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.

deleted_user
After refusing to take Depakote my doctor switched me to Abilify. From your experience, what are some side effects I should look for?
Thanks So Much!
Thanks So Much!

deleted_user
At first it worked great for me and then I developed the shakes and akathesia (sp?) so switched to Geodon.

deleted_user
Most people say they love abilify. I hate it. I took it and my ankles, feet, and legs started swelling. I got headaches and stomachaches. He dropped the dosage even though I was only on 10mg. I'm still swollen if I don't take water pills. I've gain 12lbs since being on it although I've read only 3% of people experience weight gain. The worst part of it for me is the numb feeling it gives me. I feel flat. No feelings at all. Neither good nor bad, happy or sad. I'd rather feel something than nothing. Maybe you will do well on it though. Good Luck.

deleted_user
I know a number of people who have done very well on Abilify. As far as side effects are concerned, meds effect everyone differently. www.crazymeds.org is a good place to learn about psych meds. Of course it's always advisable to discuss this with your doctor as well.

deleted_user
I refused to take Depakote too, because of the weight gain. I have been on and off Abilify for 8 months. At first it made me drool, then my pdoc reduced the dose, I was on like 5 other meds so it was hard to tell. But my episode of severe depression turned into a mixed episode. I wasnt getting any better so I started ECT. I am still taking abilify, but I dont know if it is helping or not. Is Abilify the only med you are on? Most BP's are on more than one med. Sometimes you cant tell which one is doing what. But, I dont think it has had any negative impact on anything since the drooling. Best of luck!

deleted_user
ive been taking abilfy for 3years and it helps, it may make you drowsy,cause nausea or vomiting. abilify is also known as a mood stabilizer for people with bipolar disorder.

deleted_user
I hate it I quite taking the Depakote 5 weeks ago because my hair was falling out and this makes me have terrible tremors

deleted_user
I took abilify for about six mos. and it didn't seem to affect me other than making me clumsy. Also didn't do much for depression.

deleted_user
I was started on Depakote & Abilify 2 weeks ago. I took the Depakote for 2 days (I am not familiar with the medicine or Bipolar at all--just diagnosed) and the Depakote made me sooo dizzy. I stayed on Abilify and so far I haven't had any side effects that I am aware of. Just that it helps me sleep at night but that is a good thing for me because I have severe insomnia. Hope this helped!

sepi
I'm taking 5mg and it has helped with my anxiety.

nickpc20001
My eye twitched , but it went away after a couple of days.

deleted_user
Abilify is a great med. It has helped to give me inner strength and solidity. It really has been a miracle drug for me. I highly recommend it.
Join the Conversation
Posts You May Be Interested In
-
My psychiatrist phoned me today and asked me to tell him about my side effects. He said they were debilitating and to go off the medication immediately i.e. cold turkey. I asked him shouldn't I go down slowly because of withdrawal effects, but he said my side effects are worse than the withdrawal. I have not been on lamotrigine very long, I am currently only on 75 mg, so I will hope for the best!...
-
theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??