Aripiprazole and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• B s...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2015

Aripiprazole for Schizoaffective Disorder "I was recently diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at 30 years of age. I've been on 30 different medications, ranging in all of the psychotropic medication spectrum. Abilify, at 10 mg, has stopped the delusions, paranoia, depression, and visuals. I am in full remission with the aid of Paxil and Remeron. Initially, Abilify can cause some insomnia. Ask for a sleep aid. I used Remeron for sleep. I highly recommend Abilify for schizoaffective disorder. One week should have results. Two weeks peak plasma concentration. Peace."

• Ama...
• July 16, 2015

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "I was VERY hesitant on taking this medication, and like most of you reading these reviews, I too was scared of what it might or might not do. All I can say, in 3 days (2 mg dose) there was a huge difference in my attitude, calmness, and overall presence in me and my thoughts. Amazing!!!! I have so much energy and love doing things again. It has been one week, and for those of you who are afraid to gain weight; you must know, I am losing weight. It has actually decreased my appetite, however, that might be because I am cautious of it and find other ways to curb cravings. One side effect I am having is NOT sleeping, although we are going through a bit of a heat wave and even air conditioning is not helping. Good luck!"

• Wes...
• October 31, 2019

Aripiprazole for Schizophrenia "I have been taking Abilify 10 mg for a little over a month, and it has helped my motivation compared to Haldol 2 mg. I had lost interest in food and dropped to 100 lbs. I've gained 25 lbs in 6 weeks since starting this drug. My hallucinations and voices are still gone. I always feel wide awake and have been taking various things to sleep. Hoping the insomnia will pass because I am full of energy. Started working again, hopefully will continue."

• Mad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 1, 2021

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "I was prescribed 2 mg of Abilify to take for being diagnosed with bipolar depression. I started with half the tablet in the morning, and OMG! I felt sleepy the first day and somewhat disoriented. I felt that anxious feeling you get with new meds hours later. At night, lights were so bright to me, and it also gave me insomnia. Second and third days were worse with side effects. I almost dialed 911. I was perspiring, felt lightheaded, and extremely weak. It made me feel paranoid. Had a panic attack, and the rest of the day, I felt as if I drank 6 cups of coffee. Never again! Bye Abilify!"

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

Aripiprazole 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!!"

• Chr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 29, 2019

Aripiprazole for Schizophrenia "My daughter was diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression almost 2 years ago. They started her off on Abilify Maintena 300 mg, which helped her a lot, but it made her restless and didn’t stop the voices, and she still had trouble thinking clearly because she was always tired but wired on it and had trouble sleeping properly. She was given a sample of Aristada one month, and it was like a miracle, I felt like I had my happy daughter back. Then the NP gave her too high a dose, too soon, and she struggled with suicidal thinking and feeling terrible for 4-6 weeks. That was terrible, but once we got her on the 441 mg dose, she did really well. She is able to think more clearly on Aristada and sleep better, which helps her voices to be not noticeable (better than when on the Maintena). She is constantly a bit nauseous, which may or may not be a side effect. Aristada has a copay assistance program that helps cost to be reasonable."

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

Aripiprazole 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."

• Anonymous
• November 20, 2009

Aripiprazole 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

Aripiprazole 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

Aripiprazole 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."

• vin...
• January 8, 2018

Aripiprazole 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..."

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

Aripiprazole 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

Aripiprazole 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

Aripiprazole 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

Aripiprazole 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
• August 12, 2018

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I was put on aripiprazole after my impulsivity and mood swings got out of control. Been taking 2.5 mg for almost 2 years, and I feel much more in control of my emotions. As for the side effects, I had trouble sleeping the first week I took it, but that went away. I also rapidly gained weight, I'm about 40 lbs. heavier than when I started. Losing the weight is slow, but possible."

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

Aripiprazole "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!"

• The...
• June 23, 2017

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "My 14-year-old daughter and I were hit head-on by a drunk driver on Christmas Eve of 2015. We both spent weeks in the hospital, and she sadly passed six months later. I subsequently went into a downward spiral and tested positive for PTSD. 1 mg of Abilify per day has seemingly been transformative. Within a week, my symptoms were cut in half. They were reduced further after another week. I am now on week three and doing even better. My only reservation is that I don't sleep as well and have had a few insomniac nights. I'm going to start taking it in the morning and see if that helps."

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

Aripiprazole 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!"

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

Aripiprazole 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."

• Ari...
• October 21, 2011

Aripiprazole 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

Aripiprazole 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

Aripiprazole 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."

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

Aripiprazole 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
• January 23, 2011

Aripiprazole 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."