Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder, more specifically, an anxiety disorder. OCD is manifested in a variety of forms, but is most commonly characterized by a subject's obsessive (repetitive, distressing, intrusive) thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or rituals) which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.

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Abilify?

bethmach
bethmach
Has anyone taken Abilify for treatment of their OCD? I started 1 year ago and noticed some positive results but nothing earth shattering. I went off of it one month ago because I could no longer afford the co-pay and my psych did not have samples. After about 2 weeks I noticed an increase in my OCD and symptoms of depression. I started back on it 4 days ago and feel like a new woman! Could this just be a fluke?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I don't think it is a fluke, I have heard other OCDers being on Abilify. I know someone who had to switch from Abilify to Lamictal b/c it was cheaper and they said this helped their symptoms as well as Abilify, it is such an individual thing. Somedays I think I need more than an SSRI.
deleted_user
deleted_user
My step-son was on Abilify for ADD.. Then it was suggested to me to add that with my anti-depressant. Seems to be a "treat-all" for mental disorders... So no, I don't think it's a fluke.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Abilify is not really a treat-all.. The only thing I can think of with in regards to ADD is that children with bipolar disorder tend to show their symptoms like they have ADD, and maybe that is why it works for those children? Since it is supposedly for Bipolar disorder as well as Schizophrenia... I cannot be on it at all because of akathisia, a pretty common side effect with Abilify - if you haven't had it, you most likely don't have an issue with that. There are studies on Antipsychotics (the type of drug Abilify is) and OCD and that it does help certain individuals. I have found being on Antipsychotics with everything else I am on & the Zoloft to make my OCD extremely easy to manage and almost non-exsistant. It is remarkable. For when I have any issues that get bad enough I take extra Risperdal and bam it's gone. Love it.

Here is some articles on antipsychotics and OCD:

http://www.brainphysics.com/refractory.php (it mentions it under the "What options are there for treatment-refractory OCD?")

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15860020

http://focus.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/5/3/354
deleted_user
deleted_user
BTW Risperdal is another Atypical Antipsychotic.
James4691
James4691
It's definitely not a fluke anxsgrl. Abilify has the same effec on my as it does with amalzahir, I can't be on it because of akathisia as well.

The reason I say it's not a fluke is that my current OCD medication, Luvox, was just the right one for me. Like you, I noticed a sudden change and have been on it for over 10 years now. Some drugs work great for people, and others have the opposite affect they are supposed to have, like Abilify with me.

It's great that you found a medication that helps you! Definitely be glad you have something that helps. Best wishes....James
deleted_user
deleted_user
I hate abilify. I took it for more than a year and saw no results. I was taking it for OCD and Bipolar II. What a waste of time and a lot of money. fortunately it really had no side effects. thats rare
bethmach
bethmach
Thank you everyone for your replies. Just to update, I continue to feel really good. My contamination obsessions which really kick in this time of year, have decreased greatly. I am also using my CBT skills so I think it is a combination of the this and the new med. Again, thank you everyone for taking the time to reply.