Abilify (aipiprazole)

[JANIA]

Has anyone heard about Abilify? The medication helps with schizoprenia and bi-polar, but recent studies proved a benefit to add it to antidepressant for major depression. Lots of people are giving very good feedback ( in States ). Any other good info will be appreciated. Jania

[AJ]

This is a good site for info. (Aripiprazole)

http://www.drugdigest.org/wps/portal/ddigest

[hifi13]

I was looking into Abilify as well, if my current med isn't as effective as it should be rather than try another.

[JANIA]

Abilify cont...

I have found another good site: www.abilify.com

[bluebandaid]

lamotrigine vs. abilify

A friend of mine in the states is taking Abilify and he prefers it to Lamotrigine.

I would love to find something that could mood regulate and I could still have a zest for life.

[paul m]

Hello BBA. Lamotrigine is an anti-convulsant marketed as mood stabilizer for people with bipolar. Abilify is an atypical antipyschotic. They are two very different drugs with two completely different mechanisms of action.

Both may obtain the same results and what works for one person, may not work for another.

Lamotrigine in general may have fewer side affects, but again this varies. Ablify is like seroquel and others in the same class, very sedating and can leave you prone to diabetes, or at least elevated blood sugar counts.

Abilify, like othe anti-pyschotics increase your chances of getting Tardive Dyskinesia( a very miserable condition) by 5% for every year you take it. My source on that is The Center for Addicition and Mental Health in Toronto. Take Care. paul m

[adamantane]

Hi paul m and BBA,

I am in the states as well, and I can testify to Abilify a little bit. As paul mentioned it can have significant sedation effects. In my case, it was so severe that I had to discontinue the drug because I was sleeping so much I couldn't get out of bed in the morning.

I know that my pdoc is trying to strike the balance to help me maintain stability, so he is going the other way and trying to get me on lamotrigine, but I am resistant. Hopefully they find a combo that works for you.

adamantane

[paul m]

Hello Adamantane and welcome. We welcome your post. Please use the forum to answer or ask questions or just to vent. Take Care. paul m

[AJ]

Welcome aboard Adamantane!

[uni]

Hi adamantane and welcome!

[A.E.V.]

hi adamantame, and welcome!

I've been on the lamotrigine since May, and rather like it. I don't find it sedating at all. my pdoc says that it's very good for bringing one out of depression, so when I started to get hypomanic I was given invega to bring me down.

so far it's been almost two and a half weeks since my last er visit, which means I've been feeling better and the meds don't need to be adjusted! the longest I've gone without heading for er is three weeks, so I'm really hoping I'll get past that.

Anne.