Posted by SLS on October 22, 2005, at 17:17:58
In reply to Re: are the Dr. Amen and clinics, SPECT worthwhile » SLS, posted by theo on October 22, 2005, at 15:56:02
Hi Theo.
It's too bad Cymbalta didn't work out for you, but your story is not unique with this drug.
I am currently taking Abilify 10mg.
> Anyway, I've never tried a med like Abilify and am scared! Should one worry about permanent tardive dyskinesia with this med??Yes, one should worry. However, Abilify probably has the lowest risk factor of any of the neuroleptics available. Seroquel is very low, too. Abilify doesn't seem to enter the striatum, the portion of the brain responsible for movement. However, it does seem capable of producing anxiety, insomnia, and a mild to moderate akathisia-like side effect that usually disappears within the first two weeks.
As far as how long it takes to work, I guess that depends on what disorder you are being treated for and how recently you were stabilized on another neuroleptic drug.
How does Abilify work? For depression?
It does block dopamine D2 receptors in a fashion similar to the other neuroleptic antipsychotics. Like Geodon, it also acts as an agonist at serotonin 5-HT1a receptors. Like the other atypical antipsychotics with mood lifting properties, it also acts to block serotonin 5-HT2a receptors. Unlike any of the others, Abilify acts to stimulate as a partial agonist dopamine D2 receptors. It is this property that may confer a greater pro-dopaminergic effect and account for the reports of the ability of this drug to improve energy and motivation.
> My symptoms remain the same, mild low grade depression and feeling of doom, always feeling ineffective and not as good as others, even with therapy and AA meetings (been sober 2 1/2 years). Also I believe I have some underlying ADD.
Abilify is an interesting choice with a potential to help you a great deal. Just to reiterate, Abilify can cause a short-lived increase in anxiety and akathisia that might last a week or two. Be prepared for this startup side effect, as it is usually only temporary. Once established at a dosage of 10mg, it should rid you of the feelings of doom and act as a mild antidepressant.
Good luck.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:569359
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051017/msgs/570538.html