Abilify Maintena 400mg's injection side effects - not enjoying?
Question posted by reservoirjoe on 10 March 2015
Last updated on 5 April 2021 by Banghama
I suffer from schizo affective disorder I am prescribed 400 mg's of Abilify Maintena injection every 4 weeks and I am not happy with it I am experiencing some side effects and symptoms from taking it.. It's making me feel lethargic, tired and sleepy (having too much sleep 14 hours a night) It's making me feel weak slow and docile. It's making me forgetful cant remember things cant remember stuff memory's are fading away. Stuttering finding it hard to talk Sticking out of tongue (especially when trying to concentrate) Loss of character and personality, feel flat feels like I have lost a part of myself Delirium Feel retarded (I know it sounds silly but I am certain this stuff is making me socially inept) and feeling nervous and full of anxiety still. above all this stuff has been making me depressed when this stuff has this effect on me
I'm trying to come off my medication but my psychiatrist just smiles and says it will be all Ok and warns me of relapse and admitting me to mental institution if I come off it. I feel I don't care about what he says now and don't think I'm getting the correct support with further investigation into the side effects and symptoms I am experiencing right now without any reconsideration for different alternatives because he thinks the side effects and symptoms will ware off..
Is it possible to withdraw from Abilify Maintena 400 mg injection and how do you do it the correct way without getting into trouble and possible relapse? I feel I'm just not happy with this medicine (this isn't the illness talking) and I want my old self back.. but not the psycho!
any help and advise be greatly appreciated or anyone else experiencing some of these side effects.problems and want too share there experience?
I am currently in the same situation. I don’t want to be on the 400 mg injection and am hoping they will lower the dose soon. I also feel mentally impaired by this drug. It is not helping. I wouldn’t have a problem taking it if it didn’t cause the akathisia and other problems. It really is a terrible drug and I hope you find a solution. I hope the same for myself
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Ben Ashford
27 Feb 2019
YOUR SOLUTION JOE!
If you are MADE to take an injection that is too strong for you and the heartless professionals won't listen then your basic answer is if it's just an 'injection' INJECT A STIMULANT INTO IT TO NEGATE ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS!
I have Schizophrenic Bipolar which they give me the ABilify mantenna injection for. I just ask for a band-aid so I know where they injected it, then immediately go home and mix up black coffee or something stronger in a needle and inject that into it.
The result? Less tired, got my intelligence back, got some of the old personality back WIthout the psycho part. No weight gain. I'm skinny again x hope I helped
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Buggs333
28 Feb 2019
What?!
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Hateabilify
2 Aug 2019
You're an idiot
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Vanashta1
11 Oct 2018
!! For the love of all things! If you are not in a hospital ward, you have the ability and right to go to a different doctor! Everyone here who is having trouble side effects and their doctors isn't listening, GET ANOTHER DOCTOR! y your doctor should be treating with the lowest amount possible and no side effects, if not, find another doctor! There's no reason you should have to feel terrible all the time, a good doctor would not do that! Go elsewhere! Love and light to you all!
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flowergirl1008
24 June 2018
Okay, so I don’t exactly have an answer to your question, but I can completely and totally relate to the side effects you are experiencing, because I am experiencing them as well! I have been taking the abilify injection shot for almost a year and have hd those exact same problems. I thought it was me forgetting stuff or making weird movements such as sticking out my tongue but it was the drug! I disagree that you need to take medicine all your life, if you have schizo, especially if you have been taking medicine for a while and are mentally aware of things. Also, if your medicine, in this case abilify, is causing these terrible side effects I would definitely get off of it. If you can get a different psychiatrist or talk to someone in the medical field about getting off of it that is knowladgeable about the drug, then definitely do that. However, don’t get off of it by just googling the steps to do it. You need to talk to someone.
Try talking to your psychiatrist again because if you are experiencing side effects that are effecting your life, you need to get off that drug.
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Rockymountain659
16 May 2018
I usually don't post responses but for this I'll make an exception. You're not alone joe, I went through some unfortunate events when I was 21. I wasn't thinking right and I made some mistakes due to me going super religious. I'm not a perfect man, but who is? Just because someone makes a set of mistakes or one mistake doesn't give someone else the right to label them for life and on top of it drug them up like an animal. Getting labeled like you have is just the same as getting branded with a hot iron mentally. There is no physical pain when it happens but the scar is there in your mind. The mental health system in the US is a failed one where some bad apples spoiled the plenty. I've heard from some people that in some places in Africa they don't drug you up for life and that instead they promote counseling. Well africa is not for me, too hot and populated. Then there's Sweden I've heard their really holistic in Sweden.
