Posted by kittencat on May 10, 2004, at 0:01:21
Thanks for all the great responses. Here's my number one concern, & what I'm just not understanding.
When I see the insert that comes with the Abilify, it says that the drug is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia, period. It makes me feel scared. I don't have any delusions, psychotic episodes, hallucinations, or paranoia, etc. I am not schizophrenic. Could this medicine be dangerous for me?
When prescribed for a schizophrenic, what symptoms does it alleviate? Is anything else prescribed in conjunction, or is that it? For example, most posters have stated that it is outstanding in terms of being an energizing, motivating drug. Is that why it is prescribed to schizophrenics, to enable social contact? Or does it truly help to eradicate the psychosis, in which case, isn't it an odd prescription for someone with severe, treatment resistant depression only?
I'm scared that it is the wrong drug for me, that it is intended for serious psychotic symptoms, and not for what I experience. I am afraid of any long term side effects or changes in brain chemistry that may be detrimental (I do understand that this is a possibility with all drugs). I have taken it for two days now, & am scared to keep taking it without more information. My doctor called it a "mood stabilizer", which sounded great, but everyone else calls it an anti-psychotic. He won't give me any more information. Please bear with me, but I'm scared, & need answers. Can anyone help?
poster:kittencat
thread:345262
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040505/msgs/345262.html