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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 77 to 101 of 164. Go back in thread:
Posted by 1313 on February 1, 2003, at 21:28:35
In reply to Re: Ablify for sex therapy - take 2, posted by Debbie2 on February 1, 2003, at 8:22:23
Hi! Debbie 2, I do not know how much you weigh but if you go to the web site ABILIFY.COM you will find the prescribing Information. go to the chart on page 3 or four in the upper right hand corner It will tell you the mid-range of how much weight you can expect to gain. The lower your BMI (body mass index) the more likely to gain 7 percent of your weight IF you gain at all...the higher your BMI the less you will gain and like me you might lose weight....(to calculate your bmi go to xenical.com.)(I don't use it) I weigh 287 and I was 310. While my weight can make me depressed I would NEVER take such a PERMENENT action....KEEP HOPE ALIVE!!! DEB1313
Posted by canwetalk on February 2, 2003, at 9:16:38
In reply to Re: Abilify give it six weeks, posted by 1313 on February 1, 2003, at 20:39:14
Deb I appreciate your response to my posted message regarding giving it 6 weeks. The doctor has included xanax .025mg. She is also taking 150mg dilantin, 2mg of congentin and 10mg abilify. She did appear in good mood this morning. She was awake at 4:53am though even after taking the xanax at bedtime. You say you take the abilify between 9am-5pm she takes hers at 7pm. Wondering if I should try a different time in giving it to her. Her doctor did say I could try different times and see if that would help regarding the sleep problem. Maybe I well give it a shot. Well keep you posted and thanks again.
Posted by Debbie2 on February 2, 2003, at 9:32:02
In reply to Re: Abilify debbie 2, posted by 1313 on February 1, 2003, at 21:28:35
I am not totally ready to give on it yet. I am going to hang in. Thanks for all your support Deb. I have put on weight, but still hanging in here. I'll keep you posted and thanks again
Debbie2
Posted by lynn3 on February 4, 2003, at 13:30:38
In reply to Re: Ablify for sex therapy - take 2, posted by Debbie2 on February 1, 2003, at 8:22:23
> Yes, I am on the Abilify for severe depression and that's it, well beside the usually if your like me with the racing thoughts, not sleeping you know, all the stuff that goes along with it. It's going on three weeks and I still feel kinda of weird. Like I want to lay down but can't, but to tired to do anything. Man I hope this gets better. I like the way I'm thinking I haven't had one suicidal thought. But on the other hand I'm noticing weight gain I can't have that I'll get suicidal just getting any fatter. Anybody have answers?? Will this eating alot stop after 4-6 weeks? Will I be more motivated to want to go to a gym and walk?? What's the longest anybody has been taking it. Oh yeah and for Sex Therapy I think it has help with that, just weight out the other side effects first. Did you get back to feeling not so weird? Please help! If anyone has the answers!! Thanks
> Debbie2I take ablify for psychotic depression, 15mg every day since it became FDA approved in Nov. I have gained 10 # but no more now. I am functioning much better on it. I would rather be 10lb heavier and feel better.
Posted by canwetalk on February 5, 2003, at 9:42:58
In reply to Re: Ablify for sex therapy - take 2, posted by Debbie2 on February 1, 2003, at 8:22:23
Yeah Deb 2 just read your post. So you have been on it for 3 weeks (15mg.) My daughter is on 10mg and has also been on it for 3 weeks. We do notice slight improvement. Now you say you have gained weight, my daughter hasn't gained. I guess it varies with different people. But I agree with you Deb it is better to gain the weight than to suffer with what you had been experiencing. Hang in there Deb just as we are hanging in there. Give it time and it shall make all of the difference in the quaility of our life.
Posted by 1313 on February 6, 2003, at 21:53:29
In reply to Re: Ablify for sex therapy - take 2, posted by canwetalk on February 5, 2003, at 9:42:58
Hi, deb here...before I started on Abilify....I was on Zyprexa....5MGs....Because of 9/11 I added lamictal for depression about 5 months ago...I felt better but some psychosis remained...one time in the gym I yelled at a worker because I thought he was talking about me in a mean way...(he swears he wasn't) I was worried about this and the doc an a I increased the Zyprexa by 2.5(MGS) I gained 25pound in about 3 months taking me to 310 lbs(and rising)....when Abilify came out it was supposed to have a favorable weight profile so I tried it for just about 6 weeks...I am now on ten mgs and I keep on hearing horrible things when I am among others(especially strangers) I know I never did anything wrong and I would love to reality test this feeling but I am afraid to....I don't know if I need more Abilify or If it is just not strong enough for me............sometimes I think people can read my lips even in the car or at home....If they can then they know EVERYTHING about me and know that I am good and kind.....If they can't then I told my fears to my family at a restaurant and maybe someone heard me....I love my family very much and plan to be with them for a very long time....I will do whatever it takes to make sure that this happens...I love my family VERY MUCH....
