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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 30. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SLS on September 18, 2009, at 16:10:11
I am going to attempt to discontinue Abilify. It alone is responsible for the 50 pounds of excess weight that I have been carrying around for the last three years. I first blamed Nardil and nortriptyline. However, when I switched to Parnate and desipramine, much to my surprise, the weight issue remained. Process of elimination leads me to Abilify as the culprit. Weight gain with Abilify seems to be latent from the start of treatment. It just doesn't seem to begin until you have been on the drug for a few months. Then, the weight gain becomes insidious and doesn't seem to plateau.
Damned drugs.
- Scott
Posted by Maxime on September 18, 2009, at 16:19:13
In reply to Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by SLS on September 18, 2009, at 16:10:11
Good luck Scott. I stopped Thorazine a week and a half ago and I have lost 10 pounds. Mind you, that was achieved through anorexic ways. But before, I could starve myself forever and my weight wouldn't budge.
Posted by emmanuel98 on September 18, 2009, at 17:21:24
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain » SLS, posted by Maxime on September 18, 2009, at 16:19:13
For me, weight gain on abilify was immediate and alarming. It was like a magic drug for depression for me. Within days, I would come out of deep depressions and feel normal again. Then within a week, I would gain 2-3 pounds, week after week. I tried everything, including xenical and thyroid to stop the weight gain but nothing worked. I gained about 50 pounds all told from going on and off it. Also risperdal and zyprexa, which had the same effect on me.
Posted by Phillipa on September 18, 2009, at 19:05:11
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by emmanuel98 on September 18, 2009, at 17:21:24
Wow those atypicals and typical antipsychotics sound horrific. Good luck Scott. Phillipa
Posted by yxibow on September 18, 2009, at 22:51:15
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by Phillipa on September 18, 2009, at 19:05:11
> Wow those atypicals and typical antipsychotics sound horrific. Good luck Scott. Phillipa
Uncomfortable, depressing -- horrific, well that's in the eye of the beholder.
Yes, its crept into the limelight now right along with my worst symptoms which are not being taken care of by Seroquel, but I have little choice about removing it or a few other medications I take.
I couldn't do basic tasks if I didn't have it, and that is also depressing and a horrific thought about just how much anxiety is sitting underneath everything, a type of anxiety I've never experienced, which is partially manifested in "horrific" visual distortions.
-- tidings
Posted by desolationrower on September 18, 2009, at 22:53:11
In reply to Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by SLS on September 18, 2009, at 16:10:11
do you think about trying a DA agonist?
-d/r
Posted by SLS on September 19, 2009, at 6:10:19
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain » SLS, posted by desolationrower on September 18, 2009, at 22:53:11
> do you think about trying a DA agonist?
>
> -d/r
No, but now I will.Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by iforgotmypassword on September 19, 2009, at 7:38:03
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain » desolationrower, posted by SLS on September 19, 2009, at 6:10:19
do you respond to lower doses at all? it seems some people have noted no weight gain at the lower doses. (possibly that's where the H1 affinity becomes truly negligable, and i have a feeling 5-HT1A affinity is more important to aripiprazole's effect than we usually assume, which for example doesn't seem to decline in 'occupancy' from 30-10mg. i know occupancy is hard to interpret with 5-HT1A, and 10mg isn't a true low dose, but you might figure there should at least be a trend showing decline.)
i want to try 1mg, but i don't know how to get it.
i live in ottawa. it seems 'approved', yet no pharmacies have it. i'm not taking the october 1st date very seriously, since they have declared other dates for full commercial launch, it seems; as if it's just a date to keep shareholders happy, but i don't know. i have a feeling they are trying to stick it out until the conservative government figures they can get away with saying "yes BMS, you don't have to worry about this government respecting regulations, you are fully entitled to sell a drug to our schizophrenic population for 15+ dollars a pill."
again, i don't know. i am hoping barr/teva somehow get the rights to make a generic ahead of time, they are apparently trying to use some special legal route to potentially accomplish this.
i was going to go to NYC (surprisingly the most straightforward travel route into the US for me, since i have lots of trips to montreal left on my greyhound pass) to fill my rx today, but i can barely do anything.
