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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by yesac on July 22, 2003, at 13:41:49
I'm interested in possibly trying Abilify. I am just plain depressed, no other diagnosis except I've started to think I might have some kind of mild ADD. Anyways... right now I take Lamictal 150mg and Parnate 60mg. Not really feeling good at all. I've been on Lamictal for almost 3 months, Parnate for just 6 weeks I think.
I tried Risperdal for a couple weeks but it didn't do anything for me.
My doctor mentioned Abilify. What experiences has anyone had with that? Good? Bad? Side effects? Thanks.
Posted by River1924 on July 22, 2003, at 14:13:17
In reply to Abilify, posted by yesac on July 22, 2003, at 13:41:49
I don't think it does much for depression. Maybe some out there think otherwise. As for side effects, I had to up my anxiety med (klonipin) and take cogentin for restlessness. For example, if I want to read a book, I must set a time (say 20 minutes) to read because it causes akathesia...a desire to move about even when I don't desire to go anywhere. I also feel bloated when I take it. SAY....now that I think about it, it may help depression just because it is energizing. For example, when I didn't take it for awhile, I had no interest in reading and just wanted to sleep all the time. Abilify is definitely different than other anti-psychotics...they put me in a coma and pack the fat on. Also, Abilify ramped up my sex drive. The drug has some benefits but it isn't perfect.
Posted by jlo820 on July 22, 2003, at 15:19:23
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by River1924 on July 22, 2003, at 14:13:17
I think everyone should be hesitant, or at least thoughtful, about taking anti-psychotic medications for problems other then psychosis.
Posted by yesac on July 22, 2003, at 16:37:35
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by jlo820 on July 22, 2003, at 15:19:23
> I think everyone should be hesitant, or at least thoughtful, about taking anti-psychotic medications for problems other then psychosis.
Well, he suggested a really low dose, like 5mg or something. And it would be more for calming effects I think than actual antidepressant effects. But it sounded from the other post like it's not calming but more agitating, which I definitly do not need!
Posted by jlo820 on July 22, 2003, at 18:02:04
In reply to Re: Abilify » jlo820, posted by yesac on July 22, 2003, at 16:37:35
My point is that Abilify is a medicine for the treatment of schizophrenia. If one is looking for something with a calming effect, I think there are more suitable medications.
Posted by River1924 on July 23, 2003, at 0:41:36
In reply to Abilify, posted by yesac on July 22, 2003, at 13:41:49
I assume you have tried lots of other more common meds if you need something for just "plain" depression and anxiety. Exercise and therapy and deep breathing/meditation ...I assume you are doing those things, too. Abilify definitely increases anxiety if you are prone to it but it also helps with motivation. What other meds have you tried? What other non-medical therapies have you tried? Parnate is never a first drug and that increases anxiety in my experience. Have you tried just the Lamictal? That is usually for depressives with moodiness/mood swings. Does that sound like you? If not, it isn't the right med for you either.
Posted by yesac on July 23, 2003, at 14:31:09
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by River1924 on July 23, 2003, at 0:41:36
Yes, you are right. I have tried lots of other things, many drugs that I won't go into because none of them helped at all. I was on Lamictal by itself for a while and it did seem to help, but then it fell off after a few weeks. I am moody - not so sure I'd go as far as saying "mood swings" at least not severe ones, maybe mild. As for other stuff, I've been in therapy a lot, exercised quite a bit, and other "feel better" kinds of things... some things help temporarily, like make me feel a litte more calm for an hour or two, but that's about it.
I don't know. My doctor said he has samples of Abilify if I just wanted to try it out. So I'm not sure...
Posted by TJO on July 23, 2003, at 17:31:42
In reply to Re: Abilify » River1924, posted by yesac on July 23, 2003, at 14:31:09
Hi
I'm on Abilify 30 mg and started with 15 mg at the beginning of May. For me it definitely has an antidepressant effect and all side effects have been few and transitory. I like this drug. I'm also on Neurontin 1200mg Wellbutrin 150mg and Risperdal 2 mg which I'm trying to replace with the Abilify.Good Luck
Tammy
Posted by kotsunega on July 23, 2003, at 20:18:57
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by TJO on July 23, 2003, at 17:31:42
Hi,
I've been on Abilify for 6-7 weeks now, 30 mg/day. I haven't had any manic attacks, so I guess it is working, but I can't say I really feel anything else from it. Maybe a little transitory anxiety. I also take Prozac, Wellbutrin, Adderall, Restoril, and Ativan.
