I have taken Abilify 5mg for bipolar depression for a week and feel so much better already! Does it really start working this quickly or is it a placebo effect?
How long until Abilify works?
Question posted by jamesaus on 5 May 2017
Last updated on 11 September 2019
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6 Answers
sheslostinspace
10 July 2017
I'm on day 3. He's my thing... Dr, prescribed Abilify 5 mg, but since I know me and I'm super sensitive to medication, I took 1/4 of the pill, so roughly 1.25 mg. Seems like nothing, right? Well, it's making me feel so sleepy. It also makes me feel edgy and I had a lump in my throat like I couldn't swallow. All of these are common side effects according to the leaflet. I also take 0.5 mg clonazepam at bedtime, so I think what I'll do is swap it around and take Abilify at bedtime hoping I can sleep and take clonazepam prn during the day to offset the edginess. I'm thinking I'll probably be okay on 2.5 mg and am planning to inch up to that a little at a time. Your thoughts/suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!
Mikayla777
12 Sep 2019
I would be very cautious about taking this or any drug differently than prescribed. These drugs are wonderful for countless people, but can also be dangerous to others. Your provider needs to know how you are taking meds in order to really help you. Just don't want you to have a bigger problem than the one you are getting help for ☺
Akcandi
2 June 2017
I took ability and it made me feel great rather quick. However, the weight gain was an issue that I could not believe. I worked out regularly and all of the sudden I just gained weight. It didn't change my appetite but no matter how much I'd increase working out or cut back on food, which I could not be healthy and eat much less, the weight piled on. I gained 30 ,lbs in the first ,2 months and I needed to decide if it was worth it. My clothes did not fit at all and I was embarrassed of my appearance. Abilify didn't make me happy about gaining weight. Sadly I stopped taking it. Abilify seemed like the ultimate cure I'd been looking for. I couldn't continue. I watched how much larger my sister was getting and she had been on it longer then I was. Seeing that weight change in 2 friends was simply disturbing. Yes it does work fast. I noticed the next day. Only my 2nd dose.
If you don't have that issue with the weight, than continue on. You will feel level and have a child like anticipation. You just can't wait to get out of bed in the morning.
chuck1957
5 May 2017
Yes, it does kick in that fast for many people. so Just be glad and remember don't miss any doses you know how hard it is to find something at times that works as well as this is on you. Glad you are getting some relief. Have a great weekend.
WildcatVet
5 May 2017
Same here! I started feeling the effects within a few days of starting Abilify. :-))
mundling
5 May 2017
When I started it I noticed improvement the 1st week also. We did up my dose slightly and again in the first week, I noticed improvement. I'm very grateful!
Glad to hear it's helping.
hugzzz
pamela
canadabehr
5 May 2017
Hello jamwsaus,
Yes, it works that fast.
jamesaus
5 May 2017
Thanks!
Related topics
abilify, depression, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder
Further information
- Abilify uses and safety info
- Abilify prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Abilify (detailed)
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