear in the center of your brain that permeates your entire being.
4. I feel like I'm on speed. It's a nice feeling after feeling DRUGGED on other meds.
5. I also take Zyprexa, Seroquel, Lithium, Lamictal, and Strattera (yes, I'm a walking pharmacy!).
Try taking 2.5 mg Abilify instead of 3.75. You may be surprised. You can always take more later.
Great talking with you! :)
Lazarus
Posted by Lazarus on September 26, 2003, at 20:11:47
In reply to Re: Sebastian ! Abilify Cybercafe » Lazarus, posted by Sebastian on September 26, 2003, at 18:57:01
Hey Seb,
See my post to Cyber.Lazarus
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