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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sebastian on December 26, 2002, at 12:09:45
I tried to switch from Zyprexa to abilify. It worked at first but I started to to get panic attacks, and funny sleep times. I am back to Zyprexa. Oh well it was worth a try. It has some nice aspects and some bad ones.
Sebastian
Posted by SLS on December 29, 2002, at 10:52:10
In reply to Abilify not working for me anymore., posted by Sebastian on December 26, 2002, at 12:09:45
Hi Sebastian.
> I tried to switch from Zyprexa to abilify. It worked at first but I started to to get panic attacks, and funny sleep times. I am back to Zyprexa. Oh well it was worth a try. It has some nice aspects and some bad ones.
>
> Sebastian
I am thinking about taking Abilify for depression.Did you take it for depression or for panic attacks? How did Abilify help you at first? Did you have any side-effects?
Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by Sebastian on December 29, 2002, at 16:37:43
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore. » Sebastian, posted by SLS on December 29, 2002, at 10:52:10
Hi, Scott
I also take Celexa(AD).
I was taking Abilify for psycosis anxiety. It seemed make me more comfortable around people and myself. I felt more enegetic.
Side-effects: Dizzyness at first standing, nausia when drinking beer, weight loss, very small headaches, insomnia but when asleep full 8 hours, hard time drinking coffee at first.
Sebastian
Posted by SLS on December 29, 2002, at 20:34:51
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore., posted by Sebastian on December 29, 2002, at 16:37:43
Thanks for replying, Sebastian.
Why did you want to switch from Zyprexa to Abilify in the first place?
> I was taking Abilify for psychosis anxiety. It seemed make me more comfortable around people and myself. I felt more energetic.That's interesting. Someone I know has reported exactly the same thing. She has been both more social and more energetic. Did any of these things disappear for you over time? I hope not. I would like to see my friend continue to feel well.
If I understand things properly, you discontinued Abilify because you experienced panic attacks while taking it. Is this something that is part of your illness or was this the first time you have ever experienced it? You know, it is not uncommon to combine antipsychotics, just like it is not uncommon to combine antidepressants. I wonder if you might get what you want by taking the Abilify in the morning and the Zyprexa at night. I guess that wouldn't make much sense unless what Abilify provides you is important enough to consider such a combination.
> Side-effects: Dizziness at first standing, nausea when drinking beer, weight loss, very small headaches, insomnia but when asleep full 8 hours, hard time drinking coffee at first.
For me, insomnia has always been a good sign. You've given me some valuable information. I might make Abilify the next thing I try.
I wish you the best of luck.
- Scott
Posted by katiemom on December 30, 2002, at 14:43:17
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore. » Sebastian, posted by SLS on December 29, 2002, at 10:52:10
I started to take Abilify and am having few side effects. The effects I'm having is getting off of Geodon and Paxil (hate that stuff). For me it is taking a few weeks to kick in and I do have insomina. I also take 400mg of Wellbutrin. I'm only taking 10mg of Abilify for my pdoc knows I'k sensitive to drugs. I hope it works for I have heard good things. One thing I don't have is the side effect of tremors which I got on other AP. My handwriting is getting better. If you try it I hope it works for you.
Note I did read that it is a dopamine inhibitor, but in a different way. It balances the amount of dopamine in your brain, not completely stops it like the other AP, which cause the side effects like termors.
Good luck.
Colleen
Posted by Vince on December 30, 2002, at 18:23:33
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore., posted by SLS on December 29, 2002, at 20:34:51
So far I'm getting what I want out of it. It helps with suicidal ideation like Zyprexa did but it doesn't make me as sleepy and I'm hoping I'll lose some of my Zyprexa weight gain. So far I haven't felt an increase in anxiety like some people have reported. I do suffer from anxiety so I'm going to have to watch this side effect closely. Right now I'm on 75mg of Anafranil (for depression and anxiety) 1mg Klonipin, 7.5 mg of Abilify. If you'd like I can keep you informed.
Vince
Posted by Sebastian on December 30, 2002, at 18:44:32
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore., posted by SLS on December 29, 2002, at 20:34:51
Scott
Anxiety panic attacks must be a part of my illness. When I tried to come off the Zyprexa the first time without the Abilify this is what happened. It took longer to get to this state when I had Abilify in its place.
I did try mixing the 2 in the beginning to make the transition work. The sudden change was a bit to much of a shock.
The feeling good and enegetic did not go away, well in a sence the good did, panic attacks.
