I've only been on this medication for 2 days and am already tired of the vomiting. Will this subside and any tips to deal with this inconvience?
Abilify - How long before vomiting goes away?
Question posted by Dilbert35 on 7 Oct 2018
Last updated on 19 February 2022 by elizabethach
3 Answers
elizabethach
19 Feb 2022
If you’ve just started Abilify, you can cut your pill in half and take half a pill for the first 4 days to get your body used to it so once you take the full pill it shouldn’t make you sick
hannahcat
9 Feb 2020
Can I ask how long after taking we’re wills sick. I had myself convinced I had a stomach bug at first because an hour and a half after taking them and the sertraline I was sick.
WildcatVet
7 Oct 2018
Hi, Dilbert! Nausea/vomiting is one of the most common side effects of starting Abilify that affects about 1-10% of users. It generally resolves within just a couple of days.
Try taking an anti-emetic such as Pepto Bismol or Emetrol. Eat small frequent meals instead of 3 large meals. Bland foods like milk, soda crackers, dry toast, yogurt, jello, and ginger ale may help.
You don't mention the dosage that you were given, but if the nausea persists more than a few days let your doctor know because you may adjust better to a temporarily lower dose.
Best regards and hope you're feeling better quickly!
kbnel
6 March 2019
Hi WildcatVet,
Do you have experience with this side effect? I just started this med today and ended up throwing up. I had to leave work. :( I'm at 5mg. Maybe I should ask to go down to 2.5mg. All this has done so far is cause more anxiety! Thanks.
WildcatVet
6 March 2019
In my experience the nausea from my Abilify disappeared after my third dose and even that morning it was very mild. Based on that I'd say give it another day or two, but if it persists talk to your doctor or pharmacist about an OTC remedy or to your doctor about lowering your dose temporarily until your metabolism is better adjusted.
Try not to worry about it too much... it will only make matters worse. This is a very common side effect and you just need to get through the initial period.
I hope it works as well you as it has for me. If you don't mind my asking, what are you taking it for and what, if any, other medications are you using with it?
Regards, Wild Cat
kbnel
6 March 2019
Thanks, Wild Cat! Thanks for the encouragement. It was such a drab day after that episode. :( So I really appreciate the encouragement. I'm on it for depression and anxiety, along with Viibryd 20mg and Bupropion XL 150mg. I have not had relief of depression/anxiety from the Viibryd and Bupropion. Are you currently still on Abilify? Anything else? and may I also ask what you're taking it for? Thank you, again, so much for the encouragement and for sharing your story.
kbnel
6 March 2019
Dilbert- are you still around these boards? How are you doing now?
WildcatVet
7 March 2019
I originally took Effexor and Abilify for Major Depressive disorder/anxiety for over 7 years. I developed late onset Bipolar ll and all my meds are currently different.
But it was a good 7 years in retrospect!
Good luck and I hope you feel better quickly.
kbnel
7 March 2019
Thanks, Wild Cat!
I hope your current medications are working well for you too.
Did you take Abilify in the morning? I got so tired today about 1 hour after I took it. Then I threw up about two hours after I took it. Was almost falling asleep while standing up, which just caused more panic about this new drug for me.
WildcatVet
7 March 2019
It can go either way. I always took it in the morning because I found it to be very energizing and I couldn't sleep well when I first took it at night. But it can cause somnolence (sleepiness) and drowsiness in some people.
Are you taking it on an empty stomach? Try some soda crackers and ginger ale and talk to your doctor about an OTC such as Pepto or Emetrol. You might also ask about reducing your dosage temporarily.
Don't panic... you'll get through this!
kbnel
7 March 2019
Thanks again, Wild Cat.
I take it after a light breakfast. I don't really like to eat breakfast, so I have forced myself to eat yogurt.
Right now I'm SUPER drowsy again. So annoying!!
Kidd90
5 Sep 2020
Does the nausea go away even if you continue to take the drug?? It’s one of the only negative side effects I’m having with it and I’m on 2mg (taking it twice a week)
Kidd90
5 Sep 2020
Does the nausea go away even if you continue to take the drug?? It’s one of the only negative side effects I’m having with it and I’m on 2mg (taking it twice a week)
Kidd90
5 Sep 2020
Does the nausea go away even if you continue to take the drug?? It’s one of the only negative side effects I’m having with it and I’m on 2mg (taking it twice a week)
WildcatVet
6 Sep 2020
Hi, Kidd!
How long have you been taking your medication? Side effects generally resolve within a week or two... occasionally just a bit longer and they should keep getting milder.
You might want to ask your doctor or pharmacist about something like Emetrol or meclizine to help calm down your stomach.
Related topics
abilify, bipolar disorder, nausea/vomiting, medication
Further information
- Abilify uses and safety info
- Abilify prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Abilify (detailed)
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