Abilify and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2024

"I'm at week five on Abilify and cannot believe the difference it's made with my OCD symptoms. The last several years, my OCD went through the roof due to several traumatic events and constant stress. I finally told my PCP just how bad the symptoms were and the enormous toll it was taking on me. I had severe social withdrawal, hyper-vigilance, paranoia, repetitive thoughts, intense anxiety, depression, rumination, and compulsive cleaning. The Abilify has taken most of my symptoms from a 10/10 to a 3/10 or 4/10! The side effects were a challenge, but hang in there, they do ease up after several weeks. Insomnia, which eased up, and pretty intense akathisia, which my doctor treated with an extra gabapentin dose. I'm also taking magnesium glycinate daily and Benadryl as needed if the akathisia gets really bad. I sort of just float through my day now, and that's such an amazing, welcome change from the constant, unrelenting OCD symptoms that were sucking my soul dry. Try it!"

• Anonymous
• November 20, 2009

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I take 12 mg per day. Side effects are minimal - slight nausea, slight diarrhea, loss of appetite, insomnia. I'm also taking NuVigil to deal with any sedation and Ambien for the insomnia. I feel like a stable, grounded human being again!"

• Pcd...
• February 23, 2012

For Depression "I am 16 and have battled depression since junior high. My doctor has me on Prozac and 2 mg of Abilify. Unfortunately, my side effects have only made things worse. I cannot sit still through school, and I am now hearing voices, making me suicidal. I also have strange dreams, and I don't sleep well at all."

• mom...
• July 27, 2013

For Schizophrenia "My now 23-year-old son has been on Abilify since May 2012. Initially on Clozapine but way too zonked. His history is recreational cannabis use caused a psychotic break. Not smoking now or intending to. Hospitalized and medicated. They were surprised and pleased at how quickly he regained his self-awareness, home in 2 weeks but recommended at least 6 months of meds to forestall relapse. He feels very detached from us and himself, on 10 mgs still. He is nervous of relapse, especially since told one of the symptoms of a recurrence would be an inability to sleep. Meds reduced in December."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "Abilify was horrible to me. Very soon after starting medication, I started to experience blurred vision, extreme nausea and vomiting, unable to sleep, headaches. Dose: 2.5 mg. Diagnosis: bipolar disorder and CPTSD."

• Zia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2022

For Schizophrenia "I am on this new medication for two months now for auditory hallucinations. Before this, I was using Risperidone 2 mg. This medicine has improved my style of living a lot. Before using Risperidone, I used to be very lazy. After switching to Abilify, my laziness turned into more activeness. Now I go to the gym regularly and walk 10 km a day. But there is one problem which I have not been able to manage, that is, Abilify has caused me sleep disturbance, which is not going away. It has been two months now, I couldn't sleep properly."

• tyh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "Abilify was prescribed to me to combat psychotic depression and associated anxiety. However, it caused increasing akathisia (restlessness), seriously blurred vision, insomnia, and 'brain zaps.' I'd wake up every hour through the night and finally start moving about at 4 a.m. I couldn't see anything and had to move all the time - if not voluntarily, I'd shake so badly that I had to be prescribed another medication... meant for Parkinson's! Couldn't eat or use my phone at all, and I was in excruciating pain. After 'tolerating' said symptoms for a week, I had a relapse. So no, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone based on my experience. It could be the one for you though. Be very careful, especially if you're in a vulnerable state."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2021

For Depression "I was prescribed the lowest dose of Abilify along with Lexapro. It’s a life changer! I wake up early, motivated to do things, it’s been years since I felt this alive. It worked after 2 days. Only downside was background anxiety and insomnia. My doc told me that a small % of patients get restless leg syndrome from it and prescribed me pramipexol, which worked great!"

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 11, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Abilify for nearly 2 years. The first month or so was rough (tired early at night or after a cocktail, restless sleep, waking up early, dizziness, foggy head), but after my doctor reduced my dose to 2.5 mg/day, side effects improved. The ones that remain are profuse night sweats (soaked sheets) and constipation. It does make you a bit tired, but I take it before bed. It completely helped with my irritation/agitation towards people and my children. I have a ton more patience and less anxiety overall. The biggest issue I have is the cost. Get the Abilify Savings Card if you are starting a new prescription!"

• Ari...
• October 21, 2011

For Depression "I have been on Abilify for 16 days now, and my mood is very stable; no highs and not the dark lows. However, I do feel achy a lot of the time, and insomnia has been a problem that seems to be getting slightly better as time goes on. I take 2 mg in the morning, and I plan to persevere for a couple more months and give this medicine a chance."

