Bipolar Disorder Support Group
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I've been taking AP's now for 10 years. My current AP is abilify. I know long term use of AP's puts me at risk for tardive dyskinesia, and akathesia. I have both, alot of inner restlessness which is tormenting, and I have facial grimacing, not as noticeable during the day though I can feel it. More noticable at night, go figure. Well, now my eyelids are starting to twitch, enough to where it's uncomfortable. Again not too noticeable unless someone is staring at my eye. Rapid blinking of the eyes is yet another side effect of AP's. Not sure if this twitching has anything to do with the meds but my feeling is yes, it is.
The pdoc is aware of both the dys. and aka. side effects and has me take benadryl to counter these side effects. The benadryl helps some with the facial grimacing, but now this eye twitch, that has been going on for about a month and worsening is starting to upset me. It's hard enough putting up with the other side effects and now this. I know some of you will wonder why I don't try another med. All the AP's I've been on have caused this. Why I don't go off of them?? Bluntly, I'm freaking nuts without an AP. Just getting bummed I guess.
The pdoc is aware of both the dys. and aka. side effects and has me take benadryl to counter these side effects. The benadryl helps some with the facial grimacing, but now this eye twitch, that has been going on for about a month and worsening is starting to upset me. It's hard enough putting up with the other side effects and now this. I know some of you will wonder why I don't try another med. All the AP's I've been on have caused this. Why I don't go off of them?? Bluntly, I'm freaking nuts without an AP. Just getting bummed I guess.
But yes it will increase your chances of tardive dyskinesia, although if you switch to different ones maybe it is better?
The eye twitching has me real concerned, but I guess time will tell huh? Keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't get any worse.
I've noticed that alot of people here that take abilify also struggle with akathisia.
Eat well . Talk to your pdoc about vitamins and diet.
I look at my treatment in 3 areas
Body= nutrition fitnes meds and environment.
mind= tell others what you are thinking and stick with the winners
spirit= pray and meditate get healthy there. I do not care if you are Jewish christian muslin or.....
There is something to be said for healing the spirit.
It doesn't happen to everyone......not sure what the percentage is for dyskinesia.
The research I've done shows anti-P's should be taken on a short term basis,but of course to stay stable,we know that's not going to happen
I've read the same Dd, but what are you gonna do is right. Glad you are off them.
A second opinion sure couldn't hurt, will see what I can do. Would be nice to find a cocktail minus the glitches!
You know I do have hypothyroidism, maybe it's time again to get my level checked....good idea, thanks.
I was watching TV,Criminal Minds..one of the profilers mentioned he should have noticed a suspects rapid eye blinking as a sign of Anti-P's