Posted by SLS on September 19, 2009, at 7:54:24
In reply to how do you get aripiprazole? » SLS, posted by iforgotmypassword on September 19, 2009, at 7:38:03
Thanks.
If I do relapse, I'll try lower dosages first. Perhaps I should start at 5.0mg and see what happens. I can always adjust the dosage from there if necessary.
I agree with you that the 5-HT1a partial agonist properties of Abilify might be overlooked by some. I was very disappointed when gepirone didn't get approved by the US FDA. It might have made a good augmenter of standard antidepressants.
> i was going to go to NYC (surprisingly the most straightforward travel route into the US for me, since i have lots of trips to montreal left on my greyhound pass) to fill my rx today, but i can barely do anything.
Living in the US, I haven't had a problem getting Abilify. I am fortunate that my prescription plan covers it. Just to let you know, I have no problem using a pill-splitter on the 20mg tablets to divide them into quarters (5.0mg).
Good luck.
- Scott
Posted by Bob on September 20, 2009, at 0:33:43
In reply to Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by SLS on September 18, 2009, at 16:10:11
> I am going to attempt to discontinue Abilify. It alone is responsible for the 50 pounds of excess weight that I have been carrying around for the last three years. I first blamed Nardil and nortriptyline. However, when I switched to Parnate and desipramine, much to my surprise, the weight issue remained. Process of elimination leads me to Abilify as the culprit. Weight gain with Abilify seems to be latent from the start of treatment. It just doesn't seem to begin until you have been on the drug for a few months. Then, the weight gain becomes insidious and doesn't seem to plateau.
>
> Damned drugs.
>
>
> - Scott
Forgive me for my confusion, but how have you ruled out the Desipramine and Parnate as at least partial culprits?You probably are correct about the Abilify, but was just wondering.
Posted by SLS on September 20, 2009, at 6:54:59
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain » SLS, posted by Bob on September 20, 2009, at 0:33:43
> Forgive me for my confusion, but how have you ruled out the Desipramine and Parnate as at least partial culprits?
I had been on that combination a number of times without experiencing weight gain. As a matter of fact, when the combination worked the first time I tried it, I lost weight and became leaner. Neither drug is known to produce weight gain. I am sure there are exceptions, though.
I will let you know how my body weight changes after I discontinue the Abilify - that is, if I no longer need it to maintain my current improvement.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on September 20, 2009, at 7:05:06
In reply to Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by SLS on September 18, 2009, at 16:10:11
The problem with clinical trials with respect to treatment emergent events (side effects) is that subjects are rarely followed longitudinally beyond a 6-8 week study period. Some side effects don't emerge until afterwards. Such was the case for Prozac. It was thought that this drug produced weight LOSS, because this effect was seen early in treatment. Of course, we now know that weight gain is the real problem, but that it often doesn't show up right away. The same problem exists for Abilify. It continues to be considered weight-neutral. It has been my observation that weight gain with this drug often does not appear for a month or two after the start of therapy. Thereafter, it is insidious and doesn't seem to plateau.
Posted by floatingbridge on September 20, 2009, at 13:12:49
In reply to Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by SLS on September 18, 2009, at 16:10:11
Hi Scott,
Are you tapering? As I recall, you were taking 20mg. What about Abilify helped you? And I'm wondering why you decided on 20 as your theraputic dose.
I felt response at 2mg. And no weight gain--I was at this dose for months. Going up to 5, then 10 is what tanked me--and piled on the weight.
fb
> I am going to attempt to discontinue Abilify. It alone is responsible for the 50 pounds of excess weight that I have been carrying around for the last three years. I first blamed Nardil and nortriptyline. However, when I switched to Parnate and desipramine, much to my surprise, the weight issue remained. Process of elimination leads me to Abilify as the culprit. Weight gain with Abilify seems to be latent from the start of treatment. It just doesn't seem to begin until you have been on the drug for a few months. Then, the weight gain becomes insidious and doesn't seem to plateau.
