Abilify for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• LDa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2021

"I was on Abilify 2 mg 12/18-02/19, along with 20 mg of Lexapro. First 10 days, I felt euphoric, energetic, motivated, excited about life. Well, it came to a screeching halt. I was fidgety, pacing back and forth, would sit and wiggle my feet and legs, was gaining weight, wasn't sleeping, and thought I was going crazy. I continued to take it for another 6 weeks to give it a chance. That was a mistake. It was all I could do to make it through a whole workday. I thought I was going out of my mind. I have been off it for 2 years and still have mild side effects, still fidgety, have restless feet and legs, and don't sleep much. As for depression, I feel I was better off before Abilify than now. I appreciate that it has been a wonderful drug for many, but where there are so many uncertainties about its effects, I would research it thoroughly before taking it. I don't think most doctors, including psychiatrists, have the slightest clue how horrible this drug is for most. I would never recommend it to anyone."

• Ale...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 14, 2022

"I started taking Abilify when I was 16. I live in Italy. I've been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and took Abilify until I was 22, under various forms. I used to take two pills a day and ended up eventually taking it from injection at the hospital because it didn't help me at all. I honestly had a feeling things were only getting worse. I was always extremely tired and sleepy. I had some troubles tolerating heat, even with very low temperatures outside and excessive salivation. I gained 105 lbs during these years and couldn't move much. As soon as I stopped taking Abilify, I got so much better, physically. I contacted a private psychologist and things got better without that therapy."

• Mr ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 21, 2021

"Abilify has made me rapidly gain 40 pounds. Because of it, I now am obese and have type 2 diabetes. I took it as an augmentation to my antidepressant to see if it would help with my treatment-resistant depression. It helped a little, but at what price? I'm so ashamed of how I look. I'm in the process of weaning off this horrible drug. Drug companies apparently don't care about terrible side effects, they just care about making money."

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2019

"After complete hesitation of taking Abilify, added on with Lexapro, I tried it and WOW, it worked wonders. I came out of a suicidal state within a few days, and I’ve lived a normal few weeks. I’m not saying that this is completely over with, but I feel so much better. I’ve had zero side effects from it, and I am on 5 mg. I was hesitant to take any kind of drug added onto an antidepressant already, but it is well worth it, and I feel so much better already."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2020

"My doctor prescribed me 5 mg of Abilify to add onto a depression medication when I was going through a hard time. Maybe I had personal side effects, but it was a nightmare. I constantly felt restless-my legs would not stop moving, and it was extremely difficult for me to sit at work for long periods of time. I also constantly would wake up with migraines and a dry mouth. While it helped with my depression a little bit, it definitely increased my anxiety and ruined my sex drive. Abilify also caused me to have an insatiable appetite. I was always hungry and never felt full. Within 4 months of taking Abilify, I gained 20 lbs. After going off the medication, 6 months later, my appetite is noticeably different, and I dropped 12 lbs. Since being off the medication, I feel more like myself and that my personality has returned. Honestly, I can't recommend this unless you have no other options."

• Amy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2019

"So I've been on this drug for a few months. Still on it. I ended up in urgent care because my blood pressure bottomed out. I feel like I can't sit down and relax, anxious (more so than my anxiety itself). I even told my doc my symptoms, and she insisted that it was not the Abilify. The symptoms got way worse from then on. I felt (now I know) horrible driving, it was claustrophobia. I came home the other day from work trembling, which lasted three days. I can't believe the amount of side effects there are from Abilify. Oh, and they upped the dose, then gave me something to counteract the issues. Thank you to those who have posted, I would have just thought I was crazy. Hopefully, this post helps someone understand the side effects better. Please choose for yourself. There are positive reviews as well. Good luck on your decision."

• NeG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2023

"My diagnosis was atypical depression (a type of MDD) and was prescribed Abilify paired with Lamictal. My Abilify dose was a 5mg pill per day. From day one that I took it, I became incredibly irritated. I felt agitated and restless almost immediately. I was so restless, like I was itching from inside my chest and soul, I don't know how to describe it. I couldn't eat, couldn't feel hungry, slept fewer hours, had insomnia, felt stressed, felt anxious, and constantly felt nauseous/stomach pain. The only benefit was that I had intense energy to get up and move, but it didn't feel nice. My motivation for getting up was because of how irritated I got when I lay down or rested. Working out would help but never enough to calm down my restlessness. Overall, I gave it a chance for 1 month (plus a few days of withdrawing it with the assistance of my psychiatrist), and it didn't get any better over time. Horrible experience."

