... and depression. Does Abilify help as an add on? I have tried it twice before and they took me off but after so many meds, I don’t remember why. Does it tend to make anxiety and agitation worse? I am on Klonopin and Zoloft but just like all the others, they are doing nothing. Anyone had any luck with Seroquel as an add on. I have constant repetitive songs and thoughts and ruminating that never stops. Btw ... diagnosis is treatment resistant depression, GAD and OCD.
Four year treatment resistant depression. 44 meds . I have much more anxiety, rumination...
Question posted by Hysterical on 6 Dec 2020
Last updated on 18 June 2023
Answers
WildcatVet
6 Dec 2020
Hi, Hys!
The problem with Abilify (as with other antipsychotics) is that it does have the potential for causing weight gain and metabolic disorders. It can also be energizing for some users which could be interpreted as agitation.
I took Abilify for quite some time, first with Lexapro and then Effexor. It was helpful for me... not 100% by any means but there was significant improvement.
I take a low dose of Seroquel now for sleep and it works well... I sleep through the night now. Sleep deprivation can often contribute to depression
Off the cuff, I just talked to my sister who's undergoing treatment with TMS and doing very well with it.
WC
Hysterical
7 Dec 2020
Hi WC ,
I am still considering TMS . What is keeping me from doing it is whether or not it will help my anxiety or make it worse , which seems to be the bigger issue . Also my ocd. Was your sister treatment resistant ? Anyway , hope she has a great experience from it . I truly am losing all help of getting well . I can’t live life in bed all day and feeling absolutely nothing .
elandem
10 Dec 2020
I too am happy to hear a TMS success story, as once COVID is better controlled I'm going to try that. I can't answer questions about it helping or harming anxiety/ocd, but I would be surprised if it was harmful--just maybe not as helpful as for depression.
WildcatVet
10 Dec 2020
Actually, Judy was being treated for treatment resistant depression and wasn't responding well with medication and therapy so, at least in her case, it's worked well for depression. She didn't really have much of an anxiety problem but that too has resolved now that she's coming out from under the "cloud".
Good luck with it if you do decide to try it.
WC
elandem
10 Dec 2020
Thanks for sharing that WCVet, always good to hear a positive story. Meds and therapy are not working for me any more and I hoping that TMS will help with my TRDepression. I also hope that
Hysterical can try it too -- as meds are clearly not the answer for many of us.
As of next week I'll be 100% off benzos and I'm also trying to cut down my dose of all meds (Lexapro and Remeron), but I can tell it will take a long long time to do that, for me even longer than benzos I think.
Hysterical -- hang in there and don't ever give up.
Hysterical
10 Dec 2020
Thank you for letting me know this. I have been hopeless for so long so this gives me a tiny bit of hope. I do have extreme anxiety so I am a little concerned about that.
Inactive
18 June 2023
I went through a complete round of TMS. It did nothing to help my TRD, but it also did not affect my anxiety.
elandem
6 Dec 2020
Summary for Abilify VS Seroquel:
Abilify (aripiprazole) and Seroquel (quetiapine) are two atypical antipsychotic medications that can treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Abilify can also treat depression, Tourette’s disorder, and autistic disorder.
Abilify can be taken once daily to treat schizophrenia. In contrast, Seroquel is usually taken twice daily. However, an extended-release form of Seroquel can also be taken once daily depending on the psychiatric condition treated.
Both medications have similar side effects such as weight gain, somnolence, and nausea. Because they are both metabolized in the liver, they should not be taken with other drugs that affect CYP3A4 liver enzymes. Other medications like drugs used for high blood pressure can also interact with Abilify and Seroquel.
Abilify has an interaction with Benzodiazepines - Seroquel does not.
Hope someone with experience taking these responds. My guess is they took you off bc of weight gain from what you have said.
Hysterical
7 Dec 2020
Thanks friend . She is refusing to put me on either one right now . I stress she is keeping me at 25 mg of Zoloft and is increasing my Klonopin yet again . It will now be at 2 mg . Please convince me not to be scared of this .
Hysterical
7 Dec 2020
Took me off Abilify first time because I had some good luck with it but then I just got very flatlined and that concerned them so they took me off right away . Second time , different doctor I got very agitated in it . Never been on Seroquel . I just need something that stops this constant rumination and repetitive songs and thoughts ( suicidal thoughts ) in my mind every single second of the day and I almost feel like it’s getting worse .
elandem
7 Dec 2020
Well, from what you have said about prior use, I would try to stay clear of any antipsychotic -- they all pose the same risk, risk that is much higher than that of Klonopin at any dose. As I wrote on the other thread, going to 2 mg Klonopin is fine -- not that high, may help your anxiety, and if not you can always just stop. So, I'd follow her suggestion and give it a try. I'd also check in with your therapist and get her thoughts on things right how.
elandem
9 Dec 2020
Ketamine is the most effective medication for suicidal ideation. If you went to the hospital they might suggest that and it might really help you.
Hysterical
10 Dec 2020
I just posted another question at great length about coming off Klonopin as I think it is worsening my depression . I am totally out of control and unable to function . I will not go to a hospital again . I’ve done it three times and all they do is stick you on more meds and let you go . There just isn’t any help out there .
Related topics
abilify, depression, anxiety, agitation, generalized anxiety disorder, treatment
Further information
- Abilify uses and safety info
- Abilify prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Abilify (detailed)
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