Anyways I decided to continue the Zyprexa for the duration of my illness as it seems to be best. I now am taking 5mgs because I probably don't need the 10 anymore. This is what I had been on befor reducing to 0mg and got that panic anxiety.
Sebastian
Posted by SLS on December 31, 2002, at 12:52:19
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore. » SLS, posted by katiemom on December 30, 2002, at 14:43:17
Thanks folks.
Right now, I'm trying to reduce my dosage of Lamictal in an effort to get rid of the cognitive side effects it gives me. My memory is terrible and I become confused easily. When I see the doctor next, I'm going to ask him to switch me from Zyprexa to Abilify. It would be nice to shed the 15 pounds of fat that Zyprexa has rewarded me with.
Colleen - What dosage of Abilify do you intend to work up to?
Sebastian - Does Neurontin help with anxiety?
Vince - I would be grateful if you would post your progress from time to time. Abilify keeps looking better and better to me.
Thanks again.
- Scott
Posted by Sebastian on December 31, 2002, at 15:17:54
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore., posted by SLS on December 31, 2002, at 12:52:19
I have never tried Neurontin.
Sebastian
Posted by BethM on December 31, 2002, at 20:51:22
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore. » Sebastian, posted by SLS on December 29, 2002, at 10:52:10
Abilify gave me my mind.
Posted by River1924 on January 1, 2003, at 11:08:19
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore. » Sebastian, posted by SLS on December 29, 2002, at 10:52:10
Except for the insane price (and I think any of us who have insurance that cover any part of it (or can just use pocket monay) should say a prayer to whoever we think runs this world)---Abilify has been a medication trial I've been very satisfied with for the last two weeks. I do not have schizophrenia but anxiety gives me some of the negative symptoms and social withdrawal. I already took klonipin and zoloft. Anyone who who takes Abilify needs to know it it both a serotonin and dopamine agonist and antagonist depending on the part of the brain. In my case, I had to drop a Vivactil (for hypersomnia)because there seemed to be some kind of interaction. It may have been the beginnings of serotonin syndrome. Or just standard old line neuroleptic restlessness. Since it is such a new drug, everyone needs to be careful and patient.
BUT for me to listen to the book on tape BEL CANTO, and weep and sob, to experience the joy and sorrow of that book was a wonderful NEW experience. I feel less dead. I'm glad my doctor let my try Abilify for an off-label use. Unless something else shows up or I lose my insurance, I plan to keep it.
Posted by katiemom on January 2, 2003, at 11:40:16
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore., posted by SLS on December 31, 2002, at 12:52:19
My pdoc hasn't decided yet which dose to have me work up to. I'm very sensitive to drugs. I also have had some complications in which I've had severe headaches for 3 months and I'm having a MRI to see if it is physical (nothing to do with Abilify). I have only been on Abilify for three weeks and my pdoc says that it might take a month to get full effect. Weight wise, since I've gotten off of Risperidol and tried Geodon and now Abilify I have lost 18 pounds, but more to go. That has made me feel good except for my pocket book for I needed to buy some new cloths because the others didn't fit anymore.
I hope it works for you and you can loose weight. I know how frustrating about gaining weight because of the meds can be.
Colleen
Posted by JahL on January 3, 2003, at 16:26:57
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore., posted by BethM on December 31, 2002, at 20:51:22
> Abilify gave me my mind.
Hi Beth.
Can you pls clarify what you mean?
Are you saying it helps with psychosis or that it aids cognition more generally?
I ask because I have BP NOS and one of the most distressing symptoms is diminished cognitive functioning (my working IQ is around 50 points below what it would otherwise be were I euthymic).
On a more general note, I would be interested to hear of any cases where Abilify has helped significantly with negative symptoms (My BP is characterised by life-long flat affect & unremitting depression).
Thanks v much,
J.
Posted by River1924 on January 3, 2003, at 16:42:47
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore. » BethM, posted by JahL on January 3, 2003, at 16:26:57
> > Abilify gave me my mind.
>
> Hi Beth.
>
> Can you pls clarify what you mean?
>
> Are you saying it helps with psychosis or that it aids cognition more generally?
>
> I ask because I have BP NOS and one of the most distressing symptoms is diminished cognitive functioning (my working IQ is around 50 points below what it would otherwise be were I euthymic).
>
> On a more general note, I would be interested to hear of any cases where Abilify has helped significantly with negative symptoms (My BP is characterised by life-long flat affect & unremitting depression).
>
> Thanks v much,
> J.
