I've had anxiety for years but nothing too out of control. Lately it has been way worse to where I barely leave the house which has caused some depression and was diagnosed with GAD and MDD. Doctor thinks I have mild bipolar tendencies as well. Took Lexapro for 2 days and had a mental breakdown. Panic attacks and derealization was insane. Almost went to the er 100 times. Doctor gave me 2 MG Abilify to start tonight and I'm scared now to take anything. Anyone's experience (bad or good) is greatly appreciated.
Scared to start Abilify!
Question posted by Steph041808 on 31 Jan 2018
Last updated on 19 February 2021 by Ashmama
3 Answers
Ashmama
19 Feb 2021
Hi Steph,
I took it for about 3 years along with 40mg of Prozac, but I was taking it for major depression. I saw in the comments that you were questioning the fact that you take it alone, I just know for depression its used as an add on to an antidepressant, I'm not sure how its prescribed for other things. I have one extremely positive thing and one negative to mention to you. I LOVED Abilify, I felt better when I was on it ( along with Prozac) than I have in my entire life. I started on 2 mgs and my Dr very slowly worked me up to 10 mg. I took mine at night, I never noticed that it made me sleepy or energized me. I had no side effects like headache, nausea etc. The only side effect I had was a lot of weight gain, and unfortunately with that weight gain I got type 2 diabetes. Now the diabetes is not specifically from Abilify, its because while on it, I gained 100 lbs in that 3 years. I made the choice to stop the Abilify because of this.
Now I know you have anxiety and I'm not telling you about my weight gain to scare you, I promise I'm not, I just want you to be aware that you MAY gain weight on it, but you may not, everyones body is different and reacts to the med differently. My Dr had told me that out of all the atypical antipsychotics,that Abiify is the least likely to cause weight gain, but unfortunately I did. So don't be scared of the possible weight gain, just be aware, and if you DO gain weight from it, it doesn't mean it'll be as excessive as mine. Just be aware of the possibility, but like with ANY drug, side effects are different for everyone and some people just get minor side effects while others have major ones. I would say it's totally worth trying, because it MAY turn out to be the best med for you, hopefully it will help you tremendously with no side effects. I wish you the best of luck.
Coolteach2014
16 Feb 2021
I loved taking Abilify! I felt amazing on it. Then my dad and mom died within a year of each other and I spiraled out of control. So my doctor changed my meds and I can’t take Abilify anymore. Now I’m playing the meds game of finding the right concoction.
TyreseTl
16 Feb 2021
Sorry for your lost, my condolences on the passing of your parents. I hope one day that you’ll find the right medication to help you out.
Stay safe,
Tyrese
WildcatVet
31 Jan 2018
Hi, Steph! Three words: Love my Abilify! It has literally saved my life with no side effects except that it's mildly energizing for me so I take it in the morning.
BTW, I'm taking 20mgs/daily.
Best regards and don't be scared... it's just your anxiety talking you into even more anxiety.
jlr77
31 Jan 2018
My husband just started Abilify 5 days ago. He has been suffering from depression and anxiety for almost 4 months. He was hospitalized for 3 days and they put him on effexor and olanzapine. After months of up and down he still is only at 60%. We finally met with a good Psychiatrist this last week after waiting 5 weeks for an appt. He switched him to abilify 2mg. Last night was his first night on 2mg of abilify and no olanzapine. He seemed more restless and that is a huge issue with him. He needs his sleep because of his job. The olanzapine made him super tired and gain weight. So I am hoping, praying down on my knees begging God to make this work. He just wants to be the husband and father he use to be. Thank you for your post ..my questions is should we ask his doctor if he should take it in the morning instead of at night? I'm just worried if he doesnt get enough sleep his anxiety and depression will worsen.
Steph041808
31 Jan 2018
I keep reading about it being energizing but my doctor told me only to take it at night time. I wonder why.
Steph041808
31 Jan 2018
And I know how you're feeling. I've been dealing with the same issues. My boyfriend is just watching it happen and feels so helpless because he can't do anything. Hang in there. I hope he gets to feeling back to himself again soon.
WildcatVet
31 Jan 2018
Steph, it can be taken at anytime, but every person reacts differently to the medication. For many people it IS sedating so best taken at bedtime, but for those, like me, who find it energizing it's better in the morning.
For now, you should follow your doctor's advice until you see how it affects YOU. If you have problems with sleep after the first week or so let your doctor know.
Steph041808
31 Jan 2018
Can I ask what MG you started at? And are you taking anything with it? I do too much research and see its usually an add on but I'm taking it alone.
WildcatVet
31 Jan 2018
To jlr, definitely let his doctor know that your husband is having problems with sleep. Abilify can cause sleep disturbances in some people that sometimes resolve after a week or so, but you should keep his doctor apprised of his progress.
"Psychiatric:
Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, restlessness"
Best regards and I hope all goes well for him.
jlr77
31 Jan 2018
Thank you all for your advice. I will keep you updated on his progress! I hate mental illness and wish I could pull it out of him. 4 years ago was his first dip into major depression and he went on effexor at that time and for 2 years he was depression free, so with the okay from his Dr. he went off the medication the right way and was good for 5 months. He had a job change and stress (we have 4 kids very active in sports) made him slip again. This time around has been very difficult, he can't seem to kick the depression. We are hopeful that this new Dr. switching him to abilify will be the answer. I will pray for all of you! God has been my shoulder to cry on while I keep things together for our family. I am always searching the internet for advice and this is what it led me too. Thank you again.
Steph041808
31 Jan 2018
Yes please let us know. Sometimes having people in similar situations to talk to helps a lot. It does for me anyway! I'm stating my abilify tonight and am terrified and just being on here helps me a little bit.
Cathy71
2 March 2018
I was just prescribed ability today too, along with hydroxyzine and like you I am afraid to take it. I am on effexor they also upped the dosage on that from 150 to 225. I am so depressed and just irritable, everything gets on my nerves . I hope this helps me cause I can't take the rages I get into and the constant crying .
Inactive
6 Aug 2018
Hi Stephy,
Some people find that Abilify is working great for them, and it can be very helpful. Abilify can make you restless and causes tremendous weight gain. If you really want to try it out, I would say to start with 5mg daily insteead of 20mg daily. Abilify is an anti-psychotic drug which is more for bipolar or even schizophrenics. Best of luck.
Related topics
abilify, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, doctor, diagnosis
Further information
- Abilify uses and safety info
- Abilify information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side effects of Abilify (detailed)
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