Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Question

TexasMade
TexasMade
Does anyone here know if Effexor can take the place of Ability?I want to know your opinions before I talk to my Dr.
Community Leaderacuriousfish
acuriousfish
strictly speaking, no.

Abilify is an anti-psychotic and Effexor is an anti-depressant.

But I do know Abilify is being prescribed for all sorts of things, including depression.

But I don't think you could take just an anti-depressant, especially an SSRI like Effexor without another mood stabilizer/ anti-psychotic would be a major risk for someone with bipolar.
tommymott
tommymott
I've used effexor while using lithium also and I was still driven into mania. Maybe it was just me but even though effexor was effective in dealing with serious depression the problems with tapering off (effexor hell) makes it my choice of very last resort. I haven't had any problems using an anti-psychotic with lithium but it depends on what works for you.
worldofblah4
worldofblah4
Years ago I was on effexor and other meds and I still got psychotic and manic. Also effexor is EXTREMELY hard to stop taking! I was on the lowest dose possible and fell down stairs and got brain zaps. It was AWFUL.
I am on TWO anti-psychotics now and still get a little manic/psychotic on the lexapro.
spacekat
spacekat
I was on Effexor and it made me completely manic -- I'm currently taking 20mg of Abilify as an anti-psychotic and it and it has helped a lot (along with other meds).
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