>
> Damned drugs.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by Jeroen on September 22, 2009, at 5:30:10
In reply to Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by SLS on September 18, 2009, at 16:10:11
yes, same boat, im 30 kilos overweights due to abilify
Posted by number42 on September 22, 2009, at 14:54:49
In reply to Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by SLS on September 18, 2009, at 16:10:11
> I am going to attempt to discontinue Abilify. It alone is responsible for the 50 pounds of excess weight that I have been carrying around for the last three years. I first blamed Nardil and nortriptyline. However, when I switched to Parnate and desipramine, much to my surprise, the weight issue remained. Process of elimination leads me to Abilify as the culprit. Weight gain with Abilify seems to be latent from the start of treatment. It just doesn't seem to begin until you have been on the drug for a few months. Then, the weight gain becomes insidious and doesn't seem to plateau.
>
> Damned drugs.
>
>
> - ScottI hope it works out for you. For me personally, i'd rather be fat than depressed.
-42
Posted by Bob on September 22, 2009, at 15:49:01
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by number42 on September 22, 2009, at 14:54:49
>
> I hope it works out for you. For me personally, i'd rather be fat than depressed.
>
> -42
If only it were that simple for me. Reality for me turns out to be that I'm still not fully well, but am fat and no longer have any interest in the opposite sex.Bob
Posted by SLS on September 22, 2009, at 16:08:19
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by number42 on September 22, 2009, at 14:54:49
> > I am going to attempt to discontinue Abilify. It alone is responsible for the 50 pounds of excess weight that I have been carrying around for the last three years. I first blamed Nardil and nortriptyline. However, when I switched to Parnate and desipramine, much to my surprise, the weight issue remained. Process of elimination leads me to Abilify as the culprit. Weight gain with Abilify seems to be latent from the start of treatment. It just doesn't seem to begin until you have been on the drug for a few months. Then, the weight gain becomes insidious and doesn't seem to plateau.
> >
> > Damned drugs.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> I hope it works out for you. For me personally, i'd rather be fat than depressed.
>
> -42I agree.
If I relapse or feel not as well, I will restart Abilify, as long as I first ascertain whether or not a worsening of my condition is a withrawal rebound depressive reaction. I am almost convinced that with lithium on board, I can do without the Abilify.
We'll see.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on September 29, 2009, at 17:21:34
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by SLS on September 22, 2009, at 16:08:19
I discontinued Abilify 7 days ago. So far, I have lost 5 pounds without doing anything different. I am guessing that my triglycerides are decreasing as well. I will have a blood test soon to find out.
My mood has been quite variable, but the trend is towards improvement. For awhile, my level of depression changed every 30 minutes. Of course, my fear was that these periodic worsenings were a sign of relapse. It is still early, but the length of time that I spend in an improved state is increasing, and the periods of worsenings are becoming shorter and less severe. I expected this sort of thing, as discontinuing Abilify so quickly was likely to produce a rebound depression. I have been spared the worst, for which I am grateful.
Optimistic.
Currently:
Parnate 80mg
nortriptylne 150mg
Lamictal 200mg
lithium 600mg
- Scott
Posted by floatingbridge on September 29, 2009, at 17:51:26
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by SLS on September 29, 2009, at 17:21:34
Scott--this is great news! Optimistic with you,
fb
> I discontinued Abilify 7 days ago. So far, I have lost 5 pounds without doing anything different. I am guessing that my triglycerides are decreasing as well. I will have a blood test soon to find out.