The best thing you can do as an American falling victim to the mental health system is to find a better psychiatrist, one who is willing to stop the shot and promote real healing from other holistic avenues. Just accepting the shot for forever is not the answer, that is simply a recipe for bad health outcomes like diabetes. As for myself being a 23 year old man who used to be a bodybuilder, it's depressing seeing my life deteriorate just as it is depressing seeing that other people are suffering too from this shot. To anyone who reads this and is suffering from this shot, keep your chin up.
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Melinagoguen
17 Aug 2018
My son is on 400mg of injectable Abilify monthly. He's been on this for over a year. All I see is my son has no life. He is forgetful, fatigued, agitated has enlarged heart,fatty liver disease. Pshychosis are still there. Believes he is a "targated individual" that people are out to harm him, kidnap him, kill him. Psychiatrist don't care dont hear, or listen. Just keeps right on injecting this poison into my son. As a mother I am forced to watch helplessely as my son continues to deteriorate mentally, physically all the while being injected with more poisin every month. What a system! The only ones that win are the big pharmaceuticals, & psychiatrist.
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Rockymountain659
18 Aug 2018
To respond to melinagoguen and to help others I've done some research on how to fight the system or should I say fight outpatient commitment. I personally talked to a lawyer and what I was basically told was that the best thing you can do is find a good psychologist, one who will vouch for your son in a mental health crisis, one who will say "hey I've actually listened to my patients side of his story and believe he doesn't need drugs. Maybe counseling is what he needs or holistic vitamins. That psychologist should be brought with you to court to fight the outpatient commitment process and the psychiatrist. I'm not sure if clinical social workers could help out as well if you can't find a good psychologist. I don't know how many people will read this but I'm just trying to help.
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Lordevery
19 April 2018
I am currently trying to get off this injection. I am a 29 year old male with no psychotic issues to speak of. I was admitted to hospital in 2013 and since then I've basically had no say as to whether or not I get this. I personally do not think the majority of doctors are going to be able to understand what it's like being made to take something you don't want to. I am in the process now of working through a list of people who's approval I will need to help get off this med including my family, case manager and psychiatrist. I wish Joe good luck in his attempts to get off this medication, surely the docs will consider it given the extensive side effects he is experiencing.
Votes: +1
ON
onefineday
14 Oct 2017
I'm in the same boat as you. I am asleep 12 hours a day and rest in bed most of the rest of the time. My diagnosis is scizo affective disorder and medication is Abilify Maintena 400 mg. I hate it but have no freedom. I have little to no social life no job no friends and no life. Not much point living really. The NHS are in control of my life and have physically restrained me in a PICU. It's supposed to be non sedating but that's wrong. They take away your human rights man. I'm a shell of the man I used to be. Obese started smoking in a psychiatric ward and no life so to speak of. At least I'm not in prison. That's all I can think of.
Votes: +3
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maicoB
25 Nov 2017
i am also a 400 mg mantaina user , one thing i would want to share is tht this medication has taken my life away , all i do is get side affects like some dreams like going to a deep sleep like how it would feel you would not wake up from it its a deep sleep and thats not good at all. also i cant work out because it is draining my energy away this med i use to be all athletic type but not any more . im a sombie like person , dizzy , floating , all kinds of things . gaining weight like crazy.
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bmarshall92
27 Dec 2017
400 mg straight on my bum injection same as you, sucks, you just have to soldier through it, pray to Jesus for full restoration. I know these drug companies and psychiatrists want to play God but there is only one God. I believe his wrath will be fully unleashed on the pharmaceutical companies and psychiatary as a whole soon, Keep strong, You WILL be Free again!
AD
adam45
28 Jan 2018
i would suggest to get back to basics, healthy eating, load of fruit, nuts "walnuts", chia and flak seeds and vegetables. Medederian eating. Exercise, look up "get fit in 6 minutes a week" on catalyse. Clear your mind with mindfulness and meditation, yoga and get comfortable sitting in a space, or anywhere, just sitting. Detox, Saying away from, "Toxins" sugar, tobacco, alcohol, anything else, "unnatural". Boost "endorphins", very important, cacao, cocoa and exercise. Find peace full activities that you enjoy. Regain balance and health.
