For the people who posted reviews regarding their use of Abilify (to treat depression), but developed a very serious side effect - Tardive Dyskenisia, Dystonia, etc... how high was your dose, how long were you on it, any other drugs being taken as well, and what were you being treated for?
I am considering adding Abilify to my anti-depressant - 225 mg Effexor. I want to know how frequent the above-mentioned conditions occur, as frequently they are permanent.
Thank you.
15 Jul 2011
You're right about tardive dyskenisia sometimes being irreversible, and often relating to the amount of meds. given being too high. Either that, or meds. have been taken for quite a long period of time. If you are tolerating Effexor well, which is quite rare, just be sure to titrate the medicine slowly, such that you arrive at the lowest possible amount needed to achieve the maximum desired results. Good luck! Dr. J.
Anonymous 15 Jul 2011
yea adding abilify will help, I'm on both. Do you have those side effects right now or were you just asking? I dont have any from Cymbalta. Im on 90mg of Cymbalta and 10mg of abilify. I don't know anything about effexor, I'd give it up if your taking Cymbalta, ok. Hope this helps. Write back, ok
julians
16 Jul 2011
Hi thanks for your response. I don't have those symptoms, but I've read of others developing them when taking an antipsychotic like Abilify. I would take it for depression, adding it to the Effexor I'm on. In most of the posts I've seen, it seems like Cymbalta and Abilify is the most popular combination.
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Thank you for your response. So when you say to titrate the medicine slowly, are you referring to the Abilify? To take the lowest doseage necessary? If so, what is standard for treating depression? Thanks again.
.
Yes, I meant the Abilify, if that is the medication that your Dr. thinks is best. You don't say why the Dr. wants to add another med. unless Effexor is not working well. Tardive dyskenisia typically doesn't happen unless either the dose is too high, or medicine has been taken for a long period. Just be sure you start at the lowest possible therapeutic dosage. Sometimes, Drs. want to start at a higher dosage than necessary. Just be sure to ask many questions, and don't give up hope! It took me 2 years and 13 medications to arrive at the right combination. But, I did get temporary tardive dyskenisia when I was on 600 mgs. of Lithium, and I stopped that med. completely! Now, I'm glad I went through the process. Unfortunately, there is no "typical" tx. for depression. It will depend on your entire history and unique biochemistry. Good luck!