I am seeing the Dr. tomorrow (fri) I don't know if switching back will help matters but I'll let the doc decided that....any comments would be gratefully appreciated.........please wish me luck
SIGN ME NEVER MAKING A PERMANENT DECISION....
DEB1313
Posted by River1924 on February 6, 2003, at 22:29:14
In reply to Re: Abilify ......., posted by 1313 on February 6, 2003, at 21:53:29
I just wanted to say I admire your struggle. Although I think it is unlikely people are talking about you...cynically, most people are too busy thinking about themselves (and that includes myself.) I wish you luck. It is tiresome to comb one's thoughts, trying to be reasonable and sensible. You sound like a winner to me.
Posted by 1313 on February 7, 2003, at 3:18:53
In reply to Re: Abilify » 1313, posted by River1924 on February 6, 2003, at 22:29:14
River, thank you for your kind words. deb
PS. You sound like a winner to me too!..best of luck...
Posted by 1313 on February 9, 2003, at 2:19:39
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by 1313 on February 7, 2003, at 3:18:53
RIVER, I NEVER HURT ANYONE....AND I HAVE NO PLANS TO EVER!!! THERE IS ALOT OF CONFUSION IN MY MIND I NEED TO WORK OUT, LIKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SERIOUS VERBAL MISTAKE AND BLANTENT LIE. EITHER WAY IT WAS SOMETHING I SAID NOT DID THAT GOT ME IN THIS SITUATION..... I DONT THINK CHANGEING BACK TO ZYPREXA IS GOING TO MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE ( DO YOU THINK!!!???)ASSUME FOR A MOMENT THAT I WAS WRONG IN YOUR ESTIMATION....WHAT WOULD YOU (RIVER) WANT FROM ME..............BESIDES DEATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by utopizen on February 9, 2003, at 12:23:19
In reply to Re: AbilifyRIVER, posted by 1313 on February 9, 2003, at 2:19:39
You need more than an atypical at this point- try Haldol or Thorazine. Preferably within the safe confines of an institution, no offense, just advice.
Posted by xjs7 on February 9, 2003, at 14:56:47
In reply to Re: AbilifyRIVER, posted by utopizen on February 9, 2003, at 12:23:19
> You need more than an atypical at this point- try Haldol or Thorazine. Preferably within the safe confines of an institution, no offense, just advice.
Just saying "no offense" does not automatically make what you say non-offensive. Is this supposed to be funny? It's not. Is this supposed to be clever? It definitely is not.
This board is for "mutual support and education." Is this statement supportive? No. Is it educational? Not in my opinion.
By the way, psychiatrists use atypicals even for the most severe cases of schizophrenia. They are not less powerful drugs.
xjs7
Posted by utopizen on February 9, 2003, at 21:21:26
In reply to Re: AbilifyRIVER » utopizen, posted by xjs7 on February 9, 2003, at 14:56:47
Um, there's nothing wrong with going to an institution. Frankly, I find it offensive that you would suggest there's something offensive about institutions, especially since many of us here have had to enter them!!
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 10, 2003, at 9:02:45
In reply to Re: AbilifyRIVER, posted by utopizen on February 9, 2003, at 21:21:26
Posted by gregg on February 10, 2003, at 10:06:00
In reply to Re: AbilifyRIVER, posted by 1313 on February 9, 2003, at 2:19:39
Deb,
How are you doing? In your last post you mentioned switching back to Zyprexa. Is that what you are doing now?
Please let us know how things work out.greg
Posted by nectar otg on March 8, 2003, at 21:46:04
In reply to Re: AbilifyRIVER » utopizen, posted by xjs7 on February 9, 2003, at 14:56:47
Is Abilify an MAOI inhibitor? Could not find info on abilify.com... thanks.
Posted by kd3qc on March 21, 2003, at 18:09:55
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by 1313 on January 26, 2003, at 8:10:42
I've been on Abilify for 3 months and my heart is acting wierd on it, especially at night. So, I'm taking some Verapimil for the palipitations. Just started it. Saw a cardiologist about it.