• Jen...
• January 31, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I've suffered from Bipolar II and GAD and ADD for 15 years now. I take Lamictal, Effexor XR, Abilify, and Adderall. Not until I started Abilify 3 weeks ago have I had any improvement with energy levels and depression. I have treatment-resistant depression, and my anxiety causes me to not be able to work, and I barely want to leave the house. But since starting Abilify, I feel almost fantastic. I wake up early, ready to start my day. And I've never been a morning person. I'm more positive about my life, and I am even thinking about getting a job. I haven't worked in 6 years. But I do have problems staying asleep. I mean, it's 3:06 am, and I am wide awake writing this. So yeah, restless sleep. And the sexual side effects aren't good. Total lack of interest, which is difficult when you're in a relationship. But I'm not willing to stop this medication. The good far outweighs the bad in so, so many ways. Good luck to all and give this med a try."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2018

For Autism "This was for my son. The side effects are worse than the original problems: extreme weight gain, immediate food cravings, excessive thirst, high triglycerides made worse, vision changes immediately. Trying to get my son off the medication is making the symptoms worse with behavior and insomnia. He is no longer needing to eat non-stop, and he doesn’t use his glasses all day anymore, if at all, which is how it was before. He has had many almost psychotic episodes, screaming that he doesn’t know what he wants to do and completely unable to go to sleep. He has separation anxiety, cannot be alone, increased aggression, and work refusal at school. It’s been a month of trying to wean him off. Gradually, every step down causes more problems like this. I highly recommend not trying this drug. I was pressured into it by the hospital and my ex-husband against my wishes."

• Anonymous
• January 23, 2011

For Depression "I recently suffered a really bad cycle of my lingering depression, and my doctor prescribed Abilify to go along with the Zoloft I've been already on. I have to say, after only 3 weeks of taking 2.5 mg, I see a tremendous difference in my level of energy and motivation. I feel alive again. The only negatives I can mention are that I've had a lot of trouble sleeping, and I tend to feel much more 'wired' throughout the day. But if that's the trade-off for feeling like a human again, I'll take it."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2016

For Schizoaffective Disorder "I developed severe akathisia (restlessness) while taking this medication. I had a difficult time sitting in one place for more than a few minutes, and it was absolutely exhausting. I also developed insomnia and TD (tardive dyskinesia), and altogether I would say this medication was very difficult to tolerate. I was happy to be taken off of it."

• Rac...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 27, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "Instead of helping my depression, I felt trapped in it, unable to say how I truly felt. Unable to move out of that feeling, yet unable to fully feel it either. My irritability became worse overall. I would have even bigger breakdowns over even smaller things. The frequency was slightly less, the incidents were more severe. I developed tardive dyskinesia and pseudo-Parkinson's after long-term use. I gained over 100 lbs on this medication, 60 of which happened in the first 5 months. My dietary habits did not change in this time. My sleep and exercise were affected. Prior to Abilify, I was very active and loved to walk and ride my bike. While on Abilify, I became listless and disinterested in physical activities. My poor sleep became worse, and Abilify created insomnia in me, which I then needed more medications for. Then I began having memory and attention issues while on Abilify, so I was prescribed Adderall to help me concentrate. All of this, and I am better off meds."

• Anonymous
• May 17, 2009

For Depression "Over the years, I've tried a number of different medications. I tried switching to Abilify from Seroquel because of weight gain. My mood on it was good, but the side effects far outweighed any positive reaction. I couldn't sit still, and I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin. As far as all of my experiences with medications, it's probably the worst I've ever felt. I literally did not sleep for DAYS, I couldn't concentrate, I couldn't get comfortable in ANY position (standing, sitting, or even lying down), and I felt like my thoughts were out of control. But it was worth a shot. I went on to a combination of Zoloft and Lamictal, which works very well for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2012

For Schizoaffective Disorder "Sadly, this medicine was at one time my worst enemy. I couldn't sit still on it, I kept pacing and twitching, half screaming, half crying, agitated, itchy, and angry. I couldn't sleep for more than 4 hours a night, and I was only on 2.5 mg of it. I don't remember if I ate or not on it, but probably not because I was in a type of hell. I know it's a good medicine for a lot of people, but for me, it turned my life upside down."

