Aripiprazole and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Bec...
• March 28, 2013

Aripiprazole for Depression "I started Abilify on 2mg with Prozac and Klonopin. After just 3 days, I felt the energy that was lacking for so many years. Before Abilify, I had been on so many different antidepressants. I felt there was nothing for me, so I chose drinking. Wrong choice, but it was the only thing that would make me feel normal. I finally quit with help from my family. I was put on Abilify, Prozac, and Klonopin. I have now switched Prozac with Effexor 75 mg and Abilify 8 mg, 4 mg in the morning and 4 mg at night, 37.5 mg of Effexor in the morning and night, also 2 mg of Klonopin 2 times a day or as needed. I do suffer from vivid dreams and have gained a little weight, but when I was drinking, I wouldn't eat and lost a lot of weight. Overall, it is a godsend."

• Exh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 23, 2015

Aripiprazole for Autism "The doctor of my 13-year-old autistic daughter put her on 5mg of Abilify last October. The first three months were great. Her mood swings decreased. She was less destructive, and it was a lot quieter at home and in school. We started seeing the behaviors coming back a little at a time. At month 7, the behaviors were back full swing and much worse than they were before she was put on Abilify. She also gained 42 pounds, and we couldn't keep her out of food unless we locked the cabinets and refrigerator. She has been off of Abilify since mid-July, and her behavior has turned around completely. Now she is on an 'as needed' medicine that we only give her when we see a meltdown coming, and that is not very often."

• in ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 19, 2013

Aripiprazole for Depression "I have taken Abilify for one year. It was prescribed as an add-on to Cymbalta after a suicide attempt. I feel it boosts my mood. BUT I have gained 35 pounds. I can't imagine continuing on a medication with this side effect. It is not worth it to switch my angst over life circumstances to feeling depressed over a continual weight gain."

• Sun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 19, 2020

Aripiprazole for Depression "This drug, Abilify, made me gain 60 lbs over 3.5 years. It did nothing for me. Be aware. It will make you want to eat! This did absolutely nothing for me. Finally, came off of it and feeling better than when I was on it."

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2018

Aripiprazole for Autism "My 7.5-year-old son has high-functioning autism, and we had tried 10 different medications in the past almost 3 years with zero success. Finally, we tried Abilify, and it has been a miracle drug. He eats like crazy but has no weight gain, but he is super active. He is so happy most of the time, getting great grades now, and wants to go to school. What a Godsend! 2 mg at night."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2013

Aripiprazole for Autism "My autistic 12-year-old son was put on a low dose of Abilify in August 2012 to help with mood swings and anxiety. His emotions stabilized beautifully, but he gained an excessive amount of weight and an extreme increase in appetite. In a matter of 5 months, he went from 100 pounds to 139 pounds. We've had to stop the Abilify and find an alternative so we can work on getting him to a healthier BMI."

• Mac...
• December 31, 2020

Aripiprazole for Autism "My son was prescribed Abilify years ago on a low dosage, and it seemed to help him a lot. He had some weight gain, but not much. As he got older and bigger, he started having issues again, and he was taken off Abilify and put on Risperidone. It was a complete disaster, and things got bad really, really fast. Eventually, he was put back on Abilify at a higher dosage and taken off Risperidone, and things are much better. I recommend Abilify over Risperidone any day for autism."

• Kwo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2019

Aripiprazole for Depression "Life changer for me. I am using 2 mg of generic Abilify with 450 mg Wellbutrin and 40 mg Prozac. I suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) 12 years ago and my thought process has a major improvement since being on these. I gained 8 lbs but could be from the increase of Prozac from 20 mg to 40 mg given at the same time as Abilify."

• Hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2018

Aripiprazole for Agitated State "From the time my son could walk, he was getting into trouble; he always had problematic tendencies and was very defiant. Everything, I mean EVERYTHING, was a fight. Life was a struggle. He started attending daycare at 3.5 years and ultimately got kicked out. He was put on blood pressure medicine at the age of 4, which hardly did anything. ADHD medication, methamphetamine, at age 5 only worsened his symptoms. Risperidone at 6 years, which took the edge off, but he became more irritable only after 3 months. And Abilify at age 7, and thus far his behavior, aggression, and attention span have improved, and everyone in the household and school does nothing but compliment how well-mannered he is!!! (I never thought this day would come.) Yes, he has gained weight, but the benefits outweigh the side effects. I’m so grateful for this medication!!!! Finding what works or doesn’t work has been a trial-and-error process, but in my mind, Abilify is a miracle drug."

