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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cinn65 on September 1, 2004, at 4:40:59
I started Abilify 2 weeks ago after many years of serious depression and have finally found relief. Since depression runs heavily in my family and my two sisters also have it, I told my younger sister about my experience with Abilify. (I'm 38, she's 25). She spoke to her PCP but he said he was not comfortable letting her try this. She is very depressed, even more so now since she feels like the Prozac she has been taking for years (like me) is not working anymore.
Has anyone heard anything like this from their doctors? Is Abilify not safe? Why would he not want to let her try it because of her age?
Thanks
Posted by HappyGirl on September 1, 2004, at 21:45:23
In reply to Taking Abilify for Depression at 25 years old, posted by Cinn65 on September 1, 2004, at 4:40:59
Hi:
>>> Is Abilify not safe? Why would he not want to let her try it because of her age? <<<--- To answer to your 'two' questions above, ...
In my guess, ... probably, the age factor/difference, ... not truly 'the age itself,' rather 'med. experience' by years. In your case, you've been on many different A.D.s in the past(I assuming, ...), and FINALLY your pdoc. decided to put you on Ability that is one of potent and newer form of A.P. However, your sister at age 25, she hasn't had med. experience like you have. That might be some consideration. Another thing is, ... some of pdocs. do NOT have a good knowledge regarding rx. A.P. for the sitution like your sister's. Then, he/she has 'hesitation' not make your sister's condition get worse. My former pdoc. did this to me due to 'inexperience' on any of A.P.s. On the otherhand, my current is an expert in this area to rx any of psycho. meds. appropriately in timely manner. However, I can NOT be sure to say about your sister's case.Besides this above, ... Abilify is a 'stimulating' A.P., unlike other newer form of APs such as Zyprexa, Risperdal and Seroquel. For this reason, her pdoc. may be cautious enough not rx. A.P. in the fears of aggrevation of your sister's depression.
In my knowledge, most of pdocs. starts 'Seroquel'(the weakest and mildest AP) at first like the case of your sister's. Because, this A.P. is relatively safe to use with less side-effect in comparison with other A.P.s.Lastly, *If* your sister's pdoc. does NOT rx other anti-dep. for her condition, you may help your sister by making appoitment with your pdoc., because your pdoc. sounds like more competent in regard to A.P. and psycho.med. in general.
H.G.
Posted by Cinn65 on September 11, 2004, at 22:17:00
In reply to Re: Taking Abilify for Depression at 25 years old, posted by HappyGirl on September 1, 2004, at 21:45:23
Thanks, Happy Girl. I think you're right. (Sorry for the delay in thanking you for answering my post. My computer has been down.) Anyway, my sister has since gone to a pdoc and he put her on Seroquel. He said he was not familiar with Abilify. I guess it is one of the newer AP's and Seroquel has been around a little while. I don't know her results yet since she just started it two days ago, but the doc said he has good results on it.
Thanks again for your input. :o)
Cinn
Posted by Paul_d_234 on September 12, 2004, at 8:36:51
In reply to Re: Taking Abilify for Depression at 25 years old, posted by HappyGirl on September 1, 2004, at 21:45:23
I'm familiar with using SSRI, SNRIs, TCAs, MOAIs, for depression but at what is the mechanisom of action of the AP? Why would the AP do and it what is its Side Effect profile?
Posted by jazzwolves on September 16, 2004, at 23:00:22
In reply to Re: Taking Abilify for Depression at 25 years old, posted by Paul_d_234 on September 12, 2004, at 8:36:51
> I'm familiar with using SSRI, SNRIs, TCAs, MOAIs, for depression but at what is the mechanisom of action of the AP? Why would the AP do and it what is its Side Effect profile?
As I recall from my reading, it has a moderate afinity for serotonin inhibition. It also as I recall work on the 5-HT2 and 1 sites which are key in depression. Not sure if I labeled those right, but it seems right. I'm on abilify right now for depression, my psych doc just upped me to 30 mg. and I'm finally getting some relief. I've taken just about every other SSRI over the years and old tricyclics with minimal success. It's taking Lexapro, Wellbutrin, and Abilify to keep from crying daily. Antipsychotics have this stigma of being some kind of "heavy" drug and yet we medicate kids every day with controlled substance stimulants for ADHD - what's the deal? Anyway, hope that helps with your question about the mechanism. Also, I agree with the others, take your sister to your GP. Some docs get success with certain drugs and feel persuaded to only use those drugs. Also, I always check out rxlist.com for info about meds. It's a great website in my opinion.
Posted by Cinn65 on September 17, 2004, at 9:26:06
In reply to Re: Taking Abilify for Depression at 25 years old, posted by jazzwolves on September 16, 2004, at 23:00:22
Jazzwolves,
Thanks for your post. I am also taking Abilify. Just started it about a month ago at 10 mg but had to drop to 5 mg because of akathasia. My 25 year old sister is on Seroquel instead and has not had much in the way of results so far except sleepiness. I think I will suggest she try another doc if this one will not let her try Abilify if the Seroquel does not help her. We both (my sister and I) have depression and have also tried many SSRI's with no relief. I'm glad you are getting some relief with it as well. Have you had any side effects, such as akathasia? How long have you been taking it?
Thanks--Best to you,
Cinn
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