• min...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2022

"For years, I have struggled with depression (and also autism). I could hardly get out of bed most days, I had no appetite and lost a lot of weight, and was irritable all the time/getting frustrated over the smallest things. Then I went on 2 mg Abilify, and… thank gods, this drug saved my life. I can eat again and have returned to a healthy weight, I am no longer irritated easily, and I’m even writing music again, which I haven’t been able to do in years! I’m happy to say life is regaining its meaning. As for side effects, I have a handful of minor side effects like mild twitching and restlessness, but I would honestly rather deal with that than the depression. 9/10 great drug, would recommend."

• Ove...
• July 11, 2019

"Still working with Abilify, 5 mg. I started feeling great, then it stopped working. I am on 10 mg, it's not working. I go to the doctor soon. Maybe I need 15 mg. I also take 450 mg Wellbutrin. I'm a 54-year-old female, and I've suffered from Major Depressive Disorder and anxiety since age 11."

• Bab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2018

"I have been on this medicine for over a month. After the first few days, I could feel that I was getting better. I had lots of energy, a great attitude, depression and anxiety are gone. I did have to go from 2 mg to 5 mg because it was seeming less effective, and the transition has been good. The only bad thing is I get indigestion every day, but nothing a Rolaids can’t fix. I highly recommend this medication."

• ell...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 24, 2018

"I've suffered from major depressive disorder for 4 decades and tried hundreds of various combinations of antidepressants, stimulants, and benzos after being treated by over 13 different psychiatrists. I was finally put on Pristiq, Adderall (for ADD), and 5 mg of Abilify, and I finally got my life back. I know the Abilify is what tipped the balance because I was on the Pristiq and Adderall for 3 months and got somewhat better but still felt no motivation and couldn't turn my thoughts into action until my doctor added the Abilify. I am now getting up and out of bed, working out, and engaging in life. My anhedonia is gone, and I have hope for my life for the first time in 20 years."

• sou...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 11, 2021

"I am on 10 mg of Abilify, and to say that it's helped me is an understatement. It has given me my life back! I am excited when I wake up, mind you, I used to not be a morning person, well now I am! I take a 10 mg tab at night, and I wake up feeling refreshed, happy, and ready to take on the day! No side effects for me! I absolutely love Abilify! All of my intrusive, lonely, depressing, and suicidal thoughts have disappeared! It feels like how I looked at life when I was a child, happy and worry-free! My thoughts are organized, I am able to function as a person, wife, daughter, and mother. Stick with it and find your happy dose! Much luck to you, and I hope you reap all of the great benefits that I find in Abilify!"

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2022

"Abilify was great at first. Anxiety and obsessive and ruminating thoughts slowed down a lot for the first month on 2 mg. Once my dose was increased to 4 mg, everything went downhill. I developed anhedonia and worse anxiety. Even after I dropped my dose for a few months, things didn't get better. I stopped taking Abilify, and just when I thought things couldn't get worse, they did. Within a week of stopping, I developed severe insomnia, anxiety, and an insidious inner restlessness. The anhedonia has also remained 2 months later. I would gladly go back to the depression that Abilify was prescribed to treat in exchange to be done with the lasting negative effects of Abilify. Please do not take this for MDD, and please do not stop taking it suddenly if you are already on it."

• Rog...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2022

"The medicine added to an antidepressant that was “pooping out” was a dream come true! I now wonder how well it may work alone… with no antidepressant drug along with it? So, it was a miracle for me— how it will affect you may be altogether different!"

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 1, 2016

"My diagnosis is Panic Disorder. But I struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and BPD as well. I've taken tons of medications to deal with my disorders. After being hospitalized for a suicide attempt, I was prescribed Wellbutrin first, which helped with suicidal tendencies. Then I was put on Lamictal (which I would also give a 10-star rating to). It made my anxiety and panic attacks vanish. However, I still felt empty. Like I had no purpose. My doctor finally put me on a low dose of Abilify. It helped so much. It made a world of difference in my life. I am scared to die now, when before I only wished I'd die. I take 15 mg now, and it is amazing. I'd recommend it to anyone who hasn't had luck with traditional antidepressants."

• Bak...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 3, 2019

"I love Abilify. I don't remember any side effects from when I started, but it was several years ago. I ran out once and didn't renew it on time (don't do this), and my depression went haywire. I was taking two other antidepressants (still am), so I feel like Abilify does most of the heavy lifting. An added bonus of the generic version is that, with my insurance, it is free every month. I didn't even know that was possible!"

