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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To Abililfy or not to Abilify, that is the ???

deleted_user
deleted_user
Okay guys and gals, I am sure that when i see my shrink he is going to want to start a med regimen. I have done some research and from what I have found, Abilify looks to be a great medicine. I have a son w/ Autism and they placed him on this med. When he began to take it he became the sweetest, happy go lucky little guy. It really made a difference for him. I am curious as to how it helps with the Bipolar. Any feedback would be so very much appreciated!

Thank you!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've heard it works very well, but I have no personal experience.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It didn't work for my depression because I think it's a drug more targeted at mania if you read the ads in the magazines about it. They put mania questions in there but not depression ones. I hear it's well-tolerated with less side effects than other more traditional meds. Good luck on it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I tried it when I was in a hypomanic episode and it helped a lot. Didn't help with my psychotic symptoms, though. I have schizoaffective disorder, not just BP. So, it wasn't the med for me, but I hope that if you decide to try it that it works well for you.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I take it .It seemed to help manic episodes no real side effect problems as I have had with other antipsychotics.
deleted_user
deleted_user
works really for me, I'd never go back now. Haven't had crap side-effects either.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Has reduced weight gain caused by seroquel, and helps control some psychotic symptoms. For me, it doesn't seem to be completely controlling my mood swings, however... so i'm not quite thrilled with it.

On the other hand, everyone responds differently with meds....
deleted_user
deleted_user
My pdoc just added it to my lithium to help with my "depression" (I don't think they see it quite that way) two weeks or so ago - and I LOVE it!!! Just 5mg has helped me a LOT!

I'm hoping for the best -
deleted_user
deleted_user
abilify was one of my options but i understand that's it's more for type ones that type two's like me so I opted for Lamictal, it seems to be helping but still too soon too tell, but I've heard good things about Abilify for mania.
deleted_user
deleted_user
yeah my pdoc says it's brilliant for type 1's.
deleted_user
deleted_user
yeah my pdoc says it's brilliant for type 1's.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Wow everyone, thank you so much for the responses. I see my pdoc on Dec. 12th and I'm excited to get out of the horrible mood swings and bipolar troubles that I have burdening me. You guys mean the world to me during this rough times *round of bubbly to all!*
deleted_user
deleted_user
tracy,
been on zoloft and pdoc put me on abilify (15 mg). I had some side effects, like trouble sleeping, but she gave me serequel and I was able to sleep. Ambien worked better; less side effects than serequel. Abilify helped my depression greatly and reigned in my mania. I like abilify but I've been told I have bp2, though they weren't sure. I just know I've started painting and drawing again because of abilify.
Good luck with your appointment!
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