> My doctor asked me to give abilify 6 weeks. I am on week four and two days most of the side effects have gone away. I do not have akathesia. My main concern is my HEART! I feel a tenderness and soreness on the skin above it and at night I can feel my heart beat.This makes it hard to fall asleep. I think my nights and and gym workouts would be better if I could prove to myself I was not at risk! To this end I am going to see my regular doctor and ask if it is necessary to see a cardiologist. I hope he will understand. I had an ekg recently and it came back with good results. Maybe I am carrying my stress in a new place! did anyone else feel this way?!
Posted by frisco on April 3, 2003, at 17:19:12
In reply to MAOI inhibitor, posted by nectar otg on March 8, 2003, at 21:46:04
> Is Abilify an MAOI inhibitor? Could not find info on abilify.com... thanks.
Abilify is not a MAOI Inhibitor - MAOI Inhibitors are rarely used anymore. MAOI stands for Mono Amine Oxidase Inhibitor - basically its another way to increase neurotransmitter (particularly serotonin) levels in the brain - This type of drug acts to keep serotonin from being broken down - so basically the serotonin can be used to stimulate more receptors. Abilify is a dopamine-serotonin partial-agonist (basically a thermostat for dopamine and serotonin to an extent). What this means is if someone has high levels of dopamine or a serotonin, Abilify will bring the levels down. High levels of dopamine in certain areas of the brain can cause hallucinations and delusions. In other areas of the brain this new drug could potentially increase dopamine levels if someone needs a little more in those areas - what this does theoretically is minimize side effects like breast tenderness and long term extrapyramidal symptoms. Its a pretty smart drug or at least a smart concept. The concept of Dopamine/Serotonin stabilization was first postulated by a man named Carlsson - dont know actual spelling? - he won the Nobel prize for this concept in my understanding. Hope that helps.
Posted by Max Basil on April 9, 2003, at 21:46:53
In reply to Re:sleep and physical anxiety, posted by Vanidosa on January 20, 2003, at 9:47:01
I'm also having sleep problems from Abilify. Sometimes I sleep too much, sometimes I can't get to sleep at all. And I shake most of the time. I've been on Abilify for three weeks now - are these symptoms normal?(By the way, I pay $334 for a month supply of 15 mgs.)
Posted by 1313 on May 3, 2003, at 23:45:15
In reply to Re: 1313, posted by gregg on February 10, 2003, at 10:06:00
Hi! Greg,
I know its been a long time since I posted but I wanted to wait and see how things would work out first! I no longer take Abilify. I had a very serious adverse effect from it and had to stop.
I had to go to the hospital because I did not feel safe. While I was there I went back to Zyprexa and Lamictal only at higher doses!
So far I have not gained back most of the weight I lost....but that is not important. What is important is the therapy I received in the hospital. I learned that for the first time in my life I can tell people how I feel and stay in the present and concentrate on wellness. I no longer feel the strange need to talk to myself to work through my feelings although it takes a while for me to understand them. The person who walked into the hospital is not the one who left.
I am struggeling to maintain at home the disciplined atmosphere that the hospital had
I pray that I have not branded myself as being dishonest or a hurtful person. I plan to make ammends with people I have wronged especially my family and "extended family "! It is not my way,style,or MO to maintain myself in a negative way. Because I have always lived in my hometown I have had several peaceful interactions with the police and have learned since childhood to respect them as allies and role models. I pray that they still see me in a positive light. My biggest mistake was the stress of 9/11 and the loss of two wonderful friends in the months that followed. Because of this stress my inner voice was dulled and I started to tell groups of people my innermost feelings and fears. When I did this I had no idea what the consequences of my actions would be. I thought I was seeking help in going public with my story. Instead my honesty backlashed at me. I began to think that magic could happen and I tried to force it into happening!!!!!! This is the second time in my life that (with all my might) I wish I could turn back time.The first time was 16 years ago but that is another story. My biggest most ferverant wish is to be considered a good and upstanding daughter, sister,aunt,cousin,co-worker,friend and citizen of the best town ,in the best county, in the best state which is all part of the most outstanding country in the *world*!!!!!!!!!!!!
**G-D BLESS THE USA**
With much love, respect,discipline, and patroitism I am deb1313PS. If I ****ever**** need to go back to the hospital ****I will**** even if I only ****think**** something bad I will run not walk to the hospital!!!!!