-kotsunega
Posted by maxime on July 23, 2003, at 20:29:26
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by jlo820 on July 22, 2003, at 18:02:04
I would have to disagree with you big time. I know many people who have augmented their antidepressant with a-typical antu-psychotics. I know people who are not bipolar to add lithium as an augmenter.
I think one should stay away from the LABEL of their actual disorder and focus more on what works. Seems to me that would be the best way to go about it.
Oh and all the mood stabilser including lithium were meant for seizure disorders. But they were used for bipolar and eventually recognised as a med for bipolar. Lamictal was only approved 2 weeks ago as a mood stabiliser but it has been used for a long time.
I say consider all options.
Max
> My point is that Abilify is a medicine for the treatment of schizophrenia. If one is looking for something with a calming effect, I think there are more suitable medications.
Posted by yesac on July 24, 2003, at 11:45:10
In reply to Re: Abilify, posted by maxime on July 23, 2003, at 20:29:26
> > My point is that Abilify is a medicine for the treatment of schizophrenia. If one is looking for something with a calming effect, I think there are more suitable medications.
> I would have to disagree with you big time. I know many people who have augmented their antidepressant with a-typical antu-psychotics. I know people who are not bipolar to add lithium as an augmenter.
>
> I think one should stay away from the LABEL of their actual disorder and focus more on what works. Seems to me that would be the best way to go about it.
>
> Oh and all the mood stabilser including lithium were meant for seizure disorders. But they were used for bipolar and eventually recognised as a med for bipolar. Lamictal was only approved 2 weeks ago as a mood stabiliser but it has been used for a long time.
>
> I say consider all options.
>
> Max
I'd like to also add that not only should we stay away from the label of a disorder, but also stay away from the label/class of medications. Like she said, most of the mood stabilizers were originally only anticonvulsants. The nervous system is very complex, and they really don't know what the disorders are all about, nor exactly how most medications work (or don't work).
Posted by jlo820 on July 24, 2003, at 16:31:04
In reply to I agree with Maxime, posted by yesac on July 24, 2003, at 11:45:10
If it works for you, that is great. But be careful of what you are getting into. And be careful about being too open to suggestability. It sounds to me like you already have it in your mind that you want to try this drug. So go ahead and good luck.
I am an impartial observer, and in looking at your original postings and follow-ups, I am not convinced that an anti-psychotic is what you need, but it sounds like you want it so we shall see....
Posted by maxime on July 25, 2003, at 13:31:15
In reply to Re: I agree with Maxime, posted by jlo820 on July 24, 2003, at 16:31:04
You know, I think this poor person has tried so many so meds and is really frustrated. I would be too and have been.
I think you are right about being careful, but please don't tread on this person's hope. Sometimes the thought of being able to try a new med is the only hope we have and is what keeps us going.
I became more worried and depressed before I tried Parnate because I had tried EVERYTHING else (except ECT). I had a really hard time getting a pdoc to prescribe Parnate for me which I felt was my last hope. And low and behold it was the first antidepressant that gave me any relief from my depression.
Maxime
> If it works for you, that is great. But be careful of what you are getting into. And be careful about being too open to suggestability. It sounds to me like you already have it in your mind that you want to try this drug. So go ahead and good luck.
>
> I am an impartial observer, and in looking at your original postings and follow-ups, I am not convinced that an anti-psychotic is what you need, but it sounds like you want it so we shall see....
Posted by yesac on July 25, 2003, at 13:51:51
In reply to Re: I agree with Maxime, posted by maxime on July 25, 2003, at 13:31:15
You are absolutely right about me trying many meds and losing hope that anything will ever work in addition to the extreme frustration.
I always am careful about what I try. I never would just put complete trust in my psychiatrist, or any doctor for that matter. I always do my own research. But on the other hand, I do trust him and really believe that he is quite competent. He's also very open and never suggests that something is definitely going to work, and he always explains about each drug and possible future options and is very receptive to any questions or suggestions from me.
I am on Parnate and getting concerned that it too isn't going to work for me. There are other things that I haven't tried which could be possibilities. How long did it take for you to notice effects from Parnate? And what dose? I'm on 60mg right now, it's been 2 weeks and before that I was on 40 mg for 4 weeks.
