Posted by Noa on July 29, 2015, at 11:38:52
In reply to low dose abilify as a add-on to move my butt, posted by JohnLA on January 5, 2012, at 22:31:22
So I'm reactivating this thread because I have more or less the same question.
The short version:
--Need help with motivation and mobilization--the cumulative effect of years of not getting anything done is seriously alarming!!!
--Wonder if Abilify can help
--Concerned about effects on blood sugar
The Long Version:Been on cocktail of Effexor XR, Nefazodone, Adderall XR, and small dose of Ativan at night to counter restless legs caused by Effexor. Why the combo? Don't do well on higher doses of Effexor--anything over 300 mg causes major word retrieval and other memory issues plus muscle jerks, etc. So Nefazodone balances that out and adds more AD effect. Adderall is for augmented Ad effect and to counter lack of focus from depression and the other AD meds.
Anyway, the reason I'm inquiring is that my depression has been well controlled for many years. My mood is good, etc. BUT, I have had 'residual' symptoms that are either residual depressive symptoms or unwanted effects of my AD meds. These problems seem to have gotten worse over time, and their effect on my life has really worsened cumulatively. I guess 'apathy' or 'lack of motivation' comes close to describing what I mean. Or perhaps more accurate to call it inability to mobilize, get anything done. Nothing gets done and over time the cumulative effect goes from being an annoying sort of pile-up of objects, tasks, deadlines, etc., to a rather alarming set of totally overwhelming dysfunctional areas of life. That is why I'm wondering if I should request a trial of some abilify.I know someone who went from being totally unable to face a very challenging situation at work (suddenly being assigned a large project beyond her skill level)...taking to bed 24 hours a day for over a week...to being able to get up and face the problem and begin to work on it...with human help to make a plan for how to work on it, and identify which parts she has the skills for and who/what can help her with the areas of challenge, whereas before the Abilify (added to her ADs and anti-anxiety meds) she could make Zero use of such support.
One concern I have about Abilify is that it is reported to elevate blood sugar. Secondarily I also wonder about it effect on cholesterol.
Any comments?
poster:Noa
thread:1006480
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20150629/msgs/1080842.html