Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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jeanielivinglife 05/23/2015

I've been on Abilify 5 mgs for years and just weaned off of it...too fast and am feeling depressed. I don't know if it is the medis change or real life reasons for leaving Abilify.
My New Neurologist tells me I may have Drug induced Parkinson's Disease. If so that is very good news. I was diagnosed with PD two years ago and it is a rough disease to have. If Dr is right, symptoms may go away or be permenent but the disease won't progress..
I am happy with this news, depressed because of effects of stopping Abilify after many years too quickly and upset I was given something that had such huge results on my life.
I can use any words of support, advice, your results with Abilify or hugs.....this is hard.

survivor69 05/27/2015

I M ON ABILIFY.
I M STAYING ON IT.
CANT DRIVE ANYMORE CAUSE OF IT.
;-[
D
;-O

heatherhurts 05/27/2015

Dear Jeanie, I am also on Abilify. I stopped it for a while and I began rapidly decompensating. I had to go back on it. I was wondering if the doctor told you which meds were causing the Parkinsons-like symptoms. Was it purely the Abilify? I am so afraid of the tardive dyskinesia which can develop over time (involuntary movements, esp. the mouth and tongue).

Can your doc find a suitable substitution? I wish you much luck.

jeanielivinglife 05/29/2015

purely the abilify. with some people it works on the same part of the brain that Parkinson's disease does.
It is the tardive dyskinesia which affects my tremors on the left side. If it is abilify, they may go away or may be permanent My left hand tremors the most.
I was so upset that I went off the abilify faster than recommended so I'm rather depressed now...or is the diagnoses what is depressing me. PD is a horrible disease and this would be good news even if the affects last.
wow rambling huh? but I am confused.
jeanie

jeanielivinglife 05/31/2015

unfortunately my research, quite extensive at this point because I want answers now, is that tardive dyskinesia can occur within the first month to years after starting abilify.
My tremors have not gone away two weeks after last partial dose of abiify.That can mean abilify had no effect or effects are permanent or not abilify related and I have actual Parkinson's disease not just tardive dyskinesia from abilify.
And is depression from fast discontinuing abilify or circumstances in life merits natural depression.........geez.
Started abilfy 2 mgs then 5 mgs in July 2012.

jeanielivinglife 05/31/2015

survivor69.....you can't drive because of abilify? dosage???

Carolin57 05/31/2015

I have been on Abilify for 12 years.

I have a lot of saliva and often I find myself dribbling just a tiny bit.

I can not drive as my reaction time I feel is not 100% This is my choice not to drive though. Walking does me good and public transp[ort where I live is very good.

I do have to sleep 12 hours a night though or I am like a zombie the next day. I am usually in bed by 8 and up by 8 the next day. I am resigned to this now and have to make plans in advance if I am to entertain or dine out. The next day I have to take it easy.

I have in the past come off abilify and always ended up in the hospital with Mania and schizophrenia. So now I am staying on it.

My Dose is a maintenance dose of 15mg taken before bed.

jeanielivinglife 05/31/2015

Carolin 57, Bless your heart. We make the choices we need to make.

I have decided not to drive because of the mix of medis I take for depression, Parkinson's disease and other stuff.
Sounds like you have found your balance.
hugs and love sent your way....

serenity5678 04/30/2016

I was put on ambilify cuz im bipolar1 and i was on it a week and got the most serious the worst of symptoms you can get with the drug i got severly confused(couldnt find my way home after living there 12 yrs) muscles stiffness could not walk up stairs without help.looked it up online and with those symptoms (not just those two) it can cause a very serious condition.it worked good with my mind but the drug didnt do good for my body what a shame. Its suppose to be the new miracle drug. Im glad it has helped so many of you

Aberlaine 05/14/2016

I've been on Abilify for several years now. Recently, the generic appeared and I'm now taking that. But it doesn't seem to work as well as the brand does.

I don't seem to have any side effects from it, but I never know where my anxiety comes from. I've also developed a slight tremor in my left hand recently.

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