Aripiprazole and Restlessness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Art...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2019

Aripiprazole for Agitated State "I have been taking Abilify 1 mg for almost 3 weeks now for racing thoughts, and I don't find the side effects are going away. I have a terrible restless feeling, fast heartbeat, terrible cloudy head feeling, and vomiting. I hate the side effects and think I'm going to stop taking it. I am super sensitive to meds, so I started at 0.5, and even then had the same thing. It sucks because it did help the racing thoughts but does nothing for my anxiety or depression disorder."

• NHe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2016

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "Abilify is the only antipsychotic that works for me. The extreme hunger, lethargy, restlessness, and memory problems I had on other antipsychotics are nonexistent with Abilify. I was in the middle of a severe depressive episode when I took it, and it only took several weeks for me to be back to normal functioning. I sleep better, have more energy, and fewer mood swings. This medication is great. I find that it is more 'activating,' while other drugs in the same class, like Zyprexa, are more 'tranquilizing.'"

• Anonymous
• July 18, 2012

Aripiprazole for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been on Abilify for about 5 months now. It works wonders for my OCD, but it makes me restless and non-emotional. It might sound good to not be emotional, but when I say that, I mean happiness too. It numbs me. I have also gained 15 pounds, and so I am coming off the medicine slowly."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2019

Aripiprazole for Major Depressive Disorder "I have major depression and was prescribed Abilify. The pros: It lifted me out of an incredibly deep depression and allowed me to feel better in a relatively quick amount of time. I was able to go back to work and started to socialize within a week of taking the medication after months of having difficulties getting out of bed. It stopped my compulsive thoughts and thinking patterns. The cons: Feeling of restlessness on the drug, unable to enjoy downtime and relax. I always felt like I had to be doing something constantly and keep busy. Weight gain: I was one of the 7% of people affected by this, where the drug slowed down my metabolism, and I gained 15 lbs in six months. Even with regular exercise (three times per week) and eating healthy, I still gained weight."

• 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!"

• Tha...
• September 16, 2011

Aripiprazole for Tourette's Syndrome "My son is 19 and has had severe tics (screaming, mumbling, spitting, punching motions to name a few) for 4 years after having moderate symptoms since he was diagnosed at age 4. Last Monday, at our new neurologist's office, he was ticing roughly once a minute. He was prescribed Abilify, and the next day noticed a remarkable decrease in his tics. Unfortunately, he also had an extremely uncomfortable sense of restlessness. The doctor cut his dose in half, and my son has been experiencing mild tics approximately four times an hour since. This has been a miracle for him. He does not take any other medications. In the past, he had tried Abilify, but was taking Orap at the time as well, and had an increase in tics."

• 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."

• Eba...
• October 11, 2019

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I was on Abilify for about 3-4 months. And don’t get me wrong, it worked for my BPD, but it also brought on akathisia. Made me really anxious and restless all the time. And most recently, it’s thrown me into a depressive state. In the last few weeks to a month, I haven’t felt like myself, and I don’t enjoy doing the things I used to. My doctor just recently took me off it, so I’m excited to feel myself again. I wouldn’t knock it until you try it because it did work for me, the side effects just got to be too much to handle. But everyone is different."

• Eba...
• October 11, 2019

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I was on Abilify for about 3-4 months. And don’t get me wrong, it worked for my BPD, but it also brought on akathisia. Made me really anxious and restless all the time. And most recently, it’s thrown me into a depressive state. In the last few weeks to a month, I haven’t felt like myself, and I don’t enjoy doing the things I used to. My doctor just recently took me off it, so I’m excited to feel myself again. I wouldn’t knock it until you try it because it did work for me, the side effects just got to be too much to handle. But everyone is different."

• Anonymous
• August 28, 2009

Aripiprazole for Depression "This medicine helped me with my depression a great deal, but I had to stop taking it because of the side effects. I developed akathisia, inability to sit still. I couldn't even sit through dinner. I had to constantly be moving. I am now trying Seroquel XR, but have developed a twitch in my arms and legs."

• cla...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 13, 2024

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "I've been on aripiprazole 10 mg for 1 year now, and it has changed my life for the better. I also take it in combination with the antidepressant Remeron. My symptoms have decreased by 90% with this drug, my depression finally lifted for the first time in years, and I'm no longer crying on a daily basis. In the last year, I got a job and got my life together emotionally for the first time since my 20s started (I'm about to turn 30). The only negative side effect I've experienced from this medication has been akathisia, which has gotten somewhat better over time. I still experience episodes of restlessness from time to time, but for me, the positives of this drug outweigh the side effects. Unfortunately, it hasn't helped much with my anxiety. But for lifting me out of depression and nearly 0 manic episodes, I would recommend this drug to others. I am so grateful that my doctor prescribed this drug to me, as I was hesitant to try it after experiencing terrible side effects from lithium and Seroquel."

• cla...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 13, 2024

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "I've been on aripiprazole 10 mg for 1 year now, and it has changed my life for the better. I also take it in combination with the antidepressant Remeron. My symptoms have decreased by 90% with this drug, my depression finally lifted for the first time in years, and I'm no longer crying on a daily basis. In the last year, I got a job and got my life together emotionally for the first time since my 20s started (I'm about to turn 30). The only negative side effect I've experienced from this medication has been akathisia, which has gotten somewhat better over time. I still experience episodes of restlessness from time to time, but for me, the positives of this drug outweigh the side effects. Unfortunately, it hasn't helped much with my anxiety. But for lifting me out of depression and nearly 0 manic episodes, I would recommend this drug to others. I am so grateful that my doctor prescribed this drug to me, as I was hesitant to try it after experiencing terrible side effects from lithium and Seroquel."