****I willnever cry wolf!!!!!!!!****
deb1313
Posted by cuddle on May 15, 2003, at 23:43:14
In reply to Re:sleep and physical anxiety, posted by Max Basil on April 9, 2003, at 21:46:53
wow! i just read all the previous posts and i gotta say that i don't know what to do. my dr. wants me to start taking it instead of zyprexa because of the weight issue. about 6 months ago i stopped zyprexa and i have lost 95 pounds. i can't afford to put any weight back on. so when he suggested abilify, i was excited. he is supposed to start me on it in a couple weeks if i am not doing any better. i have bipolar and i take lithobid and lamictal. i've recently been taken off all antidepressants and tranquilizers. i am a complete mess but i don't know if it will be worth it to try abilify. i am confused and scared.
Posted by canwetalk on May 17, 2003, at 20:14:48
In reply to Re:abilify fear, posted by cuddle on May 15, 2003, at 23:43:14
Cuddle do not be afraid to try Abilify it just might work for you. My daughter has been on it now since January. Her psdoc recently increased her up to 30mg now. She is a heck of a lot calmer and we are so grateful for that.
So I am praying that all goes well for you with Abilify. Increased weight is something you do not have to be concerned about with Abilify. It is only one of the many great things about this medication.
However there are side effects with it among the leading one being insomonia, which after awhile lessens, restlessness/anxiety but in time as your body adjusts to it these should go away.
Posted by cuddle on May 22, 2003, at 11:32:39
In reply to Re:abilify fear, posted by canwetalk on May 17, 2003, at 20:14:48
Thanks for the encouragement canwetalk. I have decided to go ahead and try it. I am gonna give it time for the side effects to go away cause I don't want to give up too quickly. So wish me luck, I'll let you know how it goes.
Posted by Abilify101 on May 24, 2003, at 14:12:36
In reply to Re:abilify, posted by 1313 on January 24, 2003, at 22:23:30
I have been taking Abilify (15 mg) for four days for depression and disorientation, with amnesia. I slept ok the first night but I have not slept (maybey two or three hours night before last and not at all last night). Friends and family say I am doing better. I have nausia and with no sleep I am tired. I have been seeing color bursts of purple. Could this be a side effect? Other meds include Efexor, Glucopage, Diovan, Ogen, Provera, Levoxyl, etc. I am going to skip my dose tonight and begin taking it in the morning. Maybe this will help me sleep some.I am concerned about side effects and I am also afraid not to try something.
Posted by Rhiannonpa on May 29, 2003, at 10:19:10
In reply to Re: Abilify (aripiprazole) cost is PROHIBITIVE!, posted by ItsHowdyDudyTime on November 28, 2002, at 23:19:09
Ok, let me see if I can explain this. I worked for Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) prior to this drug being approved. I watched the information going around the company to find out when it would be available. You see amoung other things I am a manic depressive already taking one of BMS's drugs, Serzone, along with Depakote. So I was very interested in this. I left the company before it was approved and went to a differnet Rx company.
Let me see if I can explain some of the cost issues you will not hear Peter Jennings discuss on World News Tonight as to why Rx cost what they do.
In some cases, yes, the NIH "discovers" the compound. HOwever they have little ability to fully develop or research the compound to meet the government standards before approving the drug for human use. Nor does the government have a sales and marketing staff to educate the M.D.'s who will write the Rx.
That is where private industry comes in. Currently I am working in Clinical Oncology for a major Rx company. I am learning a great deal about how the process works.
Did you know that the government regulates what the Rx companys do? Did you know that the gov't has to approve every study on a drug that is done? That the government requires the Rx company to pay all expenses to the Dr.'s and patients including drug during studies? That the gov't REQUIRES Rx companys to hold in person meeting with all dr's and their study teams prior to the study starting? Which means the Rx co. has to pay for transportation, along with hotels, meals etc. for all study investigators involved.
Did you also know that even if the NIH develops the compound it is up to the Rx compnay to do the work...read: shell out the bucks, to prove the drug actually WORKS and is safe for humans? The Rx company is also the ones that have to write the study platform (a.k.a. Protocol), track and analize the data from the studies, and submit to the FDA (food and drug administration) for approval. Which the FDA and approve, reject for more data, or simply reject.It is also the Rx companys responsiblity to have highly qualified Drs, and other scientists on staff to monitor the drug through every step from writing the protocol to writing the Final Study Report for the FDA. who as I said, can do anything they want with the data.
