Abilify Maintena and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Pho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2020

For Schizophrenia "Went on an episode and relapse and took them away. BUT BE WARNED: it is like working out (as in going to the gym). You take the injection and then you work out your mentality because depression side effects start to kick in. Took away my passion for pretty much anything, and I gained 15 pounds. Been on it for 5 months. But also remember that it is different for everybody. My sleep has been horrible, but I still sleep for 10-14 hours a day. It makes you careless about your decisions, so you won't care about what you eat, and you will eat a lot since you won't care."

• Aby...
• March 24, 2020

For Schizophrenia "Been on aripiprazole for a year and a half now. I cannot sleep, only getting about 3 hours a night, restlessness, and spending money. My lifestyle is completely different from before. It might not seem it, but I was aggressive and hearing voices. Also, the TV would interfere with my actions. Now, taking this medication, I feel somewhat better. Really, I don't get myself into so much trouble, like arguing and shouting, but now I am calm and confident and can laugh again."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2022

For Schizophrenia "I took Invega for a year, and it was a nightmare: depression, erection problems, yellow semen, blood in semen. Two days ago, the doctor switched me to Abilify Maintena, and I have to tell you it is the best drug till now for me: no deep sedation, erection is there, I feel normal again. I have some side effects like a little less sleep, but it should be only a couple of days; headaches, nausea, but you can feel normal again with a smile on your face and a great feeling. And also, I noticed that I don't want to smoke that much, and I read that one guy, after one week, had no desire to smoke, which I can feel already now. :) If you feel bad on Invega, like I did, maybe give it a try."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2021

For Schizophrenia "I was coerced into taking this injection at a mental hospital, where I was told if I did not have it, I would be in there for a long time. My only symptoms were depression and anxiety at the time of admission. It is a horrible drug, it gave me anhedonia, so lack of pleasure. I also had side effects to begin with, like constipation, and I passed out. I also had racing thoughts and severe insomnia. AVOID this drug if you can, it is awful."

• A G...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 11, 2019

For Schizophrenia "So I've been on this Abilify injection (against my will) for a couple of years because my family just wants me to be normal again. And man, do I feel normal! It's so great! (I was being sarcastic... really, really sarcastic.) I can't sleep for more than a couple of hours at a time, I suffer from persistent psychological pain due to anxiety/restless leg, and I have gained 70 lbs! And there's more! If I keep taking it, I'll probably wind up with diabetes! What a great drug to give a permanently disabled veteran to ensure that they live a long, peaceful life! Seriously though... it's terrible. Low quality of life in exchange for little to no psychotic symptoms... bad trade. Find something else that works for your condition!!"

• vin...
• January 8, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "It's not for me. Six weeks on, and I cannot wait till it's out of my system. Makes me feel like I can't stay in one place too long. It has ruined my sleep and has made me unsocial. I am not saying it's a bad drug, just not for me..."

• Flo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 7, 2017

For Schizophrenia "Forced onto this medication via a CTO. Delusions are still strong and troublesome. Doctors have no idea how to treat this condition. Side effects include insomnia, anxiety, constantly feeling sick, and I have therefore lost weight. This medication is completely ineffective, and it is easier to live with the delusions without the negative side effects."