• Liz...
• December 29, 2020

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "I took Trileptal by itself for a long time. That helped at first, but I never quite felt normal. I then hit a stressful point in my life and began having a lot of mania and depression. I started neglecting my meds, feeling hopeless. My doctor then suggested I take Abilify 5 mg in addition to the Trileptal. After seeing reviews about weight gain, increased mania, etc., I was wary about trying it, but I decided to. I have not gained any weight from the med (I am 5’4", 115 lbs, young female). The first few days I was switching rapidly between manic and depressed and had a lot of insomnia. However, after about 3-4 days, I noticed for the first time in 5 years I feel like myself again. I haven’t been this leveled and happy in so long. I rarely have depressive or manic episodes, which is something I thought was impossible. Definitely give this a try and don’t be discouraged by the first few days. It’s so worth it."

• Rid...
• December 18, 2019

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "Abilify was the first medication prescribed following my bipolar diagnosis. I was told it had a side effect of weight gain. When I first started it, for 14 days, I was MISERABLE...I couldn't eat, sleep, use the restroom, lay down without fidgeting, focus, or stop thinking super fast. But on day 15, all those awful effects disappeared. I never experienced anything bad other than weight gain. I had the same side effects weaning off it. (That was 300+ pounds ago. I didn't change my eating or exercising habits.) In 2017, my new psychiatrist changed medications, and I dropped 41 pounds in two years, the Abilify slowed my metabolism. I mainly noticed how it gave me a sense of controlled well-being. In the 15 years I took it, I only missed two doses. I figured if I did my part, took medication, and stayed actively involved in my own therapy, then life would be the best it could."

• Anonymous
• March 4, 2012

Aripiprazole for Autism "Our 11-year-old son with autism began Abilify mainly to combat fears (thunder, loud sounds, etc.) and to allow him to calm down. It helped with that. It also regulated his sleep cycle very nicely. But he has put on a lot of weight. I tried taking him off of it, but the facial hitting (he hits himself) and screaming were really bad. Overall a good, benign medicine."

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

Aripiprazole 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."

• Anonymous
• August 29, 2012

Aripiprazole for Autism "My 6-year-old was on Abilify for two months. His temper tantrums and ability to concentrate were greatly improved, however, he gained 20 pounds and the doctor took him off it. He was also very weepy and emotional on it."

• CJa...
• March 6, 2021

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Abilify for 7 months now, 15 mg. Initially, for the first month, I felt restless but full of energy. I had mild nausea that made me lose 7 lbs. Then, over time, these symptoms disappeared, and I experienced calmness. No paranoia anymore, and my negative thoughts have been reduced dramatically. So did my manic episodes and my depression, so I’m now stable. However, I've put on 18 lbs, even with exercising every day, I can’t seem to shift the weight! But the good overrides the bad. I recommend this medication for BPD and bipolar, it’s changed my life."

• Can...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 12, 2021

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I have been on and off this medication since I was 16 years old. I’m now 26. It is the only thing that has ever worked so incredibly well for my borderline personality disorder (BPD). With BPD, I have intense, frequent mood swings, suicidal depression, outbursts of rage, and periods of apathy and numbness. The Abilify gets rid of all of that for me!! I can’t really live a decent life without it. Whenever I get off of it, I feel okay for a month, and then BAM, all my symptoms return. I know this medication could potentially cause tardive dyskinesia, but I feel I absolutely must stay on this medication. It makes everything seem so...bearable! I don’t lose my temper or lose hope, like I do when I’m off Abilify. I got off of it due to weight gain, but honestly, I’ve always had a weight problem. I do believe the Abilify exacerbated the issue, but I need the medication to function properly. I know it’s different for everyone. But thank goodness it works for me!"

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2019

Aripiprazole for Autism "My 13-year-old has been on this for about 6 months, and the dose went from 5 to 10 mg to 20 mg, and we're holding there. Weight gain has been from 165 to 215 lbs. She is 5'8'', so the size of an adult lady. She is so much more in control of her emotions. Her rages are gone, her meltdowns are gone, she is more normal than I've ever seen her be. She gets along with friends and family better. She feels better on it as well. She says she can focus and feels in control of herself."

