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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Abilify?

deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi, I'm new here. My name is Bevin. I was dx'ed bipolar about 6 months ago. I had been taking Geodon, effexor xr, and amoxapine. I stopped taking the Geodon (long story) and my dr switched me to Abilify yesterday. I took one last night and really dont feel any different. I'm in a bit of a manic state right now.

Does anyone have any experience with this med? TIA for any advice.

Bevin
deleted_user
deleted_user
Most meds take some time before they're fully effective. Stick with it and give it a little time. Stay in touch withyour pdoc.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am looking at starting Ablify in the new year. I am hoping its the wonder drug they claim it to be. I am so sick of depression!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
It's an atypical antipsychotic, in the same family as Geodon and Seroquel. Guessing he/she is starting you on a small dose and working up...otherwise you would feel diff already. So don't give up on it until they have you at a full dose.
Good luck! B
deleted_user
deleted_user
I don't have experience with that med but Welcome! It may probably take more than a day to feel the difference.
deleted_user
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it took me between a week and two weeks
deleted_user
deleted_user
I also just started Abilify, this past Friday and it's not doing a whole lot for me yet either!! Hang in there it will probably just take a little time!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
been on it for 1 month, dont feel like it is doing anything for me either!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Abilify (as I've commented before) is new for me - only on it a month - and is a Wonder Drug as far as pulling me UP out of depression! Doesn't work on my mood swings, but that's what my lithium is for...
deleted_user
deleted_user
I started on abilify a few months ago for paranoia and it has done wonders for me but it took time to kick in. Just give it time!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Abilify worked great for me it really brought me back to a base line, but the side effects caused me to stop taking it. It made me way too sleepy and I always felt cold when taking it. My job requires me to focus when working so I cant handle being drowsy.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Abilify was the first med I was put on after Paxil CR wussed out on me. In the beginning it worked fine, about 3 weeks, then stopped. I should have given it more time, but I gained 10lbs in those 3 weeks and that kind of swayed me from it. I probably should have went up a dose.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm bipolar 1 with psychotic features. Abilify has kept me from having a psychotic slip for 4 years now. It's an anti psychotic, but I don't know if it lifts the depression.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm hoping it works. I started out on 15 mg. So far I'm not as groggy in the AM like I was with the Geodon, thats why I stopped taking it in the first place. I couldnt function at work until about 10 AM and I get here at 730 AM. I also think the Geodon make me more depressed, I never felt good when I was on it, I seemed to always be on the verge of tears.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It's worked for me so far. I used to take Geodon and it made me agitated and irritable. I seemed to be angry all the time for some reason. Abilify seems to be evenign me out much more. I take that along with Lamictal and the two seem to be a really good combo.
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