• suz...
• August 12, 2014

"Treatment-resistant depression. This medicine was the best I've tried yet. A little restless at first, but that turned into feeling somewhat exhilarated, having a stimulant effect. I dressed up every day, was social, glad to wake up. The psych nurse said I was so bright she'd need to wear shades. Alas, it wore off, but everything does. No side effects, no withdrawal. A great medicine."

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2019

"For fibromyalgia and MDD. The pain from fibromyalgia kept me in bed or on the couch, out of work and had no interest in socializing. After taking 5 mg of Abilify daily, within 2 weeks, I was so much happier. I am loving life again. It is a true miracle for me, the downside, I gained 15 pounds in 6 months. I’m starving myself to not gain any more and cannot lose 1 pound, therefore, I rated the drug accordingly."

• Pro...
• April 29, 2016

"My 6-year-old son has been battling some 'mental demons.' He has been hospitalized twice for mood swings, severe outbursts, and psychosis. I still do not have an exact diagnosis. He has been on 3 different medications with minimal effectiveness. I am a single mother, and my life has been pure hell the last 2 years dealing with these circumstances. I was at my end. I was in a complete state of perplexion on what to do. The doctors prescribed Abilify. I cannot believe the difference it has made. My son enjoys his life! He smiles now! He is sweet-natured! He tells me at least once a day how much better he feels! It's only been 2 weeks, I am confident that with constant monitoring and encouragement, he will only progress from here!"

• Deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2021

"I started on 5 mg Abilify 6 days ago, and I can honestly say I'm at least 50% better! I'm also taking Remeron to help with sleep and also may help along with the Abilify! I was so, so, so depressed!!! Didn't want to see or talk to ANYONE!!!! Yesterday, I called my son, and we talked for an hour, then, after that, I texted back and forth with my best friend for a while. I feel the fog lifting, I'm very happy so far, and I'm thinking it will only get better from here!!! Also, I love listening to music, and before Abilify, I didn't even care to listen to music. Yesterday, I was jamming with the volume all the way up and dancing around my apartment, singing as loud as I could and dancing!!! I couldn't tell you how long it's been since I've done that. At least a year!!!! 10/10 on the Abilify."

• Opt...
• September 15, 2015

"5 days - from non-functioning, depressed to living and enjoying life! I had no side effects starting the medication and noticed a moderate improvement by day 2. By day 5, a remarkable difference! My history is 20 years on SSRIs and no improvement. Spent 9 months this year completely non-functioning. Tried risperidone, and that caused lactation and sedated me. Pdoc put me on 60 mg Prozac + 5 mg Abilify, and I feel like myself! Not sedated, not wired, just normal, happy me! Miracle!"

• AJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2018

"Took Abilify 2 mg/day for two weeks, so far, so good. Upped the dosage to 5 mg/day, and things started to go very wrong for me. This medicine started giving me terrible panic attacks (after about a month in) and threw me into the worst mental state I’ve ever been in in my life. I also could not sit still for very long and was generally tired throughout the day. This medicine may work well for you, but this medicine temporarily ruined my life."

• Ran...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 6, 2022

"Has helped depression greatly. At a 5 mg dose, the first week only slept 8 hours whole week. Dose went up to 7.5 mg, and I started getting 7 hours of sleep a night. I look forward to things now and am not sleeping 16 hours a day from depressed exhaustion. So give it time to level off before giving up due to anxiety or sleeplessness. I am having some anxiety, but no panic attacks, and experienced some larger chunks of memory loss yesterday, so am decreasing my dose after a year and a half on Abilify. Would not like to have to stop taking it, but there are other meds out there. I have been through a lot though."

• Fin...
• September 29, 2014

"I have been dealing with depression/major depressive disorder for 10 years. Finally, I had enough of the depressive episodes and anxiety. I'm taking Abilify 2 mg (AM) and Seroquel 200 mg (PM). This is the best I've felt in years. I also haven't gained weight, I did have some dizziness, but that lasted about a week and is now gone. It took about two weeks to start seeing a difference in my mood."

• kel...
• December 10, 2018

"Since starting Abilify (in combo with Lamictal), I find that my depression, both the major and mild symptoms, is gone! On just Lamictal, it was mild but still there. Now it's as if it's been wiped out. Hope this lasts, as I haven't been on the drug very long. I also have mood swings and impulsivity issues, so I think it helps with that too. Now I'm just waiting for something for my OCD and attention issues."