• xox...
• June 30, 2016

Aripiprazole for Depression "I was prescribed this medication after I already tried lithium and Seroquel. The lithium helped me a lot, and the Seroquel gave me bad headaches. So they put me on Abilify. I could not sleep no matter what I took to help, I was restless, I threw up, my body temperature switched from hot to cold rapidly. I couldn't stand without being dizzy. It was the worst experience. My depression was better, but my anxiety was insane. Definitely not worth the side effects."

• Voo...
• June 21, 2008

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "This is a good antipsychotic and does well for bipolar disorder. I was on 20 mg per day when I suffered a severe manic episode, so it is possible to have episodes while on the medication, but I should point out that I was not taking it every day as I was supposed to. The only side effects I get from this are restlessness, anxiety, and slight tremors."

• 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
• October 10, 2008

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "I have been on this for 2 weeks (only 4 mg). I have energy again and do not feel so sleepy during the day. I am still taking Seroquel at night-100 mg to sleep. Side effects are constipation and restlessness. I am now exercising again and able to drop the weight I had gained while on higher doses of Seroquel."

• ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2016

Aripiprazole for Agitated State "It did lots of bad things to me. Increased anger. Sometimes when upset, just pick up a mug and smash it. Could not control it. Also, was violent with someone at least twice. Kicked a hole in the wall in the hospital. Jumped out of a moving car. Found it hard to stay in one spot for long. Probably had akathisia."

• Dea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 10, 2022

Aripiprazole for Agitated State "This drug has destroyed me. I'm now like a zombie. The restlessness is so intense you won't be able to do anything when on this drug other than feel hopeless, restlessness, and want to sleep all the time. It also makes you crave cigarettes so badly you won't have control of your own life if you take this drug. Please think twice about taking this horrible drug."

• 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."

• Lou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 13, 2019

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "Starting in 2003, I have had problems. By 2009, it increased, and my family finally took it seriously when I tried to jump out of my mother's vehicle. In 2012, I saw a new psychiatrist who finally got me stable on Abilify Maintena 400 mg dose. It has been a miracle drug for me. Side effects suck, but I can deal with the weight gain, I guess. To counteract the fatigue, I also take Nuvigil and Vyvanse, which I can sleep through, these drugs, that is how strong the fatigue is. But I am functional, happy, and have no crazy wild thoughts. If I do have them, they are not as strong, and I tend to just shrug them off. I can tell the shot is working because at the end of the month, I start getting irritable and sad, and immediately when I take it, I feel better. Oddly enough, I cannot take Abilify in pill form because it causes akathisia. I have tried every psychiatric drug there is, and nothing has gotten me to where I am today except Abilify Maintena."

• ndr...
• November 3, 2020

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Aripiprazole dosage: 10 mg for 9 months, 15 mg since August. Pro: I have to say it works very well on anger outbursts and irritability (better than quetiapine XR 300 mg). I don't have had more self-harm and pseudo-epileptic episodes. I can better manage frustrations and dissatisfactions, without more explosions of hopelessness and despair. Overall, my mood is stable and my social functioning has had a drastic improvement. Cons: I'm a bit restless, but it's manageable. In my case, the side effects are primarily aesthetic. I gained 7 kg from January, and I have lost a good part of my dense crown. No EPS. Conclusion: Overall, I stay better than before. I shaved myself, and I'm starting to do some physical activities to balance out the weight gain side effects. I continue to have social anxiety disorder (I feel a prey of others' eyes) that doesn't respond to SSRI. So my quality of life is still low. But I advise Abilify for BPD: if you don't have my comorbidities, it could work for you."

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

Aripiprazole 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 3, 2021

Aripiprazole for Major Depressive Disorder "I went on the generic Abilify for days, and I started having suicidal ideation and ended up in the ER. I had an inpatient psych stay at a hospital for a week. During my stay, I continued having suicidal thoughts. I've never had serious thoughts like this before this medication. I also developed akathisia and could not sleep. The medication was discontinued, and I have gotten better, but am still having sporadic thoughts a week later. I hope they continue to lessen as time goes on..."

• Anonymous
• November 17, 2008

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking Abilify for a week. It has already taken the edge off the rages. However, I am still experiencing high anxiety. My family says I am calmer, so that is definitely a plus. I feel tired and wired at the same time - it is a weird feeling. I am very paranoid. I was paranoid before, but this seems to have made it worse. But I am only on 2 mg. At least the rages are better. I am hopeful that this medication, along with help from my doctor, will be enough to get my life back."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2012

Aripiprazole for Depression "Intake Effexor XR 375 mg and lorazepam for depression and anxiety. My doctor added Abilify, and I took it in the mornings. It made me foggy. I moved it to bedtime and sleep better overall. I have noticed an increase in irritability, which equates to feeling extremely angry by 3 pm daily. I've rearranged my lorazepam to reduce that but need more time. I'm also having restlessness, which almost feels manic. We shall see. Increased cravings for sweets."