• Sca...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 7, 2015

Aripiprazole for Schizoaffective Disorder "I'm 66 years old and had been treated with a myriad of drugs for bipolar and schizoaffective disorder, including psychoses, mood swings, delusions, and hallucinations, for over 30 years when I was put on Abilify. It was like someone flipped a switch and I got my life back. I am virtually symptom-free for over twelve years now, and the only side effect has been some weight gain which, at my age, is a fair trade. Truly a wonder drug."

• Anonymous
• March 18, 2010

Aripiprazole for Agitated State "My Daughter has ADHD with a high level of aggression, she is eleven. This medicine has so far been a miracle for her and for all of us too. It has been about six weeks and she has only experienced a small amount of weight gain. She is more focused at school and not fighting with friends, teachers, and family. She is doing homework and cleaning her room. She doesn't seem to have any sleep problems. I will watch the weight gain and look for signs of muscle reactions. Otherwise I am praying this medicine continues the way it has because I have not yelled for the first time in 9 or 10 years and she is happy. More doctors need to step away from Concerta and that family of drugs if they see they don't work or cause the aggression."

• Pen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2019

Aripiprazole for Depression "Started this 3 weeks ago. First week took 2.5 mg once daily. Felt almost immediately better, that faded after the first week when I was instructed to go to 5 mg. One daily. After 3 weeks, I’m still depressed, just not quite as bad: insomnia, increased appetite, weight gain 3 lbs, a feeling I can’t sit still, difficulty focusing. Joint and muscle aches, fatigue, and binge shopping on the internet. It’s not helping with suicidal ideations. I’m getting off it."

• RoQ...
• June 16, 2015

Aripiprazole for Depression "I started on 2.5 mg, and it really worked in conjunction with Prozac to pull me out of deep depression. Eventually, my doctor said it was okay to reduce to 1.25 mg since I had gained weight. I eventually gained more weight, my sugars and cholesterol rose, and I shake slightly now. I decided to stop completely, and that was a BIG mistake. This drug has serious withdrawal symptoms, even at a low dose like mine. The recommended weaning process is 10% less for 30 days, then a 30-day waiting period to adjust. I am currently on 1.125 mg, and I'm starting to have some withdrawal symptoms, but not too bad like stopping cold turkey. I experienced panic attacks, anxiety, fearfulness, agoraphobia, and nausea."

• Jes...
• March 12, 2015

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "Day one: TERRIBLE! Very tired, had to stay home from work. Day two: Getting better. Very tired in the morning but the day improved. Day three: Wonderful! I am not sure what 'normal' is, but if this is it, I am in heaven. Awake, focused, appropriate amount of energy, easygoing mood, less irritable, and lower anxiety (could be the Xanax on the last one). I am just beginning the medication, but typically meds have a quick effect on me and stick. I have not noticed any unusual appetite increases, but I am certainly going to keep an eye on it because I noticed a large percentage experience weight gain. As my fiancé says-mental health is more important than gaining a few pounds anyway."

• Clo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 13, 2019

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "Abilify 400 mg injection at first made me so anxious and felt suicidal. My doctors said it wasn't the drug, it was my depression and anxiety. They persisted with it, as I'm not compliant with tablets. I have bipolar 1 with psychosis. It has helped with psychosis, but the side effects are destroying me. Extreme lethargy and total numbness, physically, mentally, and emotionally. It has made me gain weight also, despite daily exercise. I have no libido whatsoever anymore. When I complain to the psychiatrist, they just say it's not supposed to do that, there must be another reason for these things. I also feel like I have no memory but have impulses to gamble and spend money. I have no energy to fight anymore, it's so sad and disgusting that my quality of life is not a factor to these people, doctors, etc. As long as I'm not in the ward, it's all that matters to them."

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

Aripiprazole for Major Depressive Disorder "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."

• cee...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 16, 2014

Aripiprazole for Bipolar Disorder "I am diagnosed bipolar, and I have tried Lamictal, Lithium, Latuda, and I don't even know how many other combinations. Abilify was the only one that has shown results for me. Yes, it tends to make me tired about 4-5 hours after taking it. And it makes me eat like a piggy sometimes, which has caused some weight gain. But nothing too severe. I take 5 mg in the morning and 5 mg at night, the perfect dose for me. It keeps my moods perfectly balanced, but I have been taking Abilify since I was 15, and I am now 20 and do not plan on stopping it anytime soon. I have tried that, and it did not end well."