Now after spending anywhere between 100 million and 300 million dollars of manpower hours, travel expenses, expert meetings to bring top people in the field from all over the world together to discuss the merits of the drug and how to proceed with studies, etc. And in many cases, taking YEARS to do all of this, the Rx company is LIMITED to how many years they have the right to sell the drug before it goes generic. That's it! If they do not make their money back and make enough to continue to fund other drugs research as well....too bad, the drug is going generic and the gov't gets to decide who will make and market the generic version.
If it patent ends after 7 years the Rx compnay only has 7 years to get its money back. Meanwhile it continues to study the drug to see if it can be used for other disorders, if the current compound can be improved for current disorders, etc.
All of this is federally mandated. MOnitored by the FDA, etc. So while everyone thinks the government is doing so much actually they are the ones, in the name of patient safety, that slows the process down, increases the cost with the safeguards it requires and the mass amount of people that must be involved in each set of the process to get approval.
The world wants the cure for the common cold, cancer and every other thing that plagues mankind, however they seem to think it should be free. Well at least cheap. Not to mention they are looking for someone to blame for what things cost. "oh look at the profits the drug companies make!"
Do you think that EVERY thing you use, wear, drive, or live in someone does not make money on it? Did you know that Rx companies GIVE away large amounts of both money and drug in times of need and to charities? ARe you aware that many of the studies you read about taking place in private colleges and universities are funded by Rx companies.
Why is it in this country it is so very easy to find someone to blame instead of looking at what is really going on? I am sure many of the people on this board see or have seen a therapist. Mine was very determined to break me out of playing the "blame game". You know if something is wrong find someone to blame, they you can feel better cause you can point a finger at someone else. Much easier to do that then to step back and look at what is really going on.
The Government that everyone is waiting for to fix the situation is basicly the one who put all the expensive safeguards in place. They are the ones that require tons of research and study prior to approval and continue to require it for every new indication. Requires more research to keep the patent on the drug.
So the next time you want to rag on the Rx companies for how much something costs or someone close to you is very sick and you want to know why there is no cure, remember ... you don't what to help pay for the research.
Rhiannon
Wiccan High Priestess, Manic Depressive, & Rx Company Sr. Administrative Assistant, Cancer Drug Studies.> Hmmmmmm I wonder why Abilify costs so darn much? Its not because the drug companies "invented" Abilify...they didnt invent it. See, all the core medical and pharmaceutical research in the USA usually starts out at a taxpayer funded place called NIH. National Institute of Health does the majority of basic research on new potential drugs and treatments. The pharmaceutical companies then come in, take the good stuff and capitalize on it. They then run clinical trials, perfect it, etc. and then market and sell it. But it shouldnt cost $13 a pill, because the company that makes Abilify didnt actually invent it. Taxpayer funded government research labs invented it.
>
> Gee, that makes a lot of sense. You pay all these taxes to our government for basic, core level science research. Then elitist greedy pharmaceutical companies come along and say "hey, that compound looks like it has promise lets pick it up and develop it further." So they do and end up charging YOU, the American taxpayer an arm and a leg for a drug that YOU helped pay for the basic core level research on. How unAmerican.
>
> Damn, maybe we need to get rid of our present government and replace it with one that has balls and a backbone for a change.
>
> Howdy Dudy.
Posted by sisterfriend on June 2, 2003, at 13:23:34
In reply to Re:abilify, posted by Abilify101 on May 24, 2003, at 14:12:36
My husband suffers from Delusional Affective Disorder (Jealous/Persecutory). He was off/on meds for 2 years, mostly off... his illness was becoming severe enough that I took the kids out of the home, and his family and I then were able to encourage him to receive treatment. He started on Abilify 10 days ago, and it seems to be helping. He is a little hyper, and he actually likes this, after the sluggishness of Zyprexa and his horrible experience with Risperdal (Risperdal seemed to exacerbate the symptoms of his illness and threw him into suicidal depression).
He says the delusions are still there, but he's better able to realize it's not reality and push the thoughts to the back of his mind. In order to return home and feel safe, I need him to KNOW the difference between his delusions and what is reality, as his delusions involve our children and myself. Is anyone else taking Abilify for paranoia or delusions, and is it helping? If so, could you describe what it does for you?Thanks-- sisterfriend
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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