>
>
Hey, if you read my previous note, I squeeze in a bit about improvement with "negative symptoms." My lack of "affect" seems much improved.
Posted by ShelliR on January 3, 2003, at 20:36:53
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore. » BethM, posted by JahL on January 3, 2003, at 16:26:57
Hey Jahl,
Lost your e-mail address, but I didn't have any
#$%##, anyway.I'm going to ask my doctor about abilify also, but what a strange name for a drug. I'm not really thrilled about taking anti-psychotics, but hate the depression more, I guess. Still need the opiates to get by.
Anyway, good to see your name.
Shelli
Posted by SLS on January 3, 2003, at 20:38:08
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore. » BethM, posted by JahL on January 3, 2003, at 16:26:57
Hi JahL.
> I ask because I have BP NOS
We both seem to have similar stories. NOS. My doctor doesn't even bother trying to label it as a true bipolar disorder. Perhaps it is not. Aside from a few drug-induced manias, I remain in a constant state of anergic depression characterized by anhedonia, psychomotor retardation, amotivation, and dementia.
What have you had the most success with?
> and one of the most distressing symptoms is diminished cognitive functioning (my working IQ is around 50 points below what it would otherwise be were I euthymic).
Exactly. It is the most distressing aspect of this disorder for me also. It is most accurate to describe it as a true dementia. 50 points sounds about right. When I was a research patient at the NIMH, I told them that I didn't give a shit about saddness or anhedonia, as long as I could leave there being able to read, learn, and remember. Things have gotten worse since. When I experience one of my brief blip response improvements, I feel cosmically smarter. At least I can be confident that the hardware is still there and just needs to be fired up.
> On a more general note, I would be interested to hear of any cases where Abilify has helped significantly with negative symptoms (My BP is characterised by life-long flat affect & unremitting depression).
I know of one person for whom Abilify is energizing and produces more motivation to plan and engage in activities, particularly social.I'm pissed because my doctor has not called me back over the last few days so that I can switch from Zyprexa to Abilify. I find Zyprexa somewhat helpful. I think it helps take the "edge" off the depression. I think I might switch over to Geodon temporarily until I can get a hold of Abilify.
- Scott
Posted by ShelliR on January 3, 2003, at 20:38:55
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore. » BethM, posted by JahL on January 3, 2003, at 16:26:57
Posted by Vince on January 3, 2003, at 23:56:08
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore., posted by SLS on December 31, 2002, at 12:52:19
...
> Vince - I would be grateful if you would post your progress from time to time. Abilify keeps looking better and better to me.
>
>
>
> Thanks again.
>
> - ScottScott, I've started to get this terrible mood flattening effect where I didn't have any feelings at all and no desire to do anything - completely zero interest in anything. I couldn't make myself do anything - very very apathetic.
It's too bad because I think that it was helping with my anxiety, I'ld almost cut out the klonipin. But I guess I'll have to go off it.
Vince
Posted by River1924 on January 4, 2003, at 0:05:44
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore., posted by SLS on December 31, 2002, at 12:52:19
> Sebastian - Does Neurontin help with anxiety?
>
Scott, Neurontin was very useful for anxiety. I was one of the rare birds who had side effects. I became sensitized to it and now I itch if I take it. It worked well for about three months. Klonipin is probably stronger but it is also addictive and more sedating.
Posted by BethM on January 4, 2003, at 15:31:41
In reply to Abilify is very different, better for me, posted by River1924 on January 3, 2003, at 16:42:47
> > > Abilify gave me my mind.
> >
> > Hi Beth.
> >
> > Can you pls clarify what you mean?
> >
> > Are you saying it helps with psychosis or that it aids cognition more generally?
> >
> > I ask because I have BP NOS and one of the most distressing symptoms is diminished cognitive functioning (my working IQ is around 50 points below what it would otherwise be were I euthymic).
> >
> > On a more general note, I would be interested to hear of any cases where Abilify has helped significantly with negative symptoms (My BP is characterised by life-long flat affect & unremitting depression).
> >
> > Thanks v much,
> > J.
> >
> >
> Hey, if you read my previous note, I squeeze in a bit about improvement with "negative symptoms." My lack of "affect" seems much improved.
>J.--Abilify helps with both.
Good Luck!
BethM
Posted by Rumpy on March 3, 2003, at 21:04:34
In reply to Re: Abilify not working for me anymore., posted by SLS on December 31, 2002, at 12:52:19
Abilify is working for me. My affect is better, only limited times of flatness. Also my anxiety is better. No weight gain! Rumpy
This is the end of the thread.
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