Posted by jlo820 on July 25, 2003, at 16:02:42
In reply to Re: I agree with Maxime, posted by maxime on July 25, 2003, at 13:31:15
What are you talking about!?! I just told this person to be careful. S/he wanted advice, that is why they posted to this board. To me, it appeared that an anti-psychotic was not in order. I am not that person's doctor, so it really doesn't matter what I think - just my opinon. So relax.
Posted by maxime on July 26, 2003, at 15:44:17
In reply to Re: I agree with Maxime » maxime, posted by yesac on July 25, 2003, at 13:51:51
hey there. I started feeling the effects after one week if being at 30mg so that would be 4 weeks because I went up by 10 each week.
Sadly, my 80 mg dosage hasn't been working lately and I am so scared that it is pooping out. I started lamictal as well June and I am up to 200 mg so I pray that is what is making me worse. But I really have been more depressed and very lethargic and unable to concentrate. I have an appointment to see my pdoc the first week of August.
Although with Parnate you can go up to 130 mg if your pdoc is alright with that. And I don't think mine will be (new pdoc).
Just out of curiousity, does your pdoc hopy the ambilify will help the depression or are you bipolar ( I am).
Maxime
> You are absolutely right about me trying many meds and losing hope that anything will ever work in addition to the extreme frustration.
>
> I always am careful about what I try. I never would just put complete trust in my psychiatrist, or any doctor for that matter. I always do my own research. But on the other hand, I do trust him and really believe that he is quite competent. He's also very open and never suggests that something is definitely going to work, and he always explains about each drug and possible future options and is very receptive to any questions or suggestions from me.
>
> I am on Parnate and getting concerned that it too isn't going to work for me. There are other things that I haven't tried which could be possibilities. How long did it take for you to notice effects from Parnate? And what dose? I'm on 60mg right now, it's been 2 weeks and before that I was on 40 mg for 4 weeks.
Posted by yesac on July 27, 2003, at 14:50:37
In reply to Re: I agree with Maxime-yesac, posted by maxime on July 26, 2003, at 15:44:17
I'm on Lamictal also. I've been on that longer than Parnate, about 3 months. I thought it started working after about a month, and I felt pretty good (well, not too bad I guess is more accurate) for a few weeks. But then I cut my dose in half, immediately felt worse but stayed at that dose for 2 weeks. Then went back up to 150mg and now it doesn't seem to be doing anything. I don't think it makes me feel worse, just doesn't help at all.
I see my doctor tomorrow. I wonder if he'll tell me to go up on Parnate. Probably. I just can't help but think if it isn't doing anything yet, that it won't at all.
I guess he thinks it will help with depression. I'm not bipolar really, just very mild up and down mood changes. I've been on Risperdal before to supposedly help depression, but it didn't do much, if anything.
It really sucks.
Posted by maxime on July 27, 2003, at 15:15:44
In reply to Re: I agree with Maxime » maxime, posted by yesac on July 27, 2003, at 14:50:37
Don't give up hope on the Parnate. Maybe you just have to reach YOUR therapeutic dose to feel a positive affect. Also, sometimes when Parnate doesn't work Nardil will so you can always try that.
Maybe the abilify will help because of it's stimulating effect. There is also Provigil and I wonder if that can be taken with Parnate.
On the other hand .... maybe the best thing to do would be to try increasing the dose of Parnate and not take anything else because maybe the Parnate is all you need.If the desired effect can be achieved with only one med, all the better, right?
Also with Parnate I know that the "accepted" dose is 60 mg. However other people who I have come across who take the med need to be between the 80 mg to 100 mg range.
Good luck with your appointment tomorrow and please keep us updated. Also, if the pdoc does prescribe something else ask him why he wants you to take it - is for the depression or the mood swings. You have the right to be informed about your treatment.
Maxime
> I'm on Lamictal also. I've been on that longer than Parnate, about 3 months. I thought it started working after about a month, and I felt pretty good (well, not too bad I guess is more accurate) for a few weeks. But then I cut my dose in half, immediately felt worse but stayed at that dose for 2 weeks. Then went back up to 150mg and now it doesn't seem to be doing anything. I don't think it makes me feel worse, just doesn't help at all.
>
> I see my doctor tomorrow. I wonder if he'll tell me to go up on Parnate. Probably. I just can't help but think if it isn't doing anything yet, that it won't at all.
>
> I guess he thinks it will help with depression. I'm not bipolar really, just very mild up and down mood changes. I've been on Risperdal before to supposedly help depression, but it didn't do much, if anything.
>
> It really sucks.
>
This is the end of the thread.
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