Hi, Joe! I'm Kristen. I also have had this shot, 4x this year... I am Bipolar 1 with really agitated manic episodes, and this shot has side effects but they do wear off. It makes me temporarily suicidal for the first bit of time. This wears off within the first week, however, and then I feel totally in the normal range. Your side effects are very extreme, but you didn't say how long they last. I hope I don't sound stupid when I say that after going thru 50+ drs in the last 20 years, I think I have learned that I am not a dr... maybe give it a little time, try to focus on something you enjoy, and see if side effects do go away? I hope you feel better soon!
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Mike61943
15 Sep 2017
Hi Joe. I have schizoaffective and also Bipolar 1. I'm also on I'm also on Abilify maintena 400ml, divalproex 1250mg, Welbutrin 300mg and lastly Clozapine 350mg.
Coffee to pre workout drinks. They only have difference in caffeine content. I thank God everyday thankful I am able to overcome the super strong meds. Rapid fasting for myself means: drinking a caffeine drink, lots of praying to Jesus following and drinking lots of water. Once your stomach growl, you might have a favorite food in mind. You should got get the food and make your body happy This will detox your body and and make the depression go away.
Also if you've tried everything to lose that bit of a fat belly. Drinking Aloe Vera juice will flush out the bad weight go away very fast.
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Kelseyanderson
18 Aug 2017
I feel the same way! Except I am being treated for bipolar 2 ..
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Loriklassen
31 May 2017
Hi Joe My doctor is giving me this injection against my will. It's causing all kinds of side effects like nightmares,in my dreams I have what feels like seizures.i feel blank or flatand many more side effects.
The doctor won't listen to my complaints. Do I have any rights as far as coming off of this barbaric treatment. Anybody?
Votes: +4
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bmarshall92
27 Dec 2017
Are you on a CTO? I am, they force me to have this medication also. God Bless everyone who is on these energy sapping anti psychotics.
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Mariemarie1
30 April 2017
I think you should find a psychiatrist who listens to your concerns and will consider stopping this shot. I have switched drs in the past for this same set of issues. I wish you luck and good health! ❤️
Votes: +1
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Nicky247
4 Aug 2016
Hi joe I suffer my the same disorder I changed to abilify 18 months ago was on invega that was terrible worse side effects than abilify trust me not a drug I would recommened to anyone . I also suffered the same feelings you are experiencing it was terrible . Changed Drs and they lowered it to 300mls once a month made a difference straight away . Then they changed it to 6 week injection and now 7 weeks about to go to 8 soon . The side effects have weaned I have a job get up at 6.30 am and am feeling 100per cent better . I am hoping to come off this one day . But there is hope . My doctor went outside the box for me and my life is so much better . Take care Nicky
Votes: +2
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imgavina
16 Aug 2016
My brother is on Ability Maintena 400 mg with very bad side effect but his doctor does not want take him off, is like he does not believe he has those side effect. How is the 300 mg compered to the 400 mg? How the same side effect?
KA
kaismama
10 March 2015
Reading your post tells me why you are getting the shot, and not taking the pill. You wouldn't take your medication. Schizodaffective disorder doesn't go away and you will always need medication. There is plenty of information about this shot, Believe me you wouldn't surprise the FDA. When people need the help and are so vocal about taking medications, the dr has no choice but to use the shot. There are other shots so you can ask your dr to change your med, but they may do the same thing. You will never have your old self back without the psycho, so that's not a realistic goal.
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adam45
28 Jan 2018
kaismama, you sound like you are coming from coercion. Schizodaffective disorder is not a condition that requires medications for life and people recovery with true, life long lasting and changing , real, therapy. There are many options available. Such a view of life long tranquilization is indeed a sicko one. To say someone needs the "psycho", and that it is not a realistic goal states an understanding. There are many choices other to to physically attack and assault a person, you, are indeed a psycho, kaismama, with no realistic understanding of therapy or healing.
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neuroplasticity
13 June 2018
I agree with Adam, and find your post very degrading. There are a few places to learn about safely coming off these meds. Google: A harm reduction Guide to coming off psychoactive Meds by Will Hall. Also look for his site and Mad Radio programs with many other great source sites listed. Also Google The hearing voices network. Best of luck!
