Abilify for Bipolar (Aripiprazole)

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Abilify for Bipolar (Aripiprazole)

by Sarah from Bipolar-Lives
(Florida)

US BRAND NAME: Abilify

GENERIC NAME: Aripiprazole

TYPE: Atypical or "2nd generation" anti-psychotic.

USE: Treatment of schizophrenia, unipolar depression, and manic or mixed episodes in bipolar disorder.

COMMENTS: Strong anti-manic agent and effective for major depression when unipolar depression, but not proven for bipolar depression. Good for controlling irritability.

EVIDENCE: Several double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have shown effectiveness as effective for trating manic or mixed episodes. There is also some research showing it to be effective as a maintenance therapy, either on its own or in conjunction with a mood stabilizer (e.g. lithium). Evidence for use in bipolar depression is weak and contradictory.

SIDE EFFECTS: Include but not limited to: Speaking difficulties, loss of balance, uncontrolled movements, restlessness, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, anxiety, headaches, weight gain.

CAUTIONS: NOT to be used to treat older adult patients who have dementia.

Discover details about Abilify for Bipolar - Abilify Medication Explained

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Abilify for Bipolar (Aripiprazole)

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Aug 15, 2011
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So far so good with Abilify for my daughter
by: Anonymous

my daughter has had no luck getting her depression lifted for two years. most all ssri's were tried with incomplete resolution. recently added 2mg of abilify and within one week she feels better. not sure if the dose will stop at 2mg but she is finally feeling better after two years.

Jul 31, 2011
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Love abilify (but I do not have bipolar disorder)
by: Anonymous

Abilify has been amazing for me- I have schizoaffective disorder and it has really helped control my manic episodes and sense of reality - its great for irritability I have been less moody and more controlled - I still have to see my dr once a week for psychotherapy as we are still.working on finding the correct dose for me however I can definately see a difference - I have not gained any weight if anything I have lost weight - the only down side is a little restlessness and anxiety when you first start out but it goes away - also the generic is not available in the us till 2015 and the brand is very very expensive.

Jun 09, 2011
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Weighing the possibilities
by: Lynn

I am researching Abilify for my bipolar disorder. At present my illness is well-controlled with Chloropromazine, Carbamazipine and Lithium. However, I am unable to lose weight and suspect it's the Lithium. It seems that all antipsychotic medication causes weight gain, and Abilify is new, so not well-known by patients. Is anyone on Lithium and gaining too much weight? Maybe I'm just lazy due to all my meds? Hard decision....

Mar 30, 2011
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Abilfy treatment - bad personal experience
by: S. Sigler

I know everybody responds, sometimes drastically, with different bipolar meds. I've heard a lot of people have issues, actually, with Abilify making them MORE agitated. But with me, it made me a complete blob. I was constantly mildly depressed, but the worst effect was it made me completely unable to communicate or feel and express any enthusiasm for anything at all. I began to isolate because it was so hard to be around people when I couldn't even react to what they were talking about. They would tell me something and wait for me to say something like, "Oh, wow, that's so cool." Or "Really?!" or whatever. Instead all I could manage was a dull "oh" or "yeah" or even just a grunt. My family could see how it affected me, and sometimes it even got on their nerves when I was such an emotional lump. I hated it so much! I was on it twice, but both times, I eventually quit on my own, without talking to my pdoc. Like I said, not everybody reacts to meds differently, but for me, Abilify was horrible.

Aug 01, 2010
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Would probably work but scared of side effects
by: Sarah from Bipolar_lives

Cannot rate this one as I have not tried it. Am very attracted to Abilify for its anti-manic properties. I suspect it would be excellent for controlling my irritability. Also, now that I know more about "the primacy of mania" theory of bipolar disorder, I suspect anti-manics are "where its at". However, as the side effects include anxiety and trouble swallowing (the main way my panic attacks manifest) I am too aprehensive to try it. Would love to hear what others think.

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Abilify for Bipolar (Aripiprazole)

Comments for Abilify for Bipolar (Aripiprazole)

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Abilify for Bipolar (Aripiprazole)