I was recently prescribed Vraylar but I was leaning more towards Abilify. Which medication is better? How are they different? Any information would help!
Vraylay vs Abilify - how do they compare?
Question posted by Dillo420 on 5 May 2022
Last updated on 17 May 2022 by Collectsdust
4 Answers
Collectsdust
17 May 2022
Masso provided a great link from drugs.com comparing the two meds. I just finished reading it, and found it very insightful.
I’ve personally been taking Abilify for BiPolar I / Schizoaffective Disorder, for almost 20 years now. And sure, the sudden choking that can lead to death is a wee bit disconcerting… but when I confronted my Psych, with the typical “the benefits outweigh the risks shtick, and said, “So me dead is better than me not on this medication,” he assured me it was a very low risk, 0.o
With that in mind, my big complaint biologically is that I no longer have an “interior air conditioner” and thus just continue to get hotter and hotter until I physically become a puddle. But hey, this doesn’t happen to Everyone.
Most importantly, you need find the med that works for you!!! Even if this means a little trial n error, and some uncomfortable days in between.
And you are your strongest advocate for yourself! So ask your physician/psych why they are choosing one over the other, and what you should expect and by when. Indeed, there is no exact formula that works for everyone, but the prescriber should have an idea of the results they are looking for to some degree.
Hope that helps!
HLS342
5 May 2022
Well it depends for me I have generalized anxiety disorder and I think my doctor suspects bipolar ism but since taking the medication for a week now I am calmer, less easily angered, less mood swings, and I can concentrate better only downside is I had an insomnia for about a week and a half
WildcatVet
5 May 2022
Hi, Dillo!
The best medication is the one that works best for you because everybody responds differently to these types of medications.
Personally, I liked Abilify because it really energized me during my depressive episodes but unfortunately it also began throwing me into mania. I'm Bipolar with manic/depressive/mixed episodes and am also rapid cycling. I find Vraylar to be highly effective in controlling all these symptoms and as a bonus I've had no side effects.
Abilify is available as the generic aripiprazole which is much less expensive than the brand but Vraylar hasn't gone generic yet. I'd advise you to check on the price and whether or not your insurance (if you have it) will cover the cost.
I've been fortunate enough to have my psychiatrist provide samples for me and you might want to ask about this.
Best regards,
Wildcat
masso
5 May 2022
Click on the link for a full comparison between both meds:
https://www.drugs.com/compare/vraylar-vs-abilify
Best regards, masso
Related topics
abilify, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, agitated state, autism, major depressive disorder, prescription, medication, vraylar, compare
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