• Sal...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 6, 2016

For Schizoaffective Disorder "Been on Abilify for 8 years. It completely removed my delusional thinking patterns at just 5 mg, and at 10 mg, it resolved a mania psychosis and helped me get my life back on track. Only side effects were insomnia (which I took Imozop for) for when I initially began taking it, but 2-3 weeks after the trial, I was side-effect free."

• Unk...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 4, 2022

For Schizoaffective Disorder "Worst experience of my life. Gave me suicidal thoughts, insomnia, mania, delusions, the perception that I want to sleep with men, and hallucinations. If you’re taking this drug, you might as well set up a tent at the hospital."

• kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "I've suffered from depression since I was 12. I'm now 36. At 31, I was diagnosed with bipolar II. I've tried various combinations of antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants. I've found a few that have somewhat worked, but none of them have given me the motivation and will to LIVE like Abilify has just in the 4 days I've been taking it. I'm doing my hobbies again, and I actually cleaned the whole house at once for the first time in a year. I'm painting my nails again and doing makeup again, which I haven't done in over 4 months now. I read the reviews on here before suggesting it to my doctor, and boy, I'm so glad I did. I have HOPE again for my future. I have THE WILL TO ACTUALLY LIVE AGAIN! The only side effects I'm experiencing are kind of unfortunate but worth it in my opinion, I sometimes throw up in my throat and have heartburn. I may be experiencing insomnia a tad bit too. I recommend trying this drug. I'm also taking 100mg Lamotrigine once daily."

• Dre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2020

For Schizophrenia "This drug is okay for psychosis, but it can make me tired at times, and sometimes I cannot sleep. I have insomnia from it. It takes away the bad thoughts, but can make me have OCD-like thought patterns and ruminating thoughts. I have been having odd side effects from it as well, like blurred vision, needing to look up all the time, and sensitivity to light in my eyes. I feel more tired on it than I do off of it. My dose is 400 mg monthly, and these are the side effects I am getting off of it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2021

For Depression "I started back on the 300 mg injection. I took myself off Abilify for a year because I believed it cured me. Then a year later, I started getting bad insomnia and anxiety. I would stay up 3 days and nights at a time. I got tired of feeling bad. So I begged my psychiatrist to order more of the 300 mg injection. No side effects, I sleep every night so well that the next day I have more energy. I'm not weak and tired during the day. No more anxiety, no more negative feelings, rarely I may get down. Nowhere near as bad as I was, one of my favorite medications. When I first get the injection, I feel great, ready for life. I'm glad I have no side effects. I feel younger and normal instead of constant anxiety, fear, and no sleep. I'm grateful for Abilify, miracle drug. I learned for it to work I have to keep taking it to feel well. The lesson I learned is to never tell my doctor I'm doing good and tell him to stop my meds because I'm good. I'm doing good because I take the medication injection. I'm happy to take it."

• SAD...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2018

For Schizoaffective Disorder "I have had schizoaffective disorder for 18 years. I was on haloperidol for over 10 years, been on Abilify for 3 weeks, and I can actually have feelings of happiness and contentment now. Teamed with an antidepressant called Endep, I feel better than I have for 18 years. More energy, less paranoia, able to concentrate for longer periods of time. I was getting side effects of hunger, but I just drink water instead of eating. Hunger is subsiding 3 1/2 weeks taking Abilify. Experiencing some insomnia but getting more and more sleep every night. Otherwise, feeling great, ready to take on the world!"

• BP ...
• February 22, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "Has significantly reduced my mania and irritability. I'm much more stable. Has also reduced my need for alcohol, which I used frequently to medicate. I've been on several medicines for bipolar, and this one seems to work for me. Started at 2 mg at night and worked up to 10 mg (5th day at 10 mg) and feel much more in control. My insomnia is gone too. I haven't gained any weight but was on Risperdal (gained 10 lbs) can't seem to lose that weight. Since I've decided to quit drinking, maybe I'll lose the weight."

• Tug...
• October 1, 2009

For Bipolar Disorder "I was on Abilify for 3 weeks total. On the 3rd day on the drug, I started to feel shaky, like something had to be moving at all times. I figured it would just go away, so when I got no sleep that night from this, I thought tomorrow would be better. But on day 4, it was worse, so I called my doctor, and he told me to take a half a pill, and by this time, my legs were visibly shaking out of control. I would have to push on them to make them stop. On days 5, 6, and 7, I had the same thing: shaky and no sleep. Everything hurt from the shaking. It was so bad at one point I broke down in the middle of my in-laws' home. That day, my doctor took me off this medicine, and 2 days later, all the shaking was gone."