Asperger Syndrome Support Group
Asperger syndrome - also referred to as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's, Aspergers or just AS - is one of five neurobiological pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and is characterized by deficiencies in social and communication skills, normal to above normal intelligence, and standard language development.
Have you tried Abilify? What does it cost you? Do you think it works well? Already taking Ritalin for ADHD. I have heard that Abilify really helps with Aspis, but HOW? What differences do you see? Thanks.
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I find myself going places in the car and not wanting to get out of the car. I come back home and I don't want to get out of the car. I think it's the only time I spend reflecting. Chronic tiredness from Long Covid plus the immunosupressing meds for my Crohn's is slowing me down but everything just seems a massive effort. I am dealing with the paperwork following my father's death but it's not...
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Wow, it's the middle of the week already!Today is our 11 year anniversary, so we're going out to a nice dinner. I'm losing a lot of sleep these days, hence a wonky schedule and uncomfortable feelings. But I know it will pass, eventually.I hope all of you have a peaceful day, and may good things come your way!
Abilify is an anti-psychotic. Somehow it is now getting prescribed for everything, depression etc.
It is now being used to treat aspergers children for irritability.
This is an extremely powerful drug. If you read the makers own website you will see....
Possible side effects
Uncontrollable movements of face, tongue, or other parts of body, as these may be signs of a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia (TD). TD may become permanent and the risk of TD may increase with the length of treatment and the overall dose. While TD can develop after taking the medicine at low doses for short periods, this is much less common. There is no known treatment for TD, but it may go away partially or completely if the medicine is stopped
(note it may NEVER go away)
If you have diabetes, or risk factors for diabetes (for example, obesity, family history of diabetes), or unexpected increases in thirst, urination, or hunger, your blood sugar should be monitored. Increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), in some cases serious and associated with coma or death, have been reported in patients taking ABILIFY and medicines like it
(these meds usually cause weight gain - diabetes 2 is a major risk)
Lightheadedness or faintness caused by a sudden change in heart rate and blood pressure when rising quickly from a sitting or lying position (orthostatic hypotension) has been reported with ABILIFY.
Decreases in white blood cells (infection fighting cells) have been reported in some patients taking antipsychotic agents, including ABILIFY. Patients with a history of a significant decrease in white blood cell (WBC) count or who have experienced a low WBC count due to drug therapy should have their blood tested and monitored during the first few months of therapy.
ABILIFY and medicines like it can affect your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should not drive or operate hazardous machinery until you know how ABILIFY affects you.
Medicines like ABILIFY can impact your bodys ability to reduce body temperature; you should avoid overheating and dehydration.
ABILIFY and medicines like it have been associated with swallowing problems (dysphagia). If you had or have swallowing problems, you should tell your healthcare professional.
Again, that is from the makers OWN site.
From the Mayo clinic on Aspergers
Medication
There are no medications that specifically treat Asperger's syndrome. But some medications may improve specific symptoms such as anxiety, depression or hyperactivity that can occur in many children with Asperger's syndrome. Examples include:
Aripiprazole (Abilify). This drug may be effective for treating irritability related to Asperger's syndrome. Side effects may include weight gain and an increase in blood sugar levels.
In short this is giving a major psychotropic drug that MAY reduce irritability.
Abilify has it's place as do the other anti-psychotics. It's for people that experience psychosis/ near psychotic states like myself. Then it is literally a life saver. In that light the major serious risks probably come out in favour of taking it.
But not for Aspergers irritability.
Yes, they list all of the anti-psychotic side effects, but the rates appear to be much less than other anti-psychotics.
Unless your child's symptoms are severe, I'd look at older, more well known meds. Abilify may or may not turn out to be the best option, but considering your child could end up on them for 30 years.....no one really knows right now.
Just my opinion.
It is very dangerous.
Hugs....