I am currently on 40mg of Cipralex. Lately it has not been working as good as it has been. My doctor wants me to start a low does of Abilify. I am not comfortable with this as it is an antipsychotic. I do not have any psychosis. Can anyone give me some advice?
Doctor wants me to take Abilify with my Cipralex?
Question posted by Can-Joe on 13 Jan 2021
Last updated on 25 May 2021 by J-Lo
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Answers
J-Lo
25 May 2021
Hi Can-Joe,
I am on 30 mg cirpralex and 4 mg abilify, I was on 2 mg of abilify but the benefit wore off so increase it to 4mg. I am doing well. My Mom is on the same and says she hasn't felt this good in 50 years. So, I believe, the abilify helps stabilize your brain chemicals so the antidepressants can work as they should and also, abilify hits the dopamine receptor which cipralex does not. I wouldn't hesitate to try this combo. It just sounds scary because of the class of drug. And at small doses like 2 and 4 mg, it's not going to give you crazy side effects like at a higher dose.
Let me know how it goes?
WildcatVet
13 Jan 2021
Hi, Can-Joe!
I took Abilify along with my Lexapro ( U.S. equivalent) for many years with very good results. I wasn't psychotic either... my doctor prescribed it because it boosters the effects of your antidepressant and works in it's own way to help alleviate depression/anxiety.
From my experience I would have to say don't let it scare you. You really should consider giving it a try.
If you have specific questions or concerns please post again, okay?
Can-Joe
14 Jan 2021
Hi, Wildcat,
Did you have any side effects, i read some pretty scary side effects that worried me.
elandem
16 Jan 2021
If you are dead set against abilify, you can ask your Dr. about other add-ons. Remeron has always been very good for me and works well with any other med. Or you can always switch to another class of med. There are lots of options IF you don't want to try abilify. That said, many like WCVet have great success with antipsychotic add-ons, and if you see side effects emerge you just stop the med before they get bad.
WildcatVet
16 Jan 2021
As elandem said, I took Abilify for many years with no short- or long-term side effects... not even the dreaded weight gain... and it worked very well for me.
Remember that only a minority of users will experience side effects, you won't get them all if any, and if you do they are generally mild and resolve within days to a week or two.
Again, as e said if you do and they're intolerable you can simply taper off the medication.
Good luck whatever your decision!
Related topics
abilify, depression, major depressive disorder, doctor, antipsychotic, cipralex, antipsychotics
Further information
- Abilify uses and safety info
- Abilify prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Abilify (detailed)
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