>
> My mood has been quite variable, but the trend is towards improvement. For awhile, my level of depression changed every 30 minutes. Of course, my fear was that these periodic worsenings were a sign of relapse. It is still early, but the length of time that I spend in an improved state is increasing, and the periods of worsenings are becoming shorter and less severe. I expected this sort of thing, as discontinuing Abilify so quickly was likely to produce a rebound depression. I have been spared the worst, for which I am grateful.
>
> Optimistic.
>
> Currently:
>
> Parnate 80mg
> nortriptylne 150mg
> Lamictal 200mg
> lithium 600mg
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by sowhysosad on September 29, 2009, at 17:57:23
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by SLS on September 29, 2009, at 17:21:34
Just out of interest, was the Abilify to combat mixed episodes, Scott?
> I discontinued Abilify 7 days ago. So far, I have lost 5 pounds without doing anything different. I am guessing that my triglycerides are decreasing as well. I will have a blood test soon to find out.
>
> My mood has been quite variable, but the trend is towards improvement. For awhile, my level of depression changed every 30 minutes. Of course, my fear was that these periodic worsenings were a sign of relapse. It is still early, but the length of time that I spend in an improved state is increasing, and the periods of worsenings are becoming shorter and less severe. I expected this sort of thing, as discontinuing Abilify so quickly was likely to produce a rebound depression. I have been spared the worst, for which I am grateful.
>
> Optimistic.
>
> Currently:
>
> Parnate 80mg
> nortriptylne 150mg
> Lamictal 200mg
> lithium 600mg
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by SLS on September 29, 2009, at 18:27:00
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain » SLS, posted by sowhysosad on September 29, 2009, at 17:57:23
> Just out of interest, was the Abilify to combat mixed episodes, Scott?
I was using Abilify exclusively as an adjunct for depression, not for mania or mixed states. However, since I do have a history of drug-induced mania, I was comfortable having Abilify there just in case. Maybe the lithium I am taking will help prevent a manic reaction. I really don't know. However, I don't feel at all manic at the moment.
In the past, I have had two drugs work very well to combat manic states - Depakote and Zyprexa.
Interestingly, I have seen Topamax (100mg) monotherapy work well to control mixed states. This person began to function even better once lithium (900mg) was added.
- Scott
Posted by sowhysosad on September 29, 2009, at 19:57:13
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain » sowhysosad, posted by SLS on September 29, 2009, at 18:27:00
> I was using Abilify exclusively as an adjunct for depression, not for mania or mixed states. However, since I do have a history of drug-induced mania, I was comfortable having Abilify there just in case. Maybe the lithium I am taking will help prevent a manic reaction. I really don't know. However, I don't feel at all manic at the moment.
Lithium's meant to be pretty effective against mania, right? Possibly more so than against depressive phases from what I hear?
Hope it continues to go well for you.
Posted by SLS on October 3, 2009, at 7:53:40
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by SLS on September 29, 2009, at 17:21:34
I have not taken Abilify for 11 days. I still experience significant mood fluctuations during the day. However, it seems that the overall trend is towards deterioration.
- Scott
Posted by sowhysosad on October 3, 2009, at 9:31:25
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain, posted by SLS on October 3, 2009, at 7:53:40
> I have not taken Abilify for 11 days. I still experience significant mood fluctuations during the day. However, it seems that the overall trend is towards deterioration.
>
>
> - ScottThat sucks, Scott.
Are you going to restart it?
Posted by SLS on October 3, 2009, at 10:19:07
In reply to Re: Stopping Abilify - weight gain » SLS, posted by sowhysosad on October 3, 2009, at 9:31:25
> > I have not taken Abilify for 11 days. I still experience significant mood fluctuations during the day. However, it seems that the overall trend is towards deterioration.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> That sucks, Scott.
>
> Are you going to restart it?If necessary, yes.
I have decided to run a quick trial of increasing my dosage of lithium before running back to Abilify. I'll know within 48 hours if the additional lithium produces further improvement. I figure that it is the logical thing to do, despite my doubts that it